Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
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Jewish Pavilion Senior Services will host a free grief support luncheon and reunion, Gathering of Friends, on Monday, April 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at One Senior Place, located at 715 Douglas Avenue in Altamonte Springs. The event is open to former grief support group participants and community members who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The luncheon is designed as a welcoming opportunity for individuals to reconnect, share conversation, and spend time together in a supportive environment. Whether a loss is recent or occurred...
If you’re looking for a home-cooked Passover meal, then join Temple Israel on Thursday, April 2 at 5 p.m. for a meaningful second-night Seder filled with fabulous food and friends. Rabbi Joshua Neely includes all ages in this meaningful and participatory Seder that blends tradition with modern-day relevance. “During the Seder most years, we emphasize breaking away from the cruelty of Egypt. This year, we will emphasize how the Seder brings us together. It is a celebration of unity that connects Jews of all types to one another, and, by ope...
The University of Central Florida’s campus came alive this week as UCF Hillel hosted its 5th annual Israel Block Party — an event that turned Memory Mall into a vibrant celebration of Israeli culture and spirit. More than 700 students gathered for the festivities, marking the largest Block Party to date and the biggest event in UCF Hillel’s history. From sizzling falafel stands to a lively shuk-style marketplace and even a guest appearance by a live camel, the celebration offered students a tas...
The Rosen JCC is proud to announce the appointment of Stacey Weiss as its new Director of Development & Foundation Relations. In this role, Weiss will lead philanthropic strategy and donor engagement efforts in support of the JCC's mission to strengthen community through culture, connection, and shared purpose. Weiss brings more than a decade of experience in fundraising, community engagement, and mission-driven leadership. Known for her relationship-centered approach and strategic mindset, she...
On a recent evening in Southwest Orlando, hundreds gathered for what Rabbi Naftali Kassorla described as “a celebration of belonging — not just of learning.” The Orlando Community Kollel’s annual “MY Kollel” event drew a record crowd this year. The name itself, Kassorla explained, captures the shift in how Orlando’s Jewish community sees the kollel. “We wanted people to feel that this isn’t the kollel, or our kollel — it’s my kollel,” he said. “It belongs to everyone who walks through our doors.” For many, the word kollel may evoke images of...
Central Florida lost a vital scholarly influence in the world of Judaic studies when Dr. Moshe Peltz Pelli passed away in Winter Park, Florida on Jan. 7, 2026. He lived a full life devoted to his beloved family and his academic scholarship. Dr. Pelli was born in Haifa, Israel May 19, 1936 (then known as British-administered Mandatory Palestine, before the 1948 establishment of the State of Israel) to Shmuel Zanvil and Golda (Zahava) Peltz. After completing his distinguished military service in Israel, Dr. Pelli forged a unique path by pursuing...
Over 200 guests gathered on Feb. 10 for a spectacular morning of style and celebration at the annual fashion show benefiting Jewish Pavilion Senior Services. Hosted by Dillard's at the Altamonte Mall, the event brought together supporters, sponsors, and community members for an uplifting program filled with food, fashion, and friendship. The energy throughout the morning was vibrant and inspiring, reflecting the strong community spirit that continues to sustain the organization's mission of serv...
HERBERT D. MANELOVEG Herbert D. Maneloveg died peacefully, on Feb. 2, 2026, one week after celebrating his 101st birthday. He was a renowned media and marketing advertising executive, beloved husband, father and grandfather and a friend to all. Born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania he served in World War II as an Army private at the Battle of the Bulge, suffering a shrapnel injury and was awarded the purple heart. He completed college upon his return and then moved to New York to begin his career in... Full story
DR. ARNOLD VICTOR SIGNER On Feb. 9, 2026, Dr. Arnold Victor Signer, age 81, passed away peacefully in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family and love. He was born on Feb. 2, 1945, to Marilyn (Breckstein) and Allan Signer in Miami, Florida. Soon thereafter, the family relocated to Lakeland, Florida where Arnie was raised and graduated from Lakeland Senior High School. He attended Emory University in Atlanta followed by the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland. Arnie was a retired... Full story
JERRY TANNENBAUM Jerry Tannenbaum, 87, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of love, loyalty, and friendship. Born in New York, Jerry grew up a proud Barnes boy, forming bonds with friends from the Bronx that would last his entire life. One summer at Cutlers Cottages, the year before she turned 16, he met the love of his life, Lois. That meeting began a partnership that would span more than six decades, until her passing. Jerry later moved his young family to Orlando, where he lived... Full story
Temple Israel brought together ancient heritage and modern innovation last Thursday night with an unusual offering: Into to 3D Pringing with Rabbi Neely. The class, held Jan. 29, invited congregants to explore how new technology can give timeless Jewish traditions a creative twist. Rabbi Neely showcased a table full of colorful 3D-printed objects he'd designed himself, including mezuzahs-the decorative cases that hold a small scroll of sacred text-crafted using sites like Tinkercad. He even...
NANCY GAIL SCHWARTZ Nancy Gail Schwartz, 72, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Winter Park, Florida. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and a truly beautiful soul whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. Born on May 24, 1953, in New York, New York, Nancy was the daughter of the late Sam Schechter and Helen "Cookie" Small. She grew up in Fresh Meadows, Queens, where she developed the warm, light-hearted spirit and wonderful sense of humor for which s...
The Ormond Beach Police Department arrested Robert Tuck, 57, in relation to a bomb threat directed at Temple Beth-El in Ormond Beach. In a statement from the school, Gayle Belin, co-president of Temple Beth El stated, “on Wednesday morning, Jan. 28, Temple Beth-El received a call from a man who said he had thoughts about bringing a bomb to the Temple and wanted to speak to the rabbi (Rabbi Stanton Zamek). He furnished his name and because of caller I.D., we were able to provide that information to Law Enforcement.” Local law enforcement respond...
The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida opened Hope & Humanity, a redesigned core exhibition that reimagines how the Holocaust is presented, experienced, and remembered. The exhibition also serves as the first public demonstration of the storytelling methodology under development for the future Holocaust Museum for Hope & Humanity in downtown Orlando. Hope & Humanity centers the lived experiences of 10 local Holocaust survivors - Suzanne Szmajuk Schneider, Henri Landwirth,...
Jewish Pavilion Senior Services hosted a highly successful Sponsors Breakfast on Thursday morning, Jan. 15, at 8:30 a.m. at Legacy Pointe. The event brought together 30 board members, sponsors, and community leaders for an inspiring gathering focused on collaboration and shared dedication to supporting seniors throughout the Orlando area. The breakfast created a warm and welcoming atmosphere where attendees enjoyed meaningful conversation, relationship-building, and productive networking....
On Jan. 12, Dick & Dottie's Place, in partnership with Sage Catering, reopened with free coffee for everyone. The little coffee shop in the lobby of the Roth JCC offers a full kosher menu of slow-drip coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, delicious pastries and much more....
After his visit with President Trump in Mar-a-Lago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with approximately 30 Christian leaders in Orlando on Dec. 31 and followed with a visit to Jewish leaders in Miami. His visit with Christians was formal, almost like a board meeting - men in suits seated at tables. His later visit with the Jewish community was much more informal, like a family-gathering setting. Netanyahu's talk with Christians was warm and inspiring. "You are representatives of the...
JOIN welcomes Rabbi Sendy Freud as new Director of Impact The Orlando Jewish community welcomes a new leader to its growing network of educators and community builders. Rabbi Sendy Freud, his wife, and their four children recently joined the Jewish Outreach Initiative of Orlando where Freud has assumed the role of Director of Impact. JOIN was founded in 2014 to serve Orlando's growing Jewish population and expanding educational needs. Since it began, JOIN has built an engaged, thriving...
Shalom Orlando must raise $97,000 to keep the Live Secure grants that fund security throughout the Central Forida Jewish community. Thanks to the Live Secure grants, Shalom Orlando is now the Regional Security Advisor for Jewish institutions across Central Florida. They provide: • Threat assessments for synagogues, schools and agencies • Active threat and emergency training for staff and volunteers • STOP-THE-BLEED certification and response readiness • Real-time intelligence sharing with the FBI, DHS, and local law enforcement • Advocacy...
Shalom Orlando has appointed Marni Mandell as the new CEO of the organization. While already busy engaging with local leaders and other stakeholders in the Jewish community, Mandell will formally begin her role as CEO in early January 2026. Mandell previously spent 12 years leading Jewish nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Israel, and for the last 15 years, she has founded and led technology startup companies in Tel Aviv. Mandell most recently joined with other Israeli entrepreneurs to...
Kinneret Council on Aging is proud to celebrate 40 years of dedicated service to enhancing the lives of Central Florida's low-income senior residents. Since its founding in 1985, KCOA has remained steadfast in its mission to support independence, dignity, and quality of life for older adults through innovative programs, advocacy, and community partnerships. Over four decades, the Kinneret Council on Aging has become a cornerstone of support for older adults across the region, touching thousands...
Last Thursday evening approximately 600 Jews and Christians stood together to show their support for Israel at the Standing With Israel event held at the Orlando Sheraton North in Maitland. Sponsored by Steve Strang, CEO of Christian publishing company Charisma Media, and promoted by Michal Osteen of the Jewish community, the evening opened with prayer by Rabbi Geoffrey Spector of Congregation Ohev Shalom, followed by the singing of Hatikva and the National Anthem. Paul Wilbur, a well-known...
(Altamonte Springs, Florida) Jewish Pavilion Senior Services will be hosting its Annual JP Connections event on Thursday, Dec. 4, in the ballroom at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs at 11a.m. This is a one-of-a-kind gourmet luncheon event and holiday shopping bazaar with an array of vendors and raffle prizes. All proceeds raised through ticket sales, raffle entries, and sponsorships benefit Jewish Pavilion Senior Services and its mission to bring joy and Jewish culture to residents of local...
Community gathers in celebration at Jewish Pavilion's Harvest and Post-Sukkot Festival The spirit of Sukkot lingered joyfully on Nov. 6 as more than 100 guests came together at Watercrest Winter Park for the Jewish Pavilion's Harvest and Post-Sukkot Networking Festival. The evening radiated warmth, gratitude, and community connection - hallmarks of the Sukkot season. Attendees were treated to a festive atmosphere filled with lively music, delicious cuisine, and beautifully crafted harvest...
MAITLAND - The spirit of generosity filled Congregation Ohev Shalom this past week as hundreds of community members gathered for the ninth annual Men's Night Out, a fundraiser benefiting Jewish youth across Central Florida. The event, hosted jointly by the area's major synagogues, raised money to support children's programs, scholarships, and opportunities for local kids to attend Jewish camps like Camp Ramah or study abroad in Israel. Elliot Davis, one of the program's organizers, shared the...
