Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

On behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, we want to express our best wishes to you and your family for a sweet New Year 5775. According to Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world, and this is where our calendar begins. On this day, we are expected to conceive a plan, engage in a vision of the future, have ambition and desire to take an active part in the shaping of our future.

Our plan will focus on bringing Federation back as a community builder. To do so, we have to start by making meaningful changes to the status quo, including expense reduction, streamlining our resources, devoting more effort toward fundraising, outreach and community building.

After achieving success in the aforementioned areas, we will apply our energy to five major focuses will engage a vision of the future. Our 2015 campaign has kicked-off and continues to be our community's opportunity to shape the future.

We must develop leadership, ensuring there are community-knowledgeable people willing and able to continue to lead not only the federation, but the whole Orlando community.

Jewish Community Relations Committee (or as we all know it, JCRC) plays a leading role in Jewish community affairs at the local, state and national levels, and addresses a broad range of local, national and international issues.

Shalom Orlando will continue to strengthen this community's outreach efforts, welcoming newcomers by introducing them to all the community offers, including agencies, schools, services, and synagogues to name a few. 

An Israel Desk will coordinate missions, and integrate returning, enthusiastic members of our community, including students who go on Birthright trips and Israeli camps, into our volunteer system to keep them inspired. This will ensure our community's connection with Israel is continually a priority.

Rhonda Forest

And last, but most definitely not least, fundraising. We are getting back to our main focus of allocating dollars to provide support to our Orlando community, our Jewish organizations, and our very important members.

Each of these focuses will involve education. Learning keeps us informed, and we intend to be breaking the barriers of indifference through teaching.

We are the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, and we will be needing each and every one of you to help us get back to the business of being the community coordinator for all things Jewish.

May this New Year be filled with health, happiness, and sweet moments for you and your family!

L'Shana Tova UMetukah,

Rhonda Forest, Chairman of the Board

Olga Yorish, Executive Director