Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Sorted by date Results 2494 - 2518 of 3604
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
The Board of Directors of Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando (JFS Orlando) has established the Robert G. Petree Memorial Fund, in honor of Robert "Bob" Petree, who passed away earlier this year. According to Mike McKee, JFS Orlando president, "Bob was a longtime leader and ardent support of JFS Orlando. He served on the board for over 30 years in many leadership positions and as JFS' 11th president from 1994-1996. The board established this fund in Bob's memory, in recognition of many... Full story
The Jewish Academy of Orlando invites grandparents, relatives and special friends to join them for their annual Generation Celebration to be held on Friday, Dec. 18 from 7:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The program will begin with a breakfast for all guests followed by a special program and interactive activities in the classroom. Generation Celebration will conclude with an exciting Shabbat program for both the students and guests. Reservations can be made by calling the school office at 407-647-0713.... Full story
The Jewish Studies Program at the University of Central Florida will offer seven courses in the upcoming fall semester, which begins January 2016. The courses to be offered are as follows: Elementary Modern Hebrew I, Elementary Modern Hebrew II, Judaism and Jesus, Wanderings: the Jewish People in Dispersion, Modern Jewish Experience, Notable Women in Jewish History, and Building a Nation—The Challenges to and Accomplishments of the State of Israel • Elementary Modern Hebrew Language and Culture I is designed to teach major language skills: lis... Full story
Congregation Sinai of Minneola is embarking on a Torah restoration project and will also be fulfilling Mitzvah 613, (as written in Deut:31:19): "The 613 Mitzvah of the Torah is the obligation of every Jew to write a Torah." Congregation Sinai is ready to help all Jews in the Orlando area fulfill their mitzvah as they restore their Torahs, celebrate their restoration, and invite everyone to join them. A sofer from Sofer on Site in Miami, Fla., will be on hand to assist those who desire to write... Full story
The rumors, sad to say, are true. Ben's Bake Shop is closing on Dec. 24. "As it stands, that's the plan," Ben Brenslauer, owner of the bakery told the Heritage in a phone interview. However, "the challahs will still be alive," he reassured, just not at the current location. It was B&K Bakery for years. Times change, people move on and it became Ben's Bake Shop. Brenslauer worked with the former owners. In fact, George and his wife came in to help from time to time. The bakery, tucked in the... Full story
Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. at Congregation Beth Sholom in Leesburg. Songs, stories, games, puzzles, and menorah lightings will be featured, with families lighting their channukkiot (menorahs) brought from home. Games and songs will be geared for all ages. Traditional foods include foods cooked in oil in honor of the miracle of the oil that burned in the menorah for eight nights. European Jewish potato latkes, and Israeli sufganiot (jelly donuts) will be served. Reservations: $5 for... Full story
Congregation Beth Sholom has announced that the next meeting of Rabbi Karen Allen’s Roundtable Discussion will be held on Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. The Rabbi’s Roundtable series explores individual expressions of belief and how it affects our thoughts, our actions and our personal experiences and aspirations. 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 Rabbi’s Roundtable is held at the Sumter County Administration Build... Full story
The 3rd Annual “A December to Remember Daytona Beach” will continue Sunday, Dec. 13 with a Chanukah celebration at the Daytona Beach Bandshell located behind the Hilton and Ocean Walk Shoppes. The fun will begin at the Daytona Beach Bandshell with acoustic guitar musician Lazer Lloyd. From noon to 3 p.m. there will be senior games, Chaunkah bingo, Shimmy Girl Belly Dancing and Tambourine giveaway, and The Goldovitz Klezmer Band. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. is the Kids Expo with a sing along and candle lighting at 5:27 p.m. This event is free and ope... Full story
Several Chanukah parties are scheduled around town at various Assisted Living facilities. The following is the schedule: Dec. 11 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Brookdale Dr. Phillips, 8001 Pin Oak Dr., Orlando 11 a.m. - noon Island Lake Center, 155 Landover Place, Longwood Noon - 1 p.m. The Commons & Winsor Towers, 210 Lake Ave., Orl. Noon - 1 p.m. Grand Villa of Altamonte Springs, 433 Orange Dr. 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Village on the Green, 55 Village Place, Longwood 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Atria at Lake Forest, 5433 W. State Rd. 46, Sanford Dec. 12 10:30 a.m. - 11:30... Full story
Who would have thought that an article about four ladies being cut off from playing their beloved mahjong in their condo community clubhouse would become international news? The Heritage’s website has received more than 22,000 views (as of Nov. 30) of this one article. Jeff Gaeser, publisher, said he doesn’t remember in the paper’s history of any article getting this much attention. Zelda King, Bernice Diamond, Helen Greenspun (apologies for spelling Helen’s last name incorrectly in the Nov. 20... Full story
Chanukah is a very festive time for Chabad of South Orlando. There is fun for all ages, starting with the Grand Family Festival on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chabad Center of Jewish Life, 7347 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando. The festivities include a live rock band, extreme trampoline stunt show (5 p.m.), a photo booth, food, crafts and raffles. The highlight of the even will be the Grand Menorah lighting at 5:45 p.m. The even is free (nominal cost for food concessions). On the eighth night of Chanukah, Dec. 13, Chabad will host... Full story
Temple Israel's Adult Education Committee will host Dr. Harry Rein who will discuss his new book titled "From Stethoscope to Gavel: Of becoming a Doctor, Lawyer and Judge" on Dec. 13, at about 11:15 am (right after the Annual Congregational Town Hall meeting. There will be refreshments followed by selected readings, discussion and a book signing. Rein is a Holocaust survivor who became the only doctor-lawyer-judge practicing in the United States. His story begins on the final train leaving... Full story
