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...
You have more time to get your free shofar!
We have had a tremendous response from community members who requested a free shofar from the Federation for our Sound the Shofar Community Celebration during Rosh Hashanah. More than half of our beautiful shofarot (pictured) have been spoken for, but we are extending...
Comfort in community
I remember 19 years ago today vividly as I am sure many of you do. When American Airlines Flight 11 hit the first tower, we thought it was an accident. When United Airlines flight 175 hit the second tower, we knew something bad was happening. When American Airlines...
Opening an ancient tradition for women
In traditional Judaism it is prescribed that only men can be trained to write the most holy of books: the Torah. This practice, which is passed down from one sofer, as the scribe is called in Hebrew, to another, is done with an apprentice style of study. The...
Tradition with a twist
Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando has presented a wide variety of virtual programs, many of which have been designed specifically for children, families, women, expectant parents and anyone in our community with a...
On the ground in Israel: a land shaped by conflict
This past week I was in Israel. It was easy while I was there to forget there is a conflict going on. Everywhere I went, including Jerusalem, things were quiet. I was able to enjoy the outdoor malls, the sites and food of the buzzing metropolitans of both Tel Aviv and...
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 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...
Congratulations to Employee of the Month – Jessica!
Jessica has been an appreciatedand valuable Employee of both the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry and the Roth Family JCC Fitness Center since October 2018. At JFS, Jessica has the important role of helping to unload boxes of food and preparing bags of food for...
Dell Hiring Program Aims To Create Opportunity For Adults With ASD
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2019/04/05/dell-hiring-program/26360/
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.