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

Kudos to our management team - our CFO, board, staff, sponsors, supporters and volunteers. The Jewish Pavilion has been a pillar in the community for over 20 years, and we intend to remain an anchor for years to come. We are fiscally strong and secure, thanks to community-wide support. During the pandemic, it was reported that 1/3 of all charities merged or closed their operations. As well, many were in desperate financial straits and were constantly asking for funds. The Jewish Pavilion followed its normal fundraising operations while focusing on the programs we provide to our seniors. Ninety-four percent of the funds raised go directly back into programs, parties and holiday celebrations for Central Florida Seniors - not administrative services, not salaries, but directly to your family members and other loved ones right here at home!

We increased our programs during the pandemic. Shabbat and holiday services were available on You Tube, Zoom and Facebook. We established phone chains so we could stay in touch with our elders. We also communicated with our aged friends through email and snail mail. Hundreds of people, from all over the country, provided us with cards and letters which we delivered to seniors. Every other month, we prepared and delivered Shabbat or holiday gift bags to 400 seniors. Although the gift bag program was not part of our approved budget, we felt that it was the best way to show our seniors that they were not forgotten. Some of the gift bags were paid for thanks to the generous support from The Pargh Foundation, the Harper Family Foundation, The Gould family, the Littman family and the Gaeser family. Special thanks to numerous volunteers who stuffed and delivered the bags.

The phone has continued to ring off the hook for our Orlando Senior Help Desk. We are here to answer your questions and provide referrals. We are also here to listen and offer support. You can reach the Orlando Senior Help Desk at 407-678-9363.

Nancy Ludin

With Covid regulations changing constantly and being inconsistent at the 50+ facilities that we service, special thanks go out to our Program Directors and volunteers who were still able to deliver many of our Shabbat and holiday programs in person. We were also able to hold all of our annual events, other than JP Connections, and each one drew more people and was even better than in previous years. The Jewish Pavilion office stayed open throughout the pandemic. We have shown our strength during this crisis. The Jewish Pavilion will continue to provide for our beloved seniors - No matter what!

Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy New Year! May 5782 be a year for good health, peace and happiness.

Elliott Davis, Board chair and Nancy Ludin, CEO