Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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Shown here are friends playing mahjong while celebrating the 97th birthday of May Gitles (center). Mrs. Gitles enjoys the company of these Jewish Pavilion volunteers, each week along with the strategies and enjoyment of a game of mahjong. For the people living in senior living communities, a game of mahjong may not be so easy to come by. Volunteers are welcome to join in this game and others in Maitland, Altamonte Springs and Sanford. Call the office at 407-678-9363 for more information on where a game is taking place.... Full story
On Tuesday, May 27 the 13 members of the Jerome J. Bornstein Leadership Program participated in a graduation ceremony at the home of Judy Kahan. The members of the class brought family members to celebrate their graduation from this prestigious leadership program. The evening began with Roz Fuchs giving a history of the program she helped create 22 years ago. Fuchs was pleased to see the program continuing to thrive and produce leadership for the Jewish community. The group nominated two... Full story
At its May meeting, Senior Rabbi Aaron D. Rubinger advised the full Board of Trustees of Congregation Ohev Shalom in Maitland, of his decision—in consultation with the other clergy and lay leadership—to authorize same-sex Jewish unions at the synagogue, and Torah honors for same-sex Jewish couples. The state of Florida does not recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions. However, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards—the body which interprets Jewish religious law for Conservative Judaism, Ohev Shalom’s denomination—adopted a ruling in... Full story
The children of the Gan Rishonim Four's class at the Roth Jewish Community Center's Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center in Maitland recently performed a big mitzvah, by collecting money to purchase items for sick children. In total, the children raised $287.15 for the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. The gift was accepted by hospital representative, Whitney Pitsch (far left). The teachers of the class are Allison Brown (beside Pitsch) and Orna Jaffe (far... Full story
From acclaimed director Pawel Pawlikowski ("Last Resort," "My Summer of Love") comes "Ida," a moving and intimate drama about a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland who, on the verge of taking her vows, discovers a dark family secret dating from the terrible years of the Nazi occupation. Eighteen-year-old Anna (stunning newcomer Agata Trzebuchowska), a sheltered orphan raised in a convent, is preparing to become a nun when the Mother Superior insists she first visit her sole living relative.... Full story
The Jewish Community of Marion County was fortunate to complete a new Torah on Sunday, June 1. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, the community joined together to welcome a brand new Sefer Torah with a completion and dedication ceremony. Participants filled in a letter of the Torah, alongside the scribe during the completion ceremony, which was held at On Top Of The World Communities, in the Live Oak & Cypress Halls, 8413 SW 80th Street, Ocala. Celebrations continued with a parade around Circle Square Commons, followed by a lunch buffet.... Full story
Congregation Beth Sholom of Leesburg invites the public to join Rabbi Karen Allen for its Friday evening service on Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m. Following the service, please join the congregation for coffee and refreshments at the Oneg Shabbat. Guests are encouraged to stay and enjoy the warmth and friendship of “The Synagogue That Feels like Family.” The synagogue is located at 315 North 13th Street in Leesburg, with the entrance on Center Street. For more information see the website at bethsholomflorida.org or call congregation President Lin... Full story
For more than 15 years, Boy Scout Troop 641 has had a tradition of honoring our Veterans. This Memorial Day, Scouts lined up for the annual salute to our War Veterans at Woodlawn Cemetery in Gotha. The Scouts marched behind the Orange County Sheriffs Honor Guard and an ROTC Honor Guard. The Scouts also assisted by passing out cold water to those in attendance. Boy Scout Troop 641 and Cub Scout Pack 641 are chartered by the Children of Abraham Foundation and meet in Maitland on Sundays. For more... Full story
Heritage Florida Jewish News is accepting nominations for the 2014 Heritage Human Service Award, which will be presented in August at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando. “For more than 25 years, individuals who have made major, voluntary contributions of their talent, time, energy and effort to the Central Florida community have been honored with the selection and presentation of this award,” said Jeff Gaeser, editor and publisher of the Heritage. Last year’s recipient was Nina Oppenheim. Former recipients have... Full story
As we approach the summer months, care-giving families must consider their loved ones with Alzheimer's Disease and how to appropriately celebrate family reunions and holidays with them. Perhaps individual visits work better than the large gatherings of years ago. Or would mom or dad enjoy a visit with the family at a restaurant rather than remaining in the memory care community. There are no set rules in how to approach these decisions, sharing such concerns with professionals may be helpful.... Full story
On May 20, Orlando pastor Dr. Joel Hunter hosted a panel discussion on “Climate Change: Should Christian’s Care?” Describing himself as a, “long time advocate for creation care,” Pastor Hunter is a spiritual adviser to President Barak Obama and incorporates his views on climate change issues into his teachings. Hunter is launching an initiative that empowers multi-faith leaders to lead and engage others on climate solutions. The initiative, called Blessed Tomorrow, brings together more than 20 evangelical, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim an... Full story
Reading the Hebrew language is one the most important elements of advancing one’s Jewish involvement. Whether it’s the desire to pray in the original language, read the Torah as it was dictated by G-d, or to read the many Jewish works that have not been translated, many people are looking to expand their horizons with the ability to read the holy tongue. It is in response to this popular demand, Chabad Lubavitch of North Orlando is offering a 10-part course on Hebrew reading this summer. The course begins on Wednesday, June 25 from 7:3... Full story
There is a Jewish joke that says "Every Jewish holiday is the same... they tried to kill us, we survived, let's eat!" But how many of us can truly appreciate the reality behind the joke and the depth of our history? And how many of us understand what we achieved by meeting those challenges and surviving? Well, the children of the Meitin Religious School at Temple Israel now have a new perspective on Jewish history thanks to the innovative Lag B'Omer games that they participated in on the last... Full story
Chabad at UCF is widely known for their extensive programs and activities dedicated to creating meaningful Jewish life for college students. Perhaps less known are their equally notable efforts towards building students' knowledge, skills and connections in areas of leadership and networking. To this end, Chabad at UCF hosted three unique lectures on leadership and mentoring over the course of the Spring Semester 2014. Executive Director of Chabad at UCF, Rabbi Chaim Lipskier explained, "At Chab... Full story
Heritage Florida Jewish News is accepting nominations for the 2014 Heritage Human Service Award, which will be presented in August at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando. “For more than 25 years, individuals who have made major, voluntary contributions of their talent, time, energy and effort to the Central Florida community have been honored with the selection and presentation of this award,” said Jeff Gaeser, editor and publisher of the Heritage. Last year’s recipient was Nina Oppenheim. Former recipients have... Full story
From acclaimed director Pawel Pawlikowski (Last Resort, My Summer of Love) comes IDA, a moving and intimate drama about a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland who, on the verge of taking her vows, discovers a dark family secret dating from the terrible years of the Nazi occupation. Eighteen-year old Anna (stunning newcomer Agata Trzebuchowska), a sheltered orphan raised in a convent, is preparing to become a nun when the Mother Superior insists she first visit her sole living relative. Naïve,... Full story
The Orlando Senior Help Desk is a free service provided by the Jewish Pavilion for people of all faiths. You can contact a senior resource specialist with extensive experience in dealing with issues related to older adults and their families and caregivers. Feel free to access the website at your convenience providing an abundance of information regarding issues you or your families face. The sponsors on our website are vetted for their quality of service. Feel free to contact the Help Desk at 407-678-9363 for more information and more in... Full story
If you saw a group of boys cleaning the headstones in Temple Israel's cemetery in Gotha recently they were Scouts from Troop 641. Sam Charles, a member of the Troop is a candidate for Eagle Scout and had selected this community service project in honor of his cousin Talia. Talia lost the battle with cancer last summer. Charles' Eagle Project was to help remember all the others before her and said, "Talia is remembered for her fame and huge inspiration to so many young women and girls who strive... Full story
While everyone enjoys great music, it is especially appreciated by residents in senior living communities. Jewish Pavilion volunteer and soloist, Penny Goldstein D'Agastino, brings joy to the residents when she performs monthly at Grande Villa in Altamonte Springs. Pictured are Penny Goldstein D'Agostino with a resident and Barney Evans, Activities Director with a resident. While both D'Agostino and Evans are members of the tribe, residents of all faiths participate in Musical Tuesdays. They... Full story
At the end of this month, a delegation of members from Temple Israel will accompany Temple Israel's "Goold Torah" to Berkach, Germany, for the 160th anniversary of the opening of the building that housed the then-newly-built Berkacher Synagogue (1854). This Torah had been written especially for the synagogue's opening by Hirsch Hessberg, an ancestor of Lothar Goldschmidt who eventually saved the Torah from destruction by bringing it to Temple Israel after fleeing the Nazis. Thus, the scroll... Full story
For the past 60 years or so, the question of how to create and sustain a vibrant Jewish community in America has remained relatively the same, but the players continue to change. And the question on everybody's agenda today is how to reach the Millennials, with 80 million Americans falling into this demographic category. Here in Central Florida, this has been part of the Federation's focus over the last year and a half and the results are very encouraging. In 2003, spearheaded by local philanthr... Full story
Brooke Deratany Goldfarb knows she can make a difference as a circuit judge in the justice systems of Brevard and Seminole counties. In the world of law, Goldfarb has been around the block. Graduating from Harvard Law School in 1996, the Brevard County native has practiced in multiple areas of law, beginning as an international business, corporate and immigration attorney. Two years later, she facilitated mergers and acquisitions at a national law firm in Washington, D.C. When the economic... Full story
He's quite a character. And we know a lot of his characters: Shrek, The Smurfs, The Rugrats, and Boy Genius, to name a few. But Wednesday, May 7, at the Longwood Community Center, Jewish Orlando, courtesy of Chabad of Lake Mary, got the chance to meet one of Hollywood's most acclaimed and sought after living screenwriters: Oscar nominee and box office success David N. Weiss, whose films worldwide have grossed more than two billion dollars. What comes to mind when thinking of the Hollywood and... Full story
Over 20 Jewish National Fund (JNF) Women for Israel (WFI) supporters gathered for a fun-filled evening of instructed painting at The Scarlet Easel on Thursday, May 8. WFI Chair Debbie Meitin spoke about JNF's important work in Israel and highlighted a few of their partners and projects including Lotem - Making Nature Accessible, a national organization in Israel that offers nature activities to people with special needs, and the Sderot Indoor Recreation Center, a 21,000-square-foot secure... Full story
Temple L’Chayim is making its permanent home in Clermont and will have a Torah Walk tonight, May 23, at 6:45 p.m. The procession will start on Route 27 about 2 blocks south of Walgreens and end at our new location 4420 Route 27 South. A Torah Walk is a joyous ceremony to place the Holy Scriptures into their new home. All members of the community are invited to mark this momentous occasion. Sabbath services will begin at 7:30 p.m.... Full story
