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...
My Purim Paradise
When I was studying abroad in Israel 2 years ago, I was lucky enough to celebrate many Jewish holidays. Celebrating the spring holidays in Israel was incredible, and Purim was no exception. Purim has always been one of my favorite Jewish holidays. I love watching the...
Take Time to Celebrate You
By: Ashley Bundis, Marketing Director & Keith Dvorchik, Executive Director Alicia Keys says: "I recognized how important paying attention to the spirit and the soul is, in order to find yourself in a place that feels good. There has to be this inward dialogue and...
Communities Coming Together
Two weeks ago, my friend Atif Fareed from the American Muslim Community Clinic reached out to let me know that they were approved to give the Pfizer Covid Vaccine and wanted to save spots for their "Jewish brothers and sisters'. I had the honor last week of helping...
Uprooting Prejudice: Faces of Change
Since I started working at the Maitland Campus, I always enjoyed my many opportunities to experience the Holocaust Center’s varied exhibits. Exhibits that focus not just on teaching us about the history and impact of the Holocaust; but also as their mission states “to...
How to get a free shofar for the High Holidays
COVID-19 has brought us many challenges. One of them relates to the coming High Holidays and the mitzvah of hearing the sound of the shofar. With social distancing and many people choosing to not gather in groups, this year it is likely that many people will observe...
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.