Keith in Israel: May 4, 2022
Today is Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. It’s very different here than in the United States. It’s not a 3-day weekend. There aren’t big sales or barbecues. It’s a solemn day. People wear white shirts to honor and remember those who lost their lives in...
Keith in Israel: May 3, 2022
Beit Issie Shapiro is a place I have heard about for nearly 20 years. It’s one of the preeminent advocates and programs for people with special needs in the world. They consult with the United Nations as well as many communities and organizations. Today I had the...
Keith in Israel: May 2, 2022
Haifa is a beautiful city with the Mediterranean Sea on the west and the Carmel Mountains on the east. It’s a city that thrives on coexistence and in many ways is a model to be replicated. Today started with a view of the Bahai Gardens from the top of the mountain. ...
Get To Know Your Soul’s Cycles
We’ve reached an important milestone in my house: the traditional choice of a Bar Mitzvah date. I awaited this event with a great deal of excitement. It was a sign that my son was getting older and it was the first step in the Bar Mitzvah itself. And it brought back...
Homework Time is Family Time
When my son started kindergarten, I envisioned all the wonderful elementary school experiences he would have including a 5th grade year full of celebrations. I never imagined that he would finish his elementary school years taking his classes online as we continue to...
Embracing the Chaos
In summer 2019, I attended the Paradigm Project conference in Chicago. A three-day immersive learning experience for Jewish Early Childhood Educators. There were a multitude of workshops throughout the week, some more memorable than others. One of the sessions I...
After Pittsburgh, an opportunity to heal
From the moment the news from Pittsburgh broke Saturday morning, we felt a range of emotions: grief; despair; and yes, anger. And yet, as we always do, we responded with strength. Almost immediately, both the Federation and our Jewish Community Relations Council...
JCRC voting guide is here!
In just a few short weeks, Florida will once again play a pivotal role in determining the direction of our nation. With competitive races up and down the ballot and 11 Constitutional amendments up for consideration, Nov. 6 is on pace to be one of the most important...
Federation gets federal security grant
Earlier this year, our local congressional delegation led a successful effort to include Orlando on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's list of urban areas eligible for special federal grant funding. Thanks to their leadership, Orlando's inclusion on the list...
Beware of charity scams in wake of Pittsburgh attack
The FBI is extending a warning to all who may consider participating in victim assistance programs or charitable organizations in the wake of the Pittsburgh shootings. Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including: Do...
RAISE is Warming Hearts and Souls as They Transform Lives in the Community
By: Loren London, Director & Founder and Rachel Slavkin, Director of Employment & Education When our community locked down one year ago, RAISE did not patiently wait for the new normal and wonder what that would look and feel like. Although rolling out...
RAISE Is Uniting Our Community, Celebrating Diversity in Our Workplace & Empowering Families
By: Loren London, Founder and Director of RAISE & Rachel Slavkin, Director of Employment and Education Our RAISE (Recognizing Abilities and Inclusion of Special Employees) mission is to build confidence, promote independence, and teach employability skills to...
RAISE unveils 2 new logos!
RAISE, the Jewish Federation’s work and social skills training program for adults with special needs, is proud to announce the launch of two "brand" new logos! Collaboration with Jewish agencies and businesses in our community has been a priority for RAISE...
Ready to take the plunge!
Slathered in Dead Sea mud, our group prepares for a dip (or a float) in the water.
At the breathtaking Masada …
Our Orlando JWRP group on Sunday visited the Masada, a symbol of determination and heroism that overlooks the Dead Sea.
A banner day in Israel
Sara Gittleson (SPARK) and I (JFGO) have been honored to represent our respective organizations on this year's amazing Israel trip. Here, despite the wind, we proudly unfurl the special JFGO/SPARK flag that made the trek with us from Orlando.