Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Sorted by date Results 2212 - 2236 of 3604
Happy Hour entertains seniors Happy Hour volunteers, Corinne Brail and Lois Silverberg, felt right at "Home on the Range" at Maitland's Savannah Court, as they sang "oldies but goodies" from the American songbook, reaching elders with songs of remembrance from their youth in a weekly program sponsored by The Jewish Pavilion. Pavilion Marketing Director, Pamela Ruben, noted, "I was fortunate enough to be in the company of Lois and Corinne, as they entertained a roomful of VERY happy seniors,... Full story
One of the longstanding traditions of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO) Annual Meeting is the public recognition of outstanding community volunteers and professionals who have made a significant impact on the Central Florida Jewish Community in the past year. "Each of their stories is unique, yet they share a common mission: helping our Jewish community to thrive," said JFGO Executive Director Olga Yorish. "They are the builders, the visionaries, the leaders and philanthropists... Full story
The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando has named Keith Dvorchik as its new chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1. Dvorchik joins the Maitland-based center after three years as the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. While in Seattle, Dvorchik established and reestablished a portfolio of programs, by setting the direction and raising the funds necessary to make those programs possible. Prior to his tenure in Seattle, Dvorchik served for 15 years... Full story
A Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando Workshop Roadshow Start on a family discovery journey with the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO) as it launches “My Jewish Roots—a JGSGO Workshop Roadshow”. Join in for all 10 workshops, coming to locations throughout the Orlando metro area or participate over the Internet. Each participant’s family discovery journey will include directed hands on labs that will lead to extending their family tree—adding newly discovered ancestors and living cousins. The first “My Jewis... Full story
Jack A. Frisch, PhD, retired professor of anthropology at Wayne State University and SUNY Plattsburgh will help the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society mark the 451st anniversary of the founding of the first European city in what would become the United States. Professor Frisch will speak at a special event, Thursday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Flagler Room of the Old Ponce de Leon Hotel, 74 King Street at Cordova Street on the Flagler College Campus. The evening will be dedicated to understanding Conversos in the New World, focusing on Jews... Full story
The Jewish Pavilion and VITAS Healthcare will offer a Grief Support Group for people who have lost spouses, children, parents or loved ones. This is a six-week program that will meet every Wednesday beginning Oct. 19-Nov. 23, from 10:30 a.m. - noon. The Support Group will be led by Rabbi Maurice Kaprow and held at Oakmonte Village 1021 Royal Gardens Circle Lake Mary, Fl. New time and new location Rabbi Kaprow is a retired U.S. Navy chaplain and now a chaplain at VITAS HealthCare and has led... Full story
The summer is winding down and that means its Hadassah time again. Throughout the 2016-2017 season the Orlando Chapter will offer unique programs comprising a variety of subjects relating to women everywhere. The first meeting of the new season will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Congregation Ohev Shalom where Rabbi David Kay will bring his musical stylings to the stage with his one-man show. Rabbi Kay is an experienced entertainer, having performed in an original rock band, acoustic duo, and as a solo act prior to pursuing the... Full story
"We at the Jewish Pavilion want to share with you a fact," said Program Director Judy Procell (shown in the picture with a resident). "That fact is that often the photos we take of the residents are the last photos taken of them. It is one of those 'bittersweet' moments and thoughts for us to process." The Shabbat and holiday visits brought to assisted-living residents by the Jewish Pavilion bring smiles to the elders and all the volunteers cheerfully provide food, fun and fe... Full story
When Ruth Sandweiss called the Jewish Pavilion office to offer her time and musical talent, the staff knew the residents of Brookdale Island Lake would be thrilled to have her. Sandweiss is shown here with her longtime friend Claire Mercer, former president of the 39ers senior group at The Roth Family JCC. Sandweiss has been playing piano for the Honorable Menschen choral group for several years. In no time at all she had a large group of seniors singing and clapping along at Shabbat. Come join... Full story
MAITLAND-On average, students at the Jewish Academy of Orlando are performing at least two grade levels ahead of their peers nationwide, according to results released from test scores taken in April 2016. The test was administered to second grade and above. The test scores were taken using the nationally recognized Iowa Test of Basic Skills® (ITBS®)-commonly known as the "Iowa Assessments." The Iowa Assessment is a nationally standardized achievement test for K-12 students, allowing... Full story
It started with a bar mitzvah. A Temple Shir Shalom (TSS) family using Temple Israel's facilities for their son's bar mitzvah commented to fellow members of their congregation how spacious the synagogue was, according the Josh Greenberg, co-president of TSS. The comment was tucked away to be recalled later. The congregation had its beginnings meeting in houses 14 years ago, Greenberg said. Over the years, the synagogue has migrated from place to place. The last abode was The EpiCenter at... Full story
Dr. Moshe Pelli, whose name is almost synonymous with the Interdisciplinary Judaic Studies Program at the University of Central Florida, has stepped down as director of the program. However, he is quick to state that he is not retiring. That is one word never to be in his vocabulary-in English or Hebrew. He will remain the Tess and Abe Wise Endowed Professor of Judaic Studies. After taking some time off to study and do research for a book he was finishing this past spring, he returns this fall... Full story
The newest chapter of HaZamir: the International Jewish High School Choir, HaZamir Orlando, conducted by Cantor Jacqueline Rawiszer, will hold an Open House and auditions, no preparation necessary, for teens interested in joining for the 2016-2017 HaZamir season on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at The Roth Family Jewish Community Center. Parents are welcome to attend the Open House with their teens to speak with the leaders and learn more about HaZamir. HaZamir is a Jewish musical youth movement that provides a unique opportunity for Jewish teens... Full story
The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center will finish out the month of August with several more programs. Please visit its website for more events, open to the public free of charge thanks to the generosity of people like you. Purple Triangles: A Documentary Film Sunday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 23 at p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about our friends and neighbors whose story is told in our current exhibits, "Faith Under Fire" and "Who Am I?" We are hosting a... Full story
The 2016-17 year for Temple Israel Sisterhood will commence with a membership tea held on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. in a private home. It will be an afternoon of socializing with old and new friends, enjoying "tea time" desserts and, of course, taking advantage of the excellent program to be presented by Penny Polokoff, author of "Conversations With My Daughter," which has been arranged by Michelle Bilsky and Regina Buchanan, co-programming vice presidents. Polokoff, a resident of... Full story
Rabbi Karen Allen of Congregation Beth Sholom in Leesburg will lead a Torah Roundtable discussion on Aug. 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sumter County Administration and Library Building (with the golden dome) at 7375 Powell Rd. (near Pinellas Plaza and 466A), Wildwood. The roundtable provides a unique opportunity to talk with the rabbi as she leads an informal and interactive discussion focusing on topics of contemporary Jewish interest. The public is also invited to join us for our Saturday Morning service at 10 a.m. on Aug. 27. A Kiddush with light... Full story
Congregation Sinai has announced free tuition for Religious School for children ages 5-12 who are the children or grandchildren of its members. Registration for children will take place on Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. - noon. Parents will only have to pay a supply fee of $75 for the year and this may be paid in three segments. In addition, as an introduction to all that Congregation Sinai has to offer, the Introductory membership dues will be reduced by 20 percent.This is for new members only. A meet... Full story
Congregation of Reform Judaism's Steinmetz Family School of Chai Madrichim (teen school assistants) form a Star of David with their intertwined arms. For the religious school news in the Jewish community, please see the special Back-To-School Section B.... Full story
ORMOND BEACH-The Rabbi Transition Committee has announced the appointment of Rabbi Courtney Berman as the new rabbi of Temple Beth-El, as of July 1, 2016. "I am delighted that Rabbi Berman will be joining us at Temple Beth-El," said Co-President Rodd Gould. "We are committed to fostering a thriving Jewish community and are an inclusive and respectful community for all our congregants. Her leadership and full-time presence on will enable us to continue building the strong and vibrant environment... Full story
J-Serve is the International Day of Jewish Youth Service. Since 2005, J-Serve has been a part of Youth Service America's Global Youth Service Day weekend. J-Serve provides teens with the opportunity to fulfill the Jewish values of gemilut chasidim, acts of loving kindness, tzedakah, just and charitable giving, and tikkum olam, the responsibility to repair the world. Across the globe, teens join each other to make their community and the world a better place. J-Serve 2017 is in partnership with... Full story
The entire Orlando Jewish Community is getting together for a great evening of fun, unity and soccer. JOIN Orlando is partnering with Orlando City Soccer to create an unforgettable evening of Jewish Unity and fun. On Aug. 28, Orlando City Soccer is playing NYC-FC and JOIN Orlando has secured a large block of prime seating in section P13 to enable the entire community to come and participate. There is also a spacious and fully air-conditioned area that JOIN Orlando has exclusive rights for the entire night—a mere few steps from the reserved s... Full story
Pantry to Plate Chefs’ Challenge, hosted by JFS Orlando, is a unique dining event designed to test the culinary skills of three local celebrity chefs. This year, Francesco Aiello from Francesco’s Ristorante, Mark Baize from Roy’s Restaurant and Julie Casey from Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen will take on the challenge of preparing a delectable recipes with ingredients found in JFS Orlando’s Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry. This annual event will be held Sunday, Sept. 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Winter Park Civic Center, 1050 W. Morse Blvd.,... Full story
The Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties would like to give back to the community at large for their help with their charitable causes by presenting America’s premier mentalist Sidney Friedman. The even will be held at Temple Beth-el, 579 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, at 7 p.m. on Aug. 18. Called “the mentalist to the stars” by Forbes magazine for his many celebrity clients, Friedman will read minds and perform ESP, telepathy and premonitions. He has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s The View and CBS The Early show. Ple... Full story
Congregation Sinai, located at 303 A North Highway 27 in Minneola, has been very busy this summer. A new progressive service for Rosh Hashanah is planned for the second day. This service is open to the community and will last approximately one hour. It will be followed by brunch and study of the story of Rosh Hashanah. A limited number of tickets are available for the High Holidays. For more information, call the temple hot line, 352-243-5353. A new board has been elected with Peter Sobel as president, Sheila Goldman as vice president, Debbie... Full story
"With her ever-present beaming smile and cheerful enthusiasm, Susan Bierman has been a pivotal force in the dynamic growth of Orlando's Jewish community," wrote Bierman's nominator for the Heritage Human Service Award. That opening sentence in the nomination entry said it all. Bierman is packaged dynamite in a tiny frame. As Mark Cooper, Federation president from 1984-1986, said, "It was incredible to see someone so small in stature be so enormous in achievements!" Her "can do" attitude, mixed... Full story
