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

L'Shana Tova!  What a year it has been. Each year, Rosh Hashanah gives our students an opportunity to renew our commitment to our heritage.  We, at Jewish Academy of Orlando, are so grateful to be back safely and in person with all of our students and our Jewish community.

"We engage as a united family, providing a safe environment to celebrate our shared heritage and Jewish identity through Mitzvot (good deeds), Tzedakah (acts of righteousness), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness), as well as instill a love for and commitment to Israel and Klal Yisrael (Jewish people everywhere)." This is the text of Caring Community, one of JAO's five core values and never has it been more relevant. Being together reaffirms our sense of identity, and strengthens our ties to our traditions and our connections to one another. Our students are looking forward to joining the congregations at Temple Israel for Sukkot and Congregation Ohev Shalom for Simchat Torah. 

The students, faculty and staff of JAO, pride ourselves by living, learning and teaching by our Core Values. From preparing holiday cards for residents of Savannah Court, giving tzedakah each Shabbat and raising money for relief efforts around the world, JAO students understand the importance of giving back and leave our school knowing that with the support of their community, they can go out and change the world. While this is something we celebrate every day, Rosh Hashanah reminds us why we choose to live an honorable, Jewish life, reaffirms our faith and sense of community.  

Amy Polacek, principal