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Strengthening Communities Across Israel: 7,495 Volunteers Impact Over 122,000 Lives Pictured: Members of MAKOM communities in Israel are people who participate in mission-driven communities that work to improve society. Feb 18, 2025 A Jewish National Fund-USA Grassroots Initiative dedicated to strengthening communities across Israel, has released new data showcasing its transformative impact on the country’s northern and southern regions. According to the latest report, its initiative has mobilized 7,495 active community volunteers, who in turn serve over 122,600 beneficiaries through educational, cultural, and social welfare programs. These dedicated community members—comprising educators, secular and religious leaders, students, and artists—work together to assess local needs, develop programs, and create sustainable solutions that foster resilience and unity. Key Impact Highlights: • Be’er Sheva leads in impact with nearly 1,000 volunteers supporting 42,000 beneficiaries, including students, educators, and members of the Mountain Jewish and religious Zionist communities. • Kiryat Shmona and Sderot emerge as strongholds of resilience, with 290 and 640 active members, respectively, reaching thousands through social welfare and education programs. • Diverse community engagement: Jewish National Fund-USA's programs support Druze communities in towns like Beit Jan and Yanuh-Jat, Ba’aley Tshuva (returnees to religious observance) in cities like Katzrin and Ma’alot, and artists and educators throughout Israel’s periphery. • From youth empowerment to crisis support, Jewish National Fund-USA-supported volunteers run after-school programs, distribute food packages, provide senior care, and offer emergency aid to displaced families, ensuring that no community is left behind. A Movement of Grassroots Change "This is more than a network of communities—it’s a movement that brings people together, empowers local leadership, and builds the future of Israel from the ground up," explained one volunteer. "With every program launched and every life touched, our volunteers prove that meaningful change starts at the grassroots level. With continued support from Jewish National Fund-USA and its generous partners, the program is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact, reinforcing its mission to create vibrant, self-sustaining communities across Israel. Circle of Impact The volunteer-driven initiative plays a critical role in Jewish National Fund-USA's Circle of Impact, whereby each initiative helps the organization's strategic aim of attracting 800,000 new residents to Israel's north and south. "Every program, initiative, and project we undertake directly or indirectly creates employment opportunities, economic growth, and community resilience, which are all essential elements in boosting the population of Israel's frontiers," said Jewish National Fund-USA Chief Israel Officer, Talia Tzour Avner." For more information, visit: www.jnf.org/makom Previous Next

Just In Time For Hanukkah And Christmas Jewish Connection News Nov 28, 2024 Comes The Hysterically Funny Interfaith Comedy BAD SHABBOS With Hanukkah starting on Christmas Day this year, BAD SHABBOS is just the ticket for a fast-paced comedy about a Jewish family meeting their future non-Jewish in-laws over a Shabbat dinner. Directed by Daniel Robbins, and co-written with Zack Weiner, this "one-night-in-New-York" story delivers laugh-out-loud performances by an ensemble cast led by Kyra Sedgwick and Cliff "Method Man" Smith, along with David Paymer, Milana Vayntrub, Jon Bass, Meghan Leathers, Catherine Curtin, John Bedford Lloyd, and Ashley Zukerman. “When we tested the film, we shared it with many different audiences to make sure it works for everyone. The goal was to make a film like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which is specific to a certain culture, but universal in its humor and its heart. The reaction (from Jews and non-Jews) has been amazing from both.” In the film BAD SHABBOS, David and his fiancée Meg, who is converting to Judaism, have invited her devout Catholic parents to meet David's Jewish family for the first time at a Shabbat dinner. David’s mother Ellen and his dad, Richard, are preparing for the dinner. Meanwhile, David’s sister Abby and her boyfriend Benjamin are running late, and his younger brother Adam is an anxious ball of nerves. Just when everything starts to simmer, an accidental death gets in the way and the uproariously funny dark comedy is filled with twists, turns, and laughs you won’t see coming. From Menemsha Films, the theatrical premiere of BAD SHABBOS starts Friday, December 6th exclusively at the Movies of Delray, located at 7421 West Atlantic Avenue on the corner of Hagan Ranch Road in Delray Beach. Director, Daniel Robbins and Producer, Adam Mitchell will be on-hand for audience discussions at several weekend showtimes for three weeks, December 6th - December 8th, December 13th - December 15th and December 20th - December 22nd. Check showtimes and purchase tickets at: www.moviesofdelray.com BAD SHABOSS won the Audience Award at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, the Boston Jewish Film Festival and the Audience Award and Jury Award at Cordillera International Film Festival in Reno, Nevada. The film has also played to sold out crowds at film festivals, including the Hamptons, Rutger University in New Jersey, and Pittsburg among others. In January 2025, the comedy will screen in West Palm at the Sun and Stars International Film Festival from January 23rd - February 2nd and at the Miami Jewish Film Festival on January 9th - January 23rd. After, BAD SHABBOS will roll out to additional theaters in Florida and elsewhere in the U.S. Courtesy of Menemsha Films Previous Next

A Historic Opportunity For Israel Or A Dangerous New Threat To The Jewish State? By Mike Driquez Jan 7, 2025 The recent collapse of the Assad regime in Syria presents a pivotal moment in the Middle East, perhaps a unique opportunity in this challenging regional context. This sudden turn of events, coming on the heels of the devastating October 7th attack on Israel, has far-reaching implications, particularly for the region's power dynamics. The dark October 7th attack, a horrific act of terror aimed at Israel's destruction, triggered a chain of events that has - controversially - significantly weakened the Shiite axis. This axis, led by Iran since 1979, has long posed a threat to regional stability and the security of Israel and its allies. Despite being the worst day for the Jewish nation since the Holocaust, Israel’s fierce and determined response to this barbaric attack, on no less than seven fronts, exposed the vulnerability of the Axis’s key components. With the elimination of key figures like Haniyeh, Def, and Sinwar from Hamas, and Nasrallah from Hezbollah, along with the fall of the Assad regime and the Israeli Air Force devastative attack on Iranian soil, the Axis has been dealt a devastating blow. This has created a power vacuum in the region, raising questions about the future of Iran's regional ambitions. For Israel, especially with the approaching second term of the Trump presidency, this development offers a unique opportunity to reshape the regional landscape. With the axis weakened (some will argue agonizingly), Israel can work with regional partners to establish a new security architecture that prioritizes stability and peace based on mutual interests. While Israel understands that Syrian rebels may not share its ideological values, this could involve bolstering alliances with moderate Arab states and pursuing diplomatic initiatives to address long-standing conflicts. However, the situation remains fragile. The aftermath of the October 7th attack and the subsequent collapse of the Assad regime could lead to increased instability and the rise of extremist groups. While Israel must remain vigilant and prepared to address potential threats, its recent military successes against Hamas in the South, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria, the Houthis in Yemen, and Iran’s regional ambitions have sent a clear message to the Middle East: “Israel is open to peace, but will not shy away from defending itself when needed.” Ultimately, the events of recent months have presented Israel with a historic opportunity. By seizing this moment, Israel can play a decisive role in shaping a more secure and prosperous Middle East. The foreseeable future will tell us where the wind blows, specifically which path will be chosen by Al-Jolani, the Syrian rebels’ leader. Either way, we are living through historic days for Israel, the Middle East, and the entire world. May they also bring our 100 hostages back home soon. Photo credit : Erez Kashi - Prime Minister Bebe Netanyahu and Mike Driquez Previous Next

To Life 5: Jewish Broadway To Hollywood - Stories & Music Celebrating The Contributions Of Jewish Composers And Entertainers Press Release Jan 7, 2025 “The humor of the blues, as Jerry (Leiber) used to say, was akin to Yiddish humor. Like, “If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all.”” Mike Stoller From George and Ira Gershwin to Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, from Irving Berlin to John Kander and Fred Ebb, or from Jerry Herman to Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein, Jewish composers and entertainers have been an integral part of the Broadway and American pop lexicon for well over a century. (And then there’s Barbra Streisand, Carole King, and even Elvis Presley - Elvis' maternal great-great grandmother, Nancy Burdine, was Jewish. Her daughter gave birth to Doll Mansell who gave birth to Gladys Smith who gave birth to Elvis!). These, and many more icons of the stage, screen, and recording studio will be celebrated in To Life 5: Jewish Broadway to Hollywood! Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers and Entertainers to Broadway and the Great Hollywood Musicals. The popular series (To Life 1 through 4 each played to sold out houses at almost every performance) was developed by producer Hy Juter and is written by and will be Directed and Hosted by Shari Upbin. This all-new 5th chapter in the series will once again feature amusing anecdotes and fascinating facts about some of America’s most well-known, lauded, and popular Jewish composers and entertainers who created and performed in such iconic productions as Mame, Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof, Milk and Honey, and many more. The production will feature top-tier South Florida entertainers Jinon Deeb, Bruno Faria, Shelley Keelor, and Shane Tanner. Noted Pianist/Composer Elliot Weiss will serve as the production’s Musical Director. Nicole Roach is the production’s Stage Manager. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring another chapter of: To Life to the stage!” Shari Upbin says. “This season we have added stories of The Yiddish Theatre to songs of the Brill Building which includes Carole King and songs by Lieber and Stoller, “Hound Dog,” “Chapel of Love”... along with favorites by Gershwin, Berlin, Sheldon Harnick and Sondheim. This one is going to be a dynamic crowd pleaser!” To Life 5: Jewish Broadway to Hollywood! January 17th, 2025 – February 2nd, 2025. Written and Directed by Shari Upbin. Musical Direction by Elliot Weiss. Produced and Created by Hy Juter. For tickets & Information, call: (561) 347-3948 - Friday & Saturday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $46; group rates (6 or more tickets purchased in one transaction) are $41. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.myboca.us/2647/To-Life-5 The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park 300 South Military Trail in Boca Raton. Photo Credit: Michael Thomas Photos for Shari Upbin Previous Next

Tel Aviv University’s Dr. Jeffrey M. Hausdorff Discusses His Mobility And Neurological Research By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 For nearly 25 years, Dr. Jeffrey M. Hausdorff has been directing a research center that studies gait, cognition and mobility at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Hausdorff also serves as a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy in the Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences at Tel Aviv University. During our conversation, Professor Hausdorff shared details regarding his background and research. “After completing my formal education in biomedical engineering, I carried out postdoctoral training in aging at Harvard Medical School and carried out research for a number of years at the Margret & H.A. Rey Institute for Nonlinear Dynamics in Physiology and Medicine in Boston. Under the direction of Professor Ary Goldberger, at the Reylab, we investigated research questions, developed and applied innovative research tools based on nonlinear dynamics and fractal physiology. In 2000, I moved to Israel with my family and joined a clinical and research team in the Movement Disorders Unit (MDU) in the Department of Neurology at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. MDU was led by Professor Nir Giladi and it focused on treating and improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s Disease. Professor Giladi and I shared interests in studying gait and patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Nir allowed me to set up my research lab as part of the MDU. A major advantage of this setup was that our research facility was actually integrated into the clinic. We aim to better understand the physiology of a healthy gait. We have also studied the relationship between genetic mutations associated with PD and their impact on gait in healthy people who have an increased risk of developing PD in the future (single neuron firing in patients undergoing surgery for deep brain stimulation.)” “Early studies of gait focused on biomechanics, muscle strength and movement of the joints,” Hausdorff continued. “One of the major insights we learned is that among older adults and many patients with neurological disease, like PD, biomechanics play a role, however, cognitive function is also critically important to safe ambulation and fall risk. We have spent much of the past two decades characterizing and fine-tuning our understanding of everyday walking where there are obstacles, surprises and many challenges that require many specific aspects of cognitive function. This led us to use brain imaging techniques like MRI (and functional MRI) as well as functional near infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS) and EEG, allowing us to probe brain function during walking.” “The second broad goal of our research is to develop new tools and methods for quantifying gait and mobility,” Hausdorff continued. “This line of work has emerged as a very exciting field on its own with much interest from the FDA and many others. It has the potential to capture not just what a person can do when he or she is tested in a clinic, but also actual, daily living performance. While capacity is necessary for function, we have shown that there are large gaps between the two. Moreover, function may be more relevant to the patient than capacity. From a clinical trial and drug development perspective, many have suggested that long-term, continuous, 24/7 monitoring could save time and money, potentially shortening the time needed to test the value of a new therapy or drug.” Hausdorff shared his further studies on gait. “Gait speed and a closely related measure of step length, are two very powerful and sensitive measures of gait. Among older adults, gait speed predicts morbidity, mortality, disability, fall risk, cognitive decline and the development of Dementia. In the past, a biomechanical model of gait was used to estimate step length and gait speed from a sensor worn on the lower back during real-world, daily living studies. This was helpful and insightful, however, the model was not very accurate. With the help of a graduate student, Assaf Zadka, and Professor Neta Rabin, an expert in machine learning at TAU, we developed a new approach to estimating step length and gait speed from a wearable sensor. The machine learning approach is about four times more accurate than the biomechanical model.” “Another application of machine learning and wearable sensors was in our recent study of freezing of gait (FOG) among people with PD,” Hausdorff added. “FOG is a mysterious, disabling problem that affects many, but not all people with PD. When it happens, typically in an unpredictable manner, the person reports as if her feet are glued to the ground. This problem markedly impairs function, leads to falls, and, ultimately, confines the person to wheelchair use because of safety concerns. We have shown, for example, the key role of anxiety, depression and certain aspects of cognitive function in this problem. However, in the past, our investigations were limited to snapshot assessments in the clinic or home that do not fully reflect daily living FOG. Combining machine learning, with wearable sensor data, enabled us to quantify this problem in the daily living setting. We found (for the first time) time of day affects therapy treatment and prevention.” Hausdorff explained the therapeutic focus of his research. “Our third research direction is therapy, building on insights from our earlier studies. We aim to develop interventions that improve gait, reduce fall risk, and enhance cognitive function. For example, after learning that certain cognitive functions are crucial in safe walking, we tested cognitive-enhancing drugs like Ritalin and found promising results. We’ve also used non-invasive brain stimulation to explore brain-gait interactions with exciting findings that show the brain's ability to adapt positively, even with aging or neurological disease.” “Together with Dr. Brad Manor at Harvard Medical School, we recently received NIH funding to study the effects of six months of home-based, non-invasive brain stimulation on gait, cognitive function, and Dementia risk in older adults,” Hausdorff continued. “Additionally, with Professor Anat Mirelman, we developed a virtual reality approach that enhances traditional treadmill training. By immersing patients in a VR environment with motor and cognitive challenges, they can improve their walking and thinking skills subconsciously through fun, game-like tasks. In a multi-center, randomized study we led, this VR-based method reduced fall risk by 40% more than conventional treadmill walking. The technology was later transferred to a startup, GaitBetter, which is now used in many Israeli HMOs and gaining traction in the US. The (real-world) results have been even more impressive than in our studies. Patients and therapists are enthusiastic, and the system has significantly reduced falls and related costs. This ‘bench-to-bedside’ success has been deeply gratifying, highlighting the practical impact of our research on the health of older adults. We were also among the first to study the link between cognitive function and gait, which is now widely recognized. Our research shows that the ability to walk while performing another task can predict fall risk five years later.” When asked about the secret to his longevity, Hausdorff smiled. Previous Next

100 Jewish American Mothers Visit Israel As Part Of Emotional Trip With Momentum By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 8, 2025 A delegation of Jewish mothers from eight U.S. cities took part in Momentum’s year-long Journey of Growth, connecting them with their Jewish identity and heritage. A group of 100 women from eight American cities visited Israel from November 4-11 as part of an eight-day trip organized by the global Jewish organization Momentum, which aims to inspire Jewish women to lead a Jewish future by becoming more connected to their identity, heritage, and Israel. The eight-day trip was part of the Momentum year-long program known as the Journey of Growth, an initiative that provides women with the opportunity to delve into the spirit of Jewish unity that defines their homeland. Momentum, which works closely with the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, brings Jewish parents from around the world, the majority of whom are mothers, to Israel and empowers them to be change agents in their respective Jewish communities. Many stops on their itinerary paid tribute to the victims and heroes of October 7, like a tour of the ANU–Museum of the Jewish People and its new exhibition, “October Seventh,” which examines how Israeli culture reacted to the war, a visit to Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where participants expressed their solidarity with the families of the kidnapped victims and a day where they traveled to Israel’s South which included a stop at Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the Nova Festival Memorial site. The women also heard from Dr. Zohar Raviv, Momentum Scholar-in-Residence and the International Vice President of Education and Strategy at Taglit-Birthright Israel, who discussed how each woman can make a difference in advocating for Israel. They also listened to remarks from Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Yaron Buskila, who confronted more than a dozen terrorists on October 7. Participants hailed from seven cities; including Cooper City, Orlando, northern New Jersey, Toronto, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, New York City and Minneapolis. Native Israelis (who were part of the group) shared accounts of their life experiences since the war broke out. The educational programming mirrored the trip’s overall theme of acknowledging loss but also underscoring the Jewish’s people’s longstanding tradition of living a prideful and joyful life. Topics discussed during group sessions included delving into the power of memory, learning, growth, prayer, and taking action. The volunteer activities and emotional meetings are meant to inspire and prepare them to engage in meaningful dialogue so those in their home communities understand why the land of Israel is so integral to the story of the Jewish people. The trip was a powerful display of Jewish leadership in action. “While the events of October 7 have definitely influenced our Journey of Growth, we want our participants to bear witness to the atrocities of that day, we’re also passionate about showing these women the incredible resilience of the Jewish and Israeli spirit,” said Orit Mizner, Chief Operating Officer at Momentum. “Israel existed before October 7 and will continue much after. As an educational organization, we have a responsibility to foster Jewish identity, reclaim the Jewish and Israeli narrative and celebrate it. We also hope that the Israeli motivation to push forward inspires our community of women as they go home and find ways in which they can be positive agents in their communities.” The trip is just one aspect of the organization’s comprehensive Momentum Action Network. The multi-pronged initiative was spearheaded in the early days of the war to create a connection to what’s happening in Israel through the lens of the organization, deliver support through educational initiatives and inspire action through opportunities to do something positive for Israel in their own Jewish communities. This comes in addition to the organization’s campaign called “This Year I Will, This Year We Will,” which encourages all Momentum participants to take on the responsibility of finding ways to come together and give back to their Jewish community either individually or as a collective. Trip participant Samantha Schepps of Washington, D.C., said, “I wanted to continue to grow spiritually, and this is a great way to do that. The trip has been amazing, and I also appreciated the opportunity to visit the site of the October 7th victims. That experience helped me understand what happened that horrible day. I have young boys and have avoided watching the news, but now I feel confident in sharing what I saw when I got home and letting everyone know Israelis are resilient and the country is safe.” Momentum is a strong proponent in working with Jewish organizations around the world and has worked with over 300 partner organizations to coordinate its myriad activities. For this particular trip, Momentum collaborated with The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Partnership2Gether (P2G) Program and The Jewish Federations of North America. Momentum was founded in 2009 and brought 24,000 participants from 36 countries to Israel. Since October 7th, the organization has brought some 800 participants from 15 countries to bear witness to Israel’s story and share what they heard with their own communities when they return home. Momentum is also fully connected to the organizational ecosystem across the Jewish world, maintaining partnerships with approximately 350 Jewish organizations and federations. The organization was established when Lori Palatnik, along with seven other Jewish mother leaders (known as the Utah 8), noticed that communities were struggling to connect women with Jewish values and Israel, and together with eight women from the Washington, D.C. area developed the concept of a subsidized trip to Israel for Jewish mothers as a transformative investment in the Jewish family. Formerly the Jewish Women's Renaissance Project, Momentum has seen tremendous success in its mission of inspiring women to not only discover but become enchanted with Israel. About Momentum (momentumunlimited.org): The Momentum Year-long Journey is a partnership between Momentum and Israeli’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and fighting Antisemitism launched with a visit to Israel and caters to Jewish women with limited connection to Israel. The program targets Jewish people from around the world with the aim for them to fall in love with Israel and to connect with their Jewish identity. Momentum encourages women to tap into Jewish values and develop leadership in their local Jewish communities. The organization has reached 23,000 women from 36 countries and works with more than 400 Partner Organizations such as Jewish Federations, JCC’s and local communities. Previous Next

The Wick Theatre Presents Beautiful: The Carole King Musical - Song-Filled Journey Reveals ‘Tapestry’ Of Iconic Singer-Songwriter’s Life By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 Get ready to relive the magic of Carole King's legendary career as the Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning show, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, graces the stage of The Wick Theatre. This inspiring true story charts Carole King's journey from teenage songwriter to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icon. Featuring such unforgettable classics as "You've Got A Friend," "One Fine Day," "So Far Away," "Take Good Care Of My Baby," "Up On The Roof," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," and "Natural Woman.” The show runs January 16th through February 16th, 2025 with matinee performances at 2:00 p.m. and evening shows at 7:30 p.m. Due to overwhelming demand, Wednesday evening performances have been added. Single and group tickets available at: www.thewick.org - Or by calling the box office at: (561) 995-2333. "Carole King's music has captivated audiences for over six decades, writing and co-writing over 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100 charts,” said Marilynn A. Wick, Managing Executive Producer. “Beautiful celebrates her profound influence, the power of music, and the enduring legacy of her songs on our culture.” This bio-musical paints a portrait of King's early career in Brooklyn, capturing the complexities of her personal life, including her marriage to songwriting partner Gerry Goffin, and her inspiring journey of self-discovery. Starring as Carole King is Monet Sabel, who performed the role in the National Tour of Beautiful, in addition to numerous regional productions. The large cast also features Sean Williams Davis, Taylor Hilt Mitchell, and Leah Sessa. Helming this extraordinary production is celebrated Director Jeffrey B. Moss and Musical Director Bobby Peaco, both of whom are Wick favorites, and making her regional debut is Choreographer Melanie Fraber. To learn more about the backstory of this musical, The Wick Theatre is delighted to offer a new program featuring the inside scoop on each main stage production presented during the 2024/2025 Season. BROADWAY BUZZ – Pre-show talks. This enriching experience will be held inside the Museum Club and will be hosted by local theatre stars Charles Baran, Barbara Bradshaw, and Bruce Linser. Tickets are $25 per show or $100 for all five Broadway Buzz presentations. Talks begin at 6:45 p.m. before evening performances and 1:15 p.m. before matinee performances. Reserve your seat at: www.thewick.org - Or by calling the box office at: (561) 995-2333. “This is a unique opportunity to get the inside scoop on each of the main shows featured this season,” said Marilynn Wick, Managing Executive Producer. “These pre-show talks will offer entertaining and educational insights sure to enhance your theater experience. From intriguing show development to backstage stories, interesting facts about the authors to the creative journey behind the music, our Broadway Buzz will enhance your enjoyment of each show!” The Wick Theatre is located at 7901 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida 33487. Previous Next

45th Annual South Florida Chanukah Festival Inspires & Uplifts A Sellout Arena Chabad of South Broward Jan 8, 2025 Dear Friend(s), The 45th Annual South Florida Chanukah Festival was nothing short of extraordinary, an unforgettable night brimming with energy, emotion, and inspiration that lit up the hearts of nearly 4,500 attendees in the sold-out arena – and thousands more worldwide who joined us online. Produced by Apex Creatives and led by the visionary Dovid Weinbaum, this spectacular event was a celebration like no other, igniting the spirit of unity and tradition in the most electrifying way imaginable. The evening kicked off with a stirring recitation of Torah pesukim, followed by the grand lighting of the Giant Menorah, beautifully led by Rabbi Yossi Lebovics, Principal of Chaya Aydel Seminary. This powerful opening ceremony set the stage for a night filled with unforgettable moments, joy, and connection. The energy skyrocketed as the Mendy Hershkowitz Band took the stage, with their performance fueling the crowd’s anticipation for the incredible musical journey ahead. That was just the beginning! The evening boasted a stellar lineup of superstars, including Avraham Fried, Shulem Lemmer, Alex Clare, Itzik Dadya, and Musical Director Yuval Stupel. Each artist brought their unique passion, electrifying the atmosphere and leaving the crowd astonished. One of the night's most unforgettable moments was the remarkable duets that demonstrated the incredible chemistry between the artists. The collaboration between Avraham Fried and Shulem Lemmer brought the house down, blending their soulful voices in a performance that resonated deeply with everyone. Avraham Fried and Alex Clare’s dynamic duet had the audience on their feet, while Shulem Lemmer and Itzik Dadya’s heartfelt moment struck a powerful chord, sending the waves of emotion through the arena. A surprise appearance by Mem, an active soldier in an elite IDF unit, took the evening to new heights, as his stirring performance captivated the audience and left a profound emotional imprint. When Shulem Lemmer dedicated a soulful rendition of “Mi Sheberach” to Mem and his fellow IDF soldiers, the entire arena stood still, united in prayer for protection and strength. The emotional bond between Mem and the audience created a moment that will forever be etched in our hearts. Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus, Director of Chabad of South Broward, perfectly captured the essence of the evening, saying, “This festival is a testament to the power of light and unity. Jews from every background and affiliation came together tonight to celebrate our shared heritage and the miracles of Chanukah.” From the awe-inspiring menorah lighting to the unforgettable performances and deeply moving moments, the 45th Annual South Florida Chanukah Festival was truly a celebration of light, unity, and joy – a night that touched everyone and left us all inspired. We can't wait for next year’s celebration! Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus Rabbi Moshe Schwartz Chabad of South Broward Previous Next

JCN - AFMDA Honors Actress Patricia Heaton at its Miami Gala By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 8, 2025 On December 11th, 2024, the spotlight shined on Hollywood stars Patricia Heaton and Liev Schreiber as the two celebrities demonstrated their unwavering support for Israel during the “American Friends of Magen David Adom’s 2024 Miami Gala – Celebrating Life. Honoring Lifesavers.” 900 supporters of AFMDA attended the festive fundraising extravaganza which was held at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort in Aventura. The evening included a cocktail reception, an elegant kosher dining experience created by Chef Olivia Ostrow of the Ostrow Brasserie, inspiring program and an after party. The gala was hosted by Israeli actress and model Moran Atias, as well as Ambassador Gilad Erdan, MDA’s global president. Highlights included a presentation by actor Liev Schreiber, AFMDA’s Champion of Israel award winner Patricia Heaton (star of Everybody Loves Raymond and many other achievements) and Jassi and Joey Antebi receiving the L’Dor V’Dor Humanitarian of the Year award. The event also spotlighted frontline medics including Adham Safadi, whose daughter was among the 12 children killed by a Hezbollah rocket fired from Lebanon as they played soccer this past July. During his emotional presentation, Schreiber read a letter written by Safadi. “I tried to look away but I couldn't. The muscles in my neck wouldn't move. I begged a stranger to cover my daughter's face.” Reading a friend’s quote, Schreiber continued, “There is nothing so whole as a broken heart.” Schreiber also gave a heart wrenching account of the experiences of Magen David Adom EMT Zvi Reder, who saved many lives on October 7th, even as his son was murdered by terrorists at a nearby kibbutz. “When I was in Ukraine building Blue Check,” Schreiber said, referring to the organization he founded, “Magen David Adom was right there beside me, delivering bulletproof ambulances and world-class medical care.” Heaton (a devout Catholic) received AFMDA’s Champion of Israel award for her outspoken support for Israel following Hamas’ October 7 massacre that left more than 1,200 Israelis murdered and over 250 taken hostage. Heaton’s initiatives include her creation of the October 7th Coalition (O7C), as well as her #MyzuzahYourzuzah campaign, encouraging non-Jews to fight antisemitism and stand with Israel and her people. “It is our goal to encourage Christians to stand visibly and vocally against the rise of Antisemitism and to stand with our Jewish savior's biological family as the scripture calls us. We are here to be a voice of allyship to the Jewish people and to stand not only for the sole democracy in the Middle East, but to bless Israel as we are instructed. We pray that more Christians have their hearts softened and join in supporting our Jewish brothers and sisters,” Heaton said. During her award acceptance speech, Heaton said, “The world owes Israel a debt of eternal gratitude.” Heaton also expressed her support for MDA. “As one of the leading nonprofits in Israel, serving as the national red cross, Magen David Adom is the first to respond and provide care for all Israelis. They epitomize the heart of Israel. It is an honor to be recognized by such an esteemed organization who is at the forefront of the battle. When the recent attacks in Amsterdam took place, it was Magen David Adom who boarded a plane to Amsterdam to attend to the immediate needs of Israeli victims. Magen David Adom is a shining light in the world.” A candlelit moment of silence honored the Israeli victims of terror and included participation by everyone in the capacity-filled room. Donations totaling over $4.5 Million were raised during the event. Auctioneer Dave Keystone led the live auction. Donations included the funding of several ambulances culminating in almost $1.8 Million in donations raised during the event along with a million-dollar matching grant by an anonymous donor. For more information about supporting Magen David Adom, visit secure.afmda.org Previous Next

Hadassah Reopens Key Spaces - At Its Youth Villages In Israel Following Extensive Renovations By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, has reopened two facilities at its youth villages in Israel, which serve vulnerable teens and pre-teens, following extensive renovations. The psychological therapy center at Hadassah’s Meir Shfeyah youth village, near Haifa, will now be known as the Ellen Hershkin Therapeutic Center in honor of Hadassah’s 26th national president, who led the organization from 2016 to 2019. At the Hadassah Neurim youth village, near Netanya, the spacious, redesigned emergency shelter will serve as a secure space and command center during emergencies and a leisure and activity space year-round. The renovations were made possible by more than $500,000 from Hadassah’s crisis-response fundraising efforts following the October 7 attacks. The youth villages, which are home to almost 700 students and 200 staff members, are supported by Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah program. Ellen Hershkin Therapeutic Center at Meir Shfeyah Youth Village The Ellen Hershkin Therapeutic Center offers Meir Shfeyah’s residents a welcoming environment where they can meet with social workers and therapists. The renovation is especially timely given the increasing number of residents experiencing trauma due to the October 7th invasion and the subsequent war. While the Center is located on the first floor of the Meir Shfeyah administration building, the renovation encompassed the building’s entire exterior and interior. “I’m humbled to see my name on an edifice that exists solely to be a safe haven for our young residents,” said past Hershkin. “Children are a country’s greatest resource and nurturing them, which Hadassah does in partnership with many, many talented and dedicated professionals, donors and volunteers, is more than a mitzvah. It is holy work.” As part of the ceremony, Hershkin and Inessa Shlomov, the mother of Meir Shfeyah graduate Simon Shlomov, who was killed in February while serving with the IDF, affixed a mezuzah to the entrance to the Center. Emergency Shelter at Hadassah Neurim Youth Village The almost 4,000-square-foot shelter on the campus of Hadassah Neurim has been upgraded and outfitted to protect students and faculty from attack while providing a year-round leisure and activity space. The shelter now offers four large rooms – a Yoga-Pilates-dance studio, a movie theater, a student leadership room and a staff room – as well as two kitchens and two bathrooms. A nurse’s station is available for emergencies and the staff room has been set up to function as a command center in a crisis. During the dedication ceremony, which honored Hadassah Neurim graduates and family members killed on or since October 7th, those assembled lit memorial candles and recited a prayer for fallen IDF soldiers. Previous Next

Books & Books Is Proud To Present: On Being Jewish Now An Evening With Talia Carner, Dara Levan, Amy Ephron, Zibby Owens And Debbie Reed Fischer Pictured: Panelists Talia Carner Feb 18, 2025 On Being Jewish Now is an intimate and hopeful collection of meaningful, smart, funny, sad, emotional, and inspiring essays from today’s authors and advocates about what it means to be Jewish, how life has changed since the attacks on October 7th, 2023, and the unique culture that brings this group together. On October 7th, 2023, Jews in Israel were attacked in the largest pogrom since the Holocaust. It was a day felt by Jews everywhere who came together to process and speak out in ways some never had before. In this collection, 75 contributors speak to Jewish joy, celebration, laughter, food, trauma, loss, love, and family, and the common threads that course through the Jewish people: resilience and humor. Contributors include Mark Feuerstein, Jill Zarin, Steve Leder, Joanna Rakoff, Amy Ephron, Lisa Barr, Annabelle Gurwitch, Daphne Merkin, Bradley Tusk, Sharon Brous, Jenny Mollen, Nicola Kraus, Caroline Leavitt, and many others. On Being Jewish Now is edited by Zibby Owens, bestselling author, podcaster, bookstore owner, and CEO of Zibby Media. Books & Books Event Books & Books is proud to present an evening with Talia Carner, Dara Levan, Amy Ephron, Zibby Owens, and Debbie Reed Fischer discussing their contributions in On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates (Zibby Books, $12.99). Date and Time Monday, February 24th • 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location Books & Books 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 Panelists Talia Carner Novelist Talia Carner is formerly the publisher of Savvy Woman Magazine, a marketing consultant and a lecturer at international women’s economic forums. An award-winning author of six novels and numerous stories, essays and articles, she is also a committed supporter of global human rights. Carner has spearheaded ground-breaking projects centered on female plight and women’s activism. Panelists Amy Ephron Amy Ephron is a bestselling and award-winning novelist of both adult and children’s novels. Amy Ephron has spent some of her life chronicling Los Angeles & New York and places in-between. From her Los Angeles Times’ Magazine column “Palm Latitudes” to New York Times T Magazine column “L.A. POV,” and Contributor and Contributing Editor at Vogue & www.Vogue.com . Some of these pieces appear in her collection, “Loose Diamonds.” Panelists Dara Levan Her desire to impact others through words began as a young girl. When her grandmother lived in a nursing home, she interviewed the residents and wrote their stories. She was 12 years old at the time and living in her hometown, North Miami Beach. Dara devoured books of all genres and still does but her favorites are women's fiction, family sagas, and evocative, life-affirming stories. Communicating and connecting with others continued throughout high school. Dara earned a B.A. in English and a minor in Journalism at Indiana University. Those four years prompted profound transformation. She will never forget those weeks. She didn’t fully pursue her life’s passion and purpose until 2017 when she launched Every Soul Has a Story®. The journey is all about the people she met along the way. What began as a blog has expanded to include a podcast, an inclusive space in which she interviews inspiring guests from around the globe. She's realized that we can write and rewrite our own stories. Panelists Debbie Reed Fischer Debbie Reed Fischer is a best-selling author and speaker, praised by Kirkus Reviews for “balancing weighty issues with a sharp wit.” Debbie’s father was a USAF colonel and diplomat, so she and her brothers grew up in many places, including England, Greece, Florida, New York, and the Washington D.C. area. Before the age of thirteen, Debbie had trekked through Egypt on a camel, floated on a gondola in Venice, played hide and seek in palaces and castles, gotten lost in the underground cisterns of Istanbul, climbed the Leaning Tower of Pisa, hiked the Samaria Gorge in Crete, touched the pillars of StoneHenge, and much, much more. Through it all, she dreamed of writing novels and film scripts, and is lucky enough to have done both. She is grateful to have had an upbringing surrounded by many languages and cultures. Best of all, she had a dad who loved books and a mom who loved storytelling, especially tales about her childhood in Guantanamo. A graduate of the University of Miami, Debbie majored in Screenwriting and Judaic Studies with a minor in English. While still a student, she contributed to the critically acclaimed book Tropical Diaspora: The Jewish Experience in Cuba, the very first study on the Cuban-Jewish community, which included interviews with her mother and relatives. After graduation, she went on tour singing and dancing with the U.S.O. during Operation Desert Storm. Debbie worked for many years as a film/TV agent and model booker. Debbie has contributed to numerous anthologies, non-fiction books, and articles. She is a speaker and writing instructor, presenting at literary conferences, universities, schools, and author panels. Her short story This is What I’ll Tell You in Coming of Age: 13 B’nai Mitzvah Stories (Albert Whitman & Company) is semi-autobiographical, with a portion of the proceeds going to organizations fighting Antisemitism. When she’s not writing, Debbie can be found at concerts with her husband Eric, watching her sons Louis and Sam play hockey, or searching for the perfect café con leche. She divides her time between South Florida and North Carolina. Connect with Debbie on Instagram and Facebook. Founding member of: www.theartistsagainstantisemitism.com . Panelists Zibby Owens Zibby Owens is the creator and host of award-winning podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books and has been dubbed "NYC's Most Important Book-fluencer" (Vulture). She is the co-founder and CEO of Zibby Books publishing house, Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica, CA, and creator of "the Zibby-verse" community of book lovers. Zibby is the author of the novel Blank, Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, the children's book Princess Charming, and editor of three anthologies including On Being Jewish Now. Follow her on Instagram where she tells it like it is. www.zibbyowens.com Follow her on Instagram: @zibbyowens and subscribe to her Substack: www.zibbyowens.com . About The Event The event will take place at the Books & Books in Coral Gables at 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. Tickets are FREE and books will be available for purchase at the event. All profits will be donated to Artists Against Antisemitism. Panelists Dara Levan Panelists Amy Ephron Panelists Zibby Owens Panelists Debbie Reed Fischer On Being Jewish Now - A USA Today Bestseller Previous Next

Many Lessons From A Few Hours In Jenin By Moshe Phillips Jan 7, 2025 Israeli security forces spent a few hours in the Palestinian Authority city of Jenin earlier this month. The incident didn’t make much news, but there’s much to be learned from it. Let’s start with the extent of the terrorist presence in the city. The Israelis managed to eliminate a total of nine armed terrorists, and uncovered four explosives laboratories. The city is literally riddled with bomb-making sites—yet somehow the PA police never noticed them. Some of the terrorists were killed by Israeli air strikes, which then set off “multiple secondary explosions,” according to the Israeli Army spokesman. That indicated “the presence of weapons caches.” Israeli forces also “neutralized dozens of explosives planted along routes intended to target Israeli soldiers.” What a city! Explosives labs. Weapons caches. Terrorists busily planted dozens of bombs on various roads. Yet not a single member of the PA police or security forces ever noticed them. Amazing! The PA has been the sole governing authority in Jenin since 1995. For twenty-nine years, the U.S.-trained PA security forces have been in charge. That security force began as a 12,000-man “strong police force,” according to Article VII of the first Oslo Accord. It grew into a 60,000-man “security force” that has become a de-facto army. What are the PA security forces required to do in cities such as Jenin? The Oslo Agreement says they must “apprehend, investigate and prosecute perpetrators and all other persons directly or indirectly involved in acts of Terrorism, violence and incitement.” (Annex I, Article II, 3-c of Oslo II). The PA has ignored that obligation for three decades now. It doesn’t arrest Terrorists, it doesn’t shut down their explosives labs or confiscate their weapons depots, as the Israeli forces discovered, yet again, in Jenin this week. According to the World Atlas, the PA has the sixth-largest per-capita security force in the world—an astonishing 1,250 “police officers” per 100,000 people. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy has reported that “by late 1998, the PA security services…had in almost every regard violated the letter of the agreements reached with Israel,” turning the Palestinian Authority governed areas into “one of the most heavily policed territories in the world.” Yet somehow those PA security forces can’t find a single bomb-making lab after 29 years in Jenin, while the Israelis found four of them over the space of a few hours. Now let’s take a look at how the PA responded to the latest Israeli operation in Jenin. The Palestinian Authority's leaders should have been celebrating, right? After all, the State Department, the United Nations, and J Street keep telling us that the PA is opposed to terrorism. Peace Now and the Washington Post insist that the PA is “moderate” and is against the “extremists.” So the PA should have been delighted that the Israelis were catching and eliminating terrorists. Not quite. The PA’s official news agency, Wafa, denounced “the Israeli assault on Jenin city.” It accused the Israelis of “killing young men” (not terrorists) and “besieging a house” (not a terrorist hideout). Wafa also claimed Israel was causing “widespread destruction,” and “targeting emergency responders.” In short, what the Palestinian Authority wanted the Palestinian Arab public to believe is that evil Israel is once again massacring innocent young Arabs, destroying their cities, and murdering their emergency medics. In short, the PA wants the Arab public to hate Israel and Jews. Some peace partner! There was one final note of irony in the Wafa report. It concluded by mentioning that following the operation, “the Israeli military has withdrawn” from Jenin. Well, isn’t that odd? Israel’s critics are constantly claiming that Israel “occupies” those territories. If so, why are they withdrawing? Where are they going? Who is left to “occupy” Jenin? The answer, of course, is that the “occupation” claim is a lie. The Wafa report accidentally let the cat out of the bag. There are no Israeli “occupiers.” They went into Jenin for a few hours, hit the terrorists, and left. Which is how it’s been for the last 29 years, since the day the occupation ended. So there you have it in a nutshell: An enormous sized PA security force that refuses to enforce security, a “peaceful” PA that incites the public to war against Israel, and an “occupational” lie that is spread even when the Palestinian Authority itself admits there are no Israeli occupiers. Just another Thursday in the Middle East! (Moshe Phillips is National Chairman of Americans For a Safe Israel (AFSI), a leading pro-Israel advocacy and education organization.) Previous Next