Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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Temple Israel is proud to host Queens College Hillel's a capella group Tizmoret on Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 7 to 8 p.m. The concert will take place in the Roth Social Hall, followed by a dessert reception, where attendees can also meet the performers. Tizmoret draws singers from colleges throughout the New York City area. The professional group performs classic Jewish melodies, American pop music, and contemporary Israeli tunes, which can be heard on their eight CDs and two EPs. Tizmoret has... Full story
Sixty people gathered on a Wednesday afternoon in December expecting to hear the Chanukah story. Much to everyone’s surprise, Susan Bernstein began speaking about the art of writing the Torah. As the residents of Oakmonte Village in Lake Mary feasted on their bagels, lox and latkes, Bernstein, a program director for the Jewish Pavilion, began to speak. She described the process from the requirements to become a Sofer, the preparation of the parchment, the special ink, the writing and assembly process and the final Torah. She also spoke about t... Full story
Rabbi Yosef Mendelevich was born in the small Baltic state of Latvia, which was under Soviet occupation, after World War II. Mendelevich received a Soviet education, far removed from his Jewish faith and culture. His father, Moshe, was arrested by the Soviets when Mendelevich was 10 years old. His mother, Chaya Yenta, died soon afterwards. Despite his harsh childhood experiences, Mendelevich found his way to truth and faith and became one of the outstanding leaders of the Jewish revival in the U... Full story
The Kinneret Council on Aging, a nonprofit agency that provides ongoing programs and services to residents of Kinneret Apartments, has rescued a holiday meal program that was formerly run by Jewish Family Services. Approximately, 83 percent of the recipients of this program live in Kinneret Apartments. The holiday meal program was instituted to provide a hot, delicious kosher meal for Jewish residents during three of the Jewish holidays throughout the year including Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah and Passover. “JFS’s decision to sunset the pro... Full story
ATLANTA—Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, presented awards this week to recognize campus Hillels that are creating innovative experiences and meaningful connections to help students develop stronger ties to their Jewish identities. Central Florida Hillel was one of only five Hillel’s in North America to be recognized for its achievement in being among the TOP 5 with the “Greatest Growth in Depth.” This category measures the amount of times that Jewish students on campus are connecting to Jewish life on... Full story
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Prospects: A View from the Palestinian street On Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Keith Dvorchik, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando and CEO of The Roth Family JCC, and Central Florida Hillel CEO Aaron Weil will discuss their recent meetings in the West Bank with senior Palestinian leaders and residents of the West Bank. Hear about the challenges, frustrations and hope that they experienced and the varying Palestinian narratives they encountered. A Q&A session will follow.... Full story
Open to the entire community, this year's Jewish Pavilion Fashion Show takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m., at Dillard's Department Store in the Altamonte Mall. "Dillard's Department store is delighted to host the Jewish Pavilion's annual fashion show," said Nancy Nguyen, store manager. The store has gone all out and arranged for a backdrop and stage and hired a DJ for this special event that will honor Penny Goldstein for her years of service to the Jewish community. Models will be... Full story
"Rain or shine, the menorah burns bright! Happy Chanukah night number 1!" said Rabbi Mendy Bronstein when the Chanukah menorah was lit at Winter Park's Central Park as rain gently fell throughout the day.... Full story
The Orlando Economic Partnership has awarded its James B. Greene award, the highest honor bestowed by the Partnership to a local community leader, Harris Rosen, president and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts. The award was presented at the Partnership’s recent annual awards dinner held at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando. The James B. Greene Award, first presented in 1990, recognizes an individual whose work has contributed substantially to the economic prosperity of the region. “Harris Ros... Full story
Jewish Academy of Orlando fifth grade students partnered with Muslim peers from Leadership Preparatory School and Christian peers from Geneva School in a day of learning at JAO. The event is the first of the schools' three-part Multi-faith Education Program that has been in place for 17 years. The students meet at each school to learn about each other's cultures and religions. The Multi-Faith Education Program began when its founder, Louise Franklin Sheehy, worked to foster a climate of peace... Full story
On the second Friday of every month, Debbie Meitin races from one Shabbat service at a Jewish Pavilion assisted-living facility to another. On holidays, she comes prepared with extra stories and Judaic holiday items. All day, she diligently leads services and visits seniors as a volunteer for the Jewish Pavilion and then races home to get ready for her own Shabbat dinner and evening services at Temple Israel. Her combination of warmth, Judaic knowledge and a beautiful singing voice make her the... Full story
On Dec. 8, a crowd gathered in a shopping center on Westmonte Drive to celebrate the opening of Chabad of Altamonte Springs' new facility. Rabbi Sholom Dubov, who with his wife Devorah Leah established Chabad of Greater Orlando in 1985, had the honor of attaching the mezuzah to the seventh location in Orlando. Altamonte Springs City Commissioner Jim Turney also attended the festivities. "Over the last three years, hundreds of local Jews have participated in Shabbat dinner, holiday celebrations,... Full story
The Story of Chanukah reenactment, as told by Nancy Ludin, CEO of the Jewish Pavilion, was a hit at a breakfast with the Maitland Chamber of Commerce. Ludin's unique storytelling style guided the group through the historic event with laughter and enthusiasm. Chamber members enjoyed the presentation and Nancy answered many questions about the holiday. The Chanukah breakfast was hosted by Jewish Pavilion staff and volunteers. The food is a big part of every holiday tradition because it's made... Full story
From 14-month-old Liam Osteen, grandson of Michal Osteen, to the oldest resident Jean Dolan, who claims to be 98-1/2 years old, everyone enjoyed the latkes, music by Walter Goldstein, singing and dancing at the Kinneret Chanukah party. Residents and party volunteers danced the hora winding through the crowd, stopping to dance at the tables and led the groups in song. Three Jewish organizations joined together so seniors could continue to celebrate a Jewish holiday. These included Nancy Ludin,... Full story
Through the Jewish Pavilion planning, the kindergartners from The Jewish Academy of Orlando delighted the seniors at Savannah Court singing Chanukah songs. They presented the seniors with handmade cards and plenty of kisses (Hershey's that is). "This is always one of my favorite events," stated Julie Levitt, program director of the Jewish Pavilion, who orchestrated this meeting. "The interaction between these generations is so heart warming. Both the residents and the children get such joy, and... Full story
Stories from the Orlando Senior Help Desk Celeste Thomas was having a wonderful conversation at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast when her phone rang. Her mother's caregiver was going out of town for the holidays and she needed to find a replacement quickly. The caregiver also informed her she would not be continuing this assignment after the first of the year. You could see Thomas's mood change immediately. She had six days to find a holiday replacement and then start looking for a permanent ca... Full story
Randi Cunningham and Myrna Ossin were honored by the Jewish Pavilion at the annual JP Connections Volunteer Appreciation event. Both women are shining examples of "enriching the lives of residents in elder-care communities" by sharing their love and compassion. The beautiful awards they received were designed by artist Sandy Silbert, another Jewish Pavilion volunteer. Making new friends and seeing old friends, sharing stories and laughter, shopping 'till you drop, these are the "friendraising"... Full story
The parties have begun! Thirty-five Chanukah parties celebrated in 35 different senior communities in the month of December planned by Jewish Pavilion program directors Julie Levitt, Susan Bernstein and Hope McCormick. Menorahs, dreidels, Chanukah gelt and latkes abound. Songs fill the air with off-key voices sharing their joy for the season. Sixteen parties are now fond memories of sharing Chanukah traditions. Eighteen more parties are scheduled from today through the end of the month. Join the Jewish Pavilion lighting the menorah, singing... Full story
Renowned mentalist and magician Alan Chamo, AKA “The Mind Hacker,” will headline a benefit event for Friends of the Israel Defense Forces on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Roth Family Jewish Community Center in Maitland. The event will salute the men and women of the Israel Defense Forces and highlight FIDF’s well-being and educational programs. FIDF supporters Barbara and Burt Chasnov of Orlando will co-chair this special event, which begins at 4 p.m. All funds raised will go toward the FIDF IMPACT! program, which provides four-year scholarships to I... Full story
The Jewish Pavilion will be hosting Chanukah parties at various assisted living facilities throughout the holiday. For more information, please call 407-678-9363. Here is the schedule. Friday Dec. 13 noon Grand Villa 2 p.m. Strive Sunday Dec. 15 1:15 p.m. Brookdale Lake Orienta Monday Dec. 16 10:15 a.m. Savannah Court 11 a.m. Merrill Gardens at Champions Gate 2 p.m. Windsor at Celebration Tuesday Dec. 17 2:30 p.m. Life Care Thursday Dec. 19 2 p.m. Palmetto Landing Friday Dec. 20 1:30 p.m. Wayman Place noon Orlando Lutheran Tower 3 p.m. Siena Mo... Full story
On a recent visit to Allegro Senior Living in Winter Park, Susan Bernstein, program director at the Jewish Pavilion, had an opportunity to sit down with Allegro's executive director, Debbie Michelet. Michelet grew up in Winter Park and attended Valencia College and UCF. She considers herself lucky to have found this position and the opportunity to use her skills working with a senior community. She expressed satisfaction in finding the right fit for her professional life at Allegro and creates... Full story
First Coast’s Josh Fisher, a citizen under Spain’s new Law of Return for decendents of Jews exiled in 1492, will speak at the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society’s Dec. 18 meeting. Fisher—who obtained Spanish citizenship through his Sephardic ancestry, demonstrating that his family was exiled in 1492—is one of the more than 140 Sephardic Jews that have had the opportunity to become Spanish citizens through Spain’s Miami Consulate in the last few years. Fisher will explain the process and some of the background of Spain’s Law of Return. Th... Full story
The 16th annual Roth Family JCC Maj Madness Tournament will be held Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. Registration has just opened. Participants who are able are encouraged to bring a Mahjong set and/or table cover. Register in person at the Registrar’s desk or online at orlandojcc.org/calendar/the-16th-annual-maj-madness The cost is $36 per person or $30 for JCC members. There will be a light breakfast and lunch included in the entry fee. Registration deadline is Jan. 20 at noon. All registrations received after this date will be placed on a waiting l... Full story
A Special Chanukah Gathering will be held Sunday, the first night of Chanukah, on Dec. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Chanukah Candle Lighting service with a Latke Party that evening. Congregation Sinai President Jack Gartner announced, “This event will be free and open to the entire Jewish community of the Greater Central Florida area. We will light candles and serve latkes with applesauce and sour cream, salad, jelly doughnuts, punch, water, ice tea and sodas.” This Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jer... Full story
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 2020, 8 over 80 Gala to be held on Sunday, March 1, 2020. “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 Lynn Fenster, 8 over 80 chairperson. “This event celebrates the spirit of older adults,... Full story
