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  • Hebrew-speaking therapist joins JFS Orlando team

    Aug 24, 2018

    JFS Orlando is pleased to announce the addition of Dorrit Ram to their JFS family. Dorrit Ram, LCSW earned a masters in social work from the State University of New York at Binghamton. She is a licensed clinical social worker experienced in providing psychotherapy to teenagers and adults with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, dissociative disorders, addiction, autism, and intellectual disability. She specializes in working with people who have experienced childhood trauma. “We are thrilled to have Dorrit join our team. As a t... Full story

  • Orlando Hadassah opens the 2018-2020 season Sept. 4

    Aug 24, 2018

    The summer is coming to an end and Orlando Hadassah is gearing up for another season of exciting programs and fundraising events. We open the season on Sept. 4 at Congregation Ohev Shalom at 11:30 a.m. with a very special guest. Nationally known mentalist Mark Stone will present "Mentalmania," a program of mind-reading and ESP, mixed with comedy that has amazed audiences all over the world. Stone became interested in ESP while in college where he began learning his skills. He developed a short... Full story

  • Federation celebrates 70 years, looks ahead to next 70, at Annual Meeting

    Aug 17, 2018

    "Leadership" was the word of the day when friends and supporters of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando gathered Aug. 5 for the nonprofit's 2018 Annual Meeting. New leadership for the Federation Board of Directors was approved, 10 newly minted Bornstein Leadership Development Program graduates were introduced, and four of the community's outstanding Jewish leaders were honored with awards during the event on the Maitland Jewish Community Campus. The program was emceed by board members Jeann... Full story

  • Task Force makes CRJ accessible to all

    Mark I. Pinsky|Aug 17, 2018

    The Torah teaches, "You shall not curse a deaf person. You shall not place a stumbling block before a blind person." (Leviticus 19-15) Imagine coming to services, but not being able to participate because you use a wheel chair, and the sanctuary is not accessible? Or if your child or grandchild has some special need that keeps him or her from attending Sunday school, young peoples' services, or from preparing for b'nei mitzvah. In hopes of avoiding situations like this, the Congregation of... Full story

  • Kinneret Council on Aging adds to its board of directors

    Aug 17, 2018

    Kinneret I (KI), Kinneret II (KII) and Kinneret Council on Aging (KCOA) recently held its annual meeting and also inducted a new board member. The annual board meeting was held on May 9, 2018 at Kinneret Apartments, 515 South Delaney Avenue, Orlando, Florida. The annual board of directors meeting included the approval of the budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year and board member elections. Nominated and approved to join the KI, KII and KCOA Board of Director's was Joanne Kane, a long-standing... Full story

  • Volunteering with seniors can be fun

    Lisa Levine|Aug 10, 2018

    Sometimes all it takes is some friendly encouragement and a little banter to add spark to a game that may otherwise seem tame. At least, that was Jacob Cohen's experience on a recent Monday when he took over as the "caller" for a game of Lotto at the Savannah Court Assisted Living Community in Maitland. Cohen, 21, and a senior in the bachelor's in nursing program at Florida Gulf Coast University, grew up in Orlando and is spending part of his summer volunteering for The Jewish Pavilion. In addit... Full story

  • Chabad Hebrew Schools bring joy of Judaism to children

    Aug 10, 2018

    Preparations are in full swing for the new academic year for the four growing Chabad Hebrew Schools in the Greater Orlando area. "Chabad Hebrew School is a warm and loving place," said Jenn Nero, who sends her son to Chabad Hebrew School in North Orlando. "My son doesn't want to miss a day." "The students come in with a smile, leave humming a Jewish song," noted Chanshy Majesky, director of CHS of North Orlando. "We share the warmth and spirit of Judaism in a real and tangible way, and the... Full story

  • Elders and children love Jewish Pavilion's Inter-Generational program

    Aug 10, 2018

    A wonderful time was had by the residents at Brookdale Lake Orienta and the children from Camp J at the third annual get together hosted by the Jewish Pavilion's Inter-Generational program. From quiet one-on-one time, tech talk, puzzles, coloring books, cards, singing and dancing, everyone did it all and loved every minute. -Walter Goldstein, Jewish Pavilion program director... Full story

  • Comedy night at Temple Israel

    Aug 10, 2018

    Famous improv comedian Wayne Brady got his start at the SAK Comedy Lab year’s ago. And although he most likely will not be among the SAK performers who take the Temple Israel “stage,” those who do are just as talented as Brady. So, don’t miss seeing Temple Israel temporarily transformed into a comedy club on Saturday, Aug. 25 as Orlando’s famous SAK Comedy Lab entertains the crowd with a personalized, one-hour show. The cost is $10 per person and appropriate for kids 10 and up. Free babysitting is available for younger children. There wil... Full story

  • Adam Pollack seeks position as judge

    Christine DeSouza|Aug 3, 2018

    When it comes to choosing judges on a ballot, many voters really don't know much about the people they select. The position is nonpartisan, so being "Democrat" or "Republican" doesn't help; and many folks hope to never see the inside of a courtroom, so what difference does it make which name one chooses? Adam Pollack, who is running for a Circuit Court judge seat in Group 24 of the 18th Judicial Circuit in Brevard and Seminole counties, knows that it makes a big difference who the person is... Full story

  • Jewish Pavilion Intergenerational program brings Camp J students to seniors

    Lisa Levine|Aug 3, 2018

    The seating areas in the light-filled lobby and commons of Brookdale Lake Orienta were abuzz with youthful energy on a recent Wednesday when a group of more than 40 middle schoolers from the Camp J's Tayarim (Travelers) program came for an afternoon of games and socializing with the residents. Groups of the young teens and seniors played checkers, worked puzzles, colored intricate designs in adult coloring books, solved word searches, or just settled in for a nice chat in an annual visit... Full story

  • Orlando Senior Help Desk: What can we help you with?

    Lisa Levine|Jul 27, 2018

    When Gloria Danvers was preparing to move her mom to Central Florida to live with her, she had a lot of questions she needed answered in order to make the transition successful. Her mom, Ann, was a smart and active woman who was still working at her medical transcriptionist business at the age of 82, but she had been having health problems and it was clear that changes needed to be made. Danvers, a Winter Park hypnotherapist who also has a St. Augustine office, knew she needed good advice. "I... Full story

  • Laugh your tuchas off with SAK at Temple Israel

    Jul 27, 2018

    Temple Israel will be temporarily transformed into a comedy club on Saturday, Aug. 25, as Orlando’s famous SAK Comedy Lab entertains the crowd with a personalized, one-hour show. Start the night off with dessert, coffee, and schmoozing in the social hall at 8 p.m., followed by a brief but beautiful Havdalah service led by Rabbi Neely in the sanctuary. Stay in the sanctuary after the service, and grab a seat for the comedy show from 9 to 10 p.m., complete with an MC and music. The show is $10 per person and appropriate for children 10 and up. F... Full story

  • Renowned violinist returns for Kabbalat Shabbat service

    Jul 27, 2018

    Congregation Beth Sholom of Leesburg invites the community to a very special warm, joyous, and festive Shabbat service on Friday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. This uplifting service of music and song, led by Rabbi and Cantor Karen Allen, who will be playing her keyboard, features world-class violinist Zoriy Zinger. Zinger was a soloist in the Russian Symphony Orchestra before reaching fame in America. Rabbi Allen and Zinger have collaborated in numerous venues, including several concerts. Beth Sholom's... Full story

  • 'L'dor v'dor' always at the Jewish Pavilion

    Jul 27, 2018

    The Jewish Pavilion strives to include the family members of seniors in its local facilities so that they can engage in Jewish Pavilion life with their loved ones. We always wish to invite family members to our programs, as they are wonderful opportunities to bring children and grandchildren together with their elders and continue celebrating our meaningful and rich traditions, together. If you have any elderly family members in a living community here in Central Florida.. Please reach out to... Full story

  • The many facets of immigration

    Jul 20, 2018

    The Holocaust Center hosted a forum in response to current events related to immigration on Tuesday evening, July 10. The panel discussion was designed to give insight into the immigrant experience. The evening was heartfelt and honest. The discussion was led by Professor Leonard Birdsong, a retired immigration attorney. He explained immigration laws and stated that there are currently only 334 immigration judges appointed by the Attorney General and there needs to be at least 2 to 3 times more... Full story

  • The future is bright for Congregation Beth Am

    Jul 20, 2018

    The membership of Congregation Beth Am, the first conservative synagogue in Seminole County, has overwhelmingly endorsed an agenda that will propel the congregation into the New Year. Valuing Jewish heritage and tradition, the leadership and members of Beth Am are committed to embracing new ideas and new technologies to meet the needs of the evolving Jewish community in Central Florida. Beth Am continues to provide Friday night and Shabbat morning services that are family friendly and meet the needs of people’s very active lives. To increase th... Full story

  • Shabbat shalom!

    Jul 20, 2018

    Gary Becker is no newcomer to Orlando or the Jewish community. Fortunately for the residents at Village on the Green, Becker has been leading the monthly Shabbat program for the past several months. Beginning with candle lighting, kiddish and a bit of shmoozing Becker leads the intimate group of Shabbat friends with traditional songs and prayers. Jewish Pavilion services 70 different senior living communities throughout Orlando. Village on the Green is one of many communities where a Shabbat... Full story

  • A glimpse into the future at the Federation's Annual Meeting

    Jul 13, 2018

    The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando will hold its 2018 Annual Meeting the morning of Sunday, Aug. 5, on the Maitland Jewish Community Campus. The meeting is set to begin at 10 a.m. and will wrap up at noon. Coffee and bagels will be provided. Those who attend will hear a comprehensive update on what has been a year of great transition for the Federation, which saw the departure of its executive director, the appointment of an interim executive director, and ongoing refinement of the Federation’s role so that it can best serve local J... Full story

  • Jewish Pavilion volunteer spotlight: Shirley Schoenberger

    Lisa Levine|Jul 13, 2018

    Whenever Shirley Schoenberger visits, the room always gets a little warmer. That's because Schoenberger, an active Jewish Pavilion volunteer for more than four years, brings with her a wonderfully upbeat attitude and a warm and caring way wherever she goes. "Shirley is a ray of sunshine. She is so warm and friendly. Her smile is contagious," said Nancy Ludin, executive director of The Jewish Pavilion. Schoenberger helps with the weekly Shabbat services at Brookdale Island Lake in Longwood,... Full story

  • Both 'sides' benefit in the Inter-generational Program

    Jul 13, 2018

    What a spectacular year of learning! The Jewish Pavilion's Inter-generational Program had a fantastic year with more to come. This program was made possible in part due to grants from The Moskowitz Foundation, the Jewish Federation and the Staples Foundation. Teens and seniors were welcomed into each other's minds and worlds. Experience's varied from group meetings, discussions and playtime to one-on-one visitations. Programs enabled teens the opportunity to break out of their shells and engage... Full story

  • RAISE applications now being accepted

    Jul 13, 2018

    The RAISE program for young adults with special needs is now accepting online applications for a limited number of fall positions. RAISE is a 6- to 12-month work and social skills training program offered through the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando that is open to all faiths and provides paid employment at our partnering Jewish agencies. In addition, RAISE assists our employees in the transition to finding employment in the community. If you know a young adult who may benefit from RAISE or you are interested in volunteering as a Job... Full story

  • Second annual Men's Night Out coming this November

    Jul 6, 2018

    Last year's Men's Night Out was such a success that there will be a second such event in November. Organized by the Men's Clubs of Congregation Beth Am, Temple Israel, Congregation Ohev Shalom, Congregation of Reform Judaism, and South West Orlando Jewish Congregation (in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando), the evening will once again have an open bar, stupendous prime rib dinner catered by Arthur's, and fantastic entertainment. Michael Soll, vice president and immediate... Full story

  • St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society receives award

    Jul 6, 2018

    Leonard Stein, PhD, of the University of Toronto's Centre for Comparative Literature and President of the Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies has announced the awarding of a 2018 "Mini-Conference" to the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society. The one-day Conference, to be held on Sunday, Dec. 9 at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort will focus on "Telling the Story of Crypto-Jews in the Southeast US." Scholars from many disciplines are expected to share in their research to... Full story

  • 'New beginnings'-Jewish teen retreat set for August

    Jul 6, 2018

    While there’s still plenty of time left to enjoy summer vacation, Central Florida teens will soon be gearing up for a new school year—and a new Jewish year. It’s the perfect time to celebrate “New Beginnings,” the theme of the 2018 JTEN Community-wide Jewish Teen Retreat. The retreat, set for Aug. 6-7 at Camp Challenge in Sorrento, is open to all rising 8th- to 12th-graders in the Orlando area, regardless of synagogue or youth group affiliation. Teens will participate in a 24-hour immersive experience, including services, learning sessions... Full story

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