VOICES 6-18
Our Orlando Jewish Community is Strong
Many of you know about the visit to our campus yesterday by a virulent anti-Semitic group. We were alerted to their presence in Florida by the Secure Community Network (SCN), a program of The Jewish Federations of North America, late last week. Along with SCN, the...
Shavuot Festivities for the Entire Orlando Jewish Community
For some, their Bar or Bat mitzvah may be the end of their formal Jewish education. Not in my house. From a very early age, probably before my bat mitzvah, I knew that my parents expected me to continue in religious school through 10th grade confirmation and our Rabbi...
Grateful For Our Jewish Communal Professionals
I had a chance to get away with my wife for a vacation and then with my kids for a father-sons trip in early June. It was much needed and gave me a chance to rest and recharge. After the past 15 months, I didn’t realize just how exhausted and how deep the exhaustion...
Fostering Friendship In Today’s World
The past weeks have been filled with challenges. Bombs falling on Israel, a rise in anti-Semitism throughout the country including things locally. The news is filled with reports of increased Jew hatred and even Aaron Keyak, the US National Jewish Engagement...
Together we can change our local community which changes the world.
Last night, I sat in the JCC auditorium as we held our first hybrid program. Approximately 30 people joined in person while many more joined us on Zoom for our community’s B’riut program on Substance Abuse in the Jewish community. This is truly a community program...
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.