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$14 Million raised at United Hatzalah’s Miami Gala By Linda Chase and Alan Goch - Jewish Connection News Jan 8, 2025 The atmosphere was energetic and inspiring at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa in Aventura as former World Boxing Champion Floyd Mayweather announced that he was donating $1 Million to United Hatzalah of Israel. Mayweather made his pledge as he received United Hatzalah’s Champion of Israel Award during the life-saving organization’s annual Miami Gala. $14 Million was raised during the event that hosted 1,700 supporters. The gala’s co-chairs were Margo Cohen and Dr. Phil Frost. Mayweather was recognized for his unwavering support of Israel and Hatzalah, especially during the war against Hamas. Recently, Mayweather donated 100 bullet proof helmets and vests to protect volunteers who continue to respond to wartime attacks. “You are all fighters. I am a former fighter, but we keep fighting every day,” said Mayweather at the United Hatzalah Miami Gala. “Eli [Beer], you and United Hatzalah are doing such a great job. I will be here until the casket drops, supporting you and standing behind you as long as there are people who need your help.” In honoring Mayweather, Eli Beer, Founder and President of United Hatzalah said, “Floyd Mayweather has shown the world what it truly means to be a champion; not just in the ring, but in life. In United Hatzalah’s most trying hours, Floyd stood with us, providing essential equipment to protect our volunteers and sending a powerful message of solidarity to the Jewish people. We are deeply grateful for his support of our organization, our volunteers and of Israel.” Mayweather gifted philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson with a diamond necklace in the shape of Hatzalah’s logo. “Dr. Miriam Adelson is not just a good woman, but a great woman,” Mayweather added. Dr. Adelson, who wore a dress designed by designer Tovale Chasin, presented Chasin with the Fashion Ambassador Award. “We all saw United Hatzalah ambulances go into the kibbutzim on October. The spirit of the volunteers is that they don’t give up,” Dr. Adelson added. Other highlights during the evening included Jeanie and Jay Schottenstein and Family, being presented with the Humanitarian Award by Amy and Bob Book and Lili Montague and Keith Leight, grandchildren of Dr. Lynn and Paul Leight, announcing the inauguration of the L’Dor V’Dor initiative to bring in the younger generation to support United Hatzalah. Part of the funding from this Gala will go towards the Leight Initiative. Following the dinner and program, Jay Leno, a long-time supporter of Israel and Honorary Board Member of United Hatzalah provided the featured entertainment for the evening, along with Mem, the popular masked Israeli singer, who made a surprise visit to the event after serving on the frontlines in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). For more information about United Hatzalah, visit: www.israelrescue.org Photo: Boxing Champion Floyd Mayweather is joined by Eli Beer, Founder and President of United Hatzalah of Israel and Dr. Miriam Adelson at the gala in Miami. Photo by Goksun Ergur/United Hatzalah Previous Next

The Brandeis Center and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education Agree with Harvard to Settle Title VI Litigation Photo Credit Kris Snibbe / Harvard University Feb 18, 2025 Today, Plaintiffs The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and Jewish Americans for Fairness in Education (“JAFE”) announced that they have reached an agreement to resolve their claims against Harvard University. As part of the settlement, Harvard has agreed to implement a series of steps, building on measures that Harvard has undertaken over the past year as a part of its commitment to combating antisemitism. Harvard and the Brandeis Center look forward to working together in these efforts. The agreement resolves claims raised by the Brandeis Center and JAFE on behalf of Harvard students in a federal lawsuit. Under the agreement, and consistent with Harvard’s existing Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying Policies (“NDAB”), which prohibit discrimination on the basis of ancestry, religion, national origin, or political beliefs, Harvard will incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (“IHRA”) definition of antisemitism including accompanying examples applied in the manner described in guidance issued by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) in 2021 and 2024. Harvard will accordingly consider in the same manner the IHRA definition and examples when evaluating NDAB complaints raising allegations of anti-Semitic discrimination or harassment. In addition, Harvard shall post online a Frequently Asked Questions document (“FAQ”) relating to the NDAB, which shall be available online in the same location as the NDAB, clarifying that both Jewish and Israeli identity are covered by the NDAB; that the NDAB include among their protected categories shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics as well as political beliefs; and that the IHRA definition will be used as described above. The FAQ will include the following statement: “For many Jewish people, Zionism is a part of their Jewish identity. Conduct that would violate the Non- Discrimination Policy if targeting Jewish or Israeli people can also violate the policy if directed toward Zionists. Examples of such conduct include excluding Zionists from an open event, calling for the death of Zionists, applying a ‘no Zionist’ litmus test for participation in any Harvard activity, using or disseminating tropes, stereotypes, and conspiracies about Zionists (e.g., ‘Zionists control the media’), or demanding a person who is or is perceived to be Jewish or Israeli to state a position on Israel or Zionism to harass or discriminate.” The FAQ will include a list of examples of conduct that, provided that the required elements under the policy are met, may constitute prohibited discriminatory treatment or discriminatory harassment in violation of the NDAB. Under the agreement, Harvard will also reaffirm at least annually that antisemitism will not be tolerated and that, consistent with the OCR Guidance, as described in further detail above, Harvard will consider the IHRA definition of antisemitism and examples in applying the NDAB. Harvard will also prepare a public annual report for the next five years that covers Harvard’s response to discrimination or harassment based on Title VI-protected traits (with a lookback at disciplinary responses to NDAB complaints based on allegations of antisemitism since October 1, 2023). These reports will catalog Harvard’s response to complaints based on allegations of antisemitism, consistent with FERPA, and assess Harvard’s treatment of such complaints against its treatment of complaints based on allegations of other forms of bias. To carry out these undertakings, Harvard will hire a designated individual for Harvard’s Office for Community Conduct (“OCC”) who will have responsibility for consulting on all complaints of antisemitism and for supervising the preparation of the annual reports required under the settlement. Harvard has also agreed to provide expert training on combating antisemitism and the IHRA definition for OCC staff involved in reviewing complaints of discrimination, and Harvard will broadly promote annual training for the University community focused on recognizing and combating antisemitism. The OCC Director will also ensure that Title VI and Harvard’s NDAB policies will be enforced equally, applying a single standard for all students, including Jewish and Israeli students. Harvard will also invest additional academic resources to study antisemitism and will establish an official partnership with a university in Israel, in addition to programs the University currently has in place with Israeli universities. Harvard will provide an opportunity for the Brandeis Center to host a variety of events on campus. In addition, Harvard Kennedy School will provide an opportunity for three alumni of that school to organize and host an on-campus event, consistent with the relevant guidelines that apply to active student groups, on the substantive issues of Israeli Jewish democracy. As part of this settlement with Brandeis Center and JAFE, which includes monetary terms, Harvard has not admitted to any wrongdoing or liability. A Harvard University spokesperson said, “Today’s settlement reflects Harvard’s enduring commitment to ensuring our Jewish students, faculty, and staff are embraced, respected, and supported. We will continue to strengthen our policies, systems, and operations to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate and ensure all members of the Harvard community have the support they need to pursue their academic, research and professional work and feel they belong on our campus and in our classrooms.” Kenneth L. Marcus, Founder and Chairman of the Brandeis Center and the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education stated, “We are heartened that Harvard has agreed to take numerous important steps necessary to creating a welcoming environment for Jewish students. When fully and faithfully implemented, this agreement will help ensure that Jewish students are able to learn and thrive in an environment free from antisemitic hate, discrimination, and harassment. We thank those within Harvard, including administrators, faculty, students, and alumni, who have worked tirelessly to achieve this result. In turn, we look forward to working with Harvard on the important work in this agreement to ensure that the rights of all students are protected.” Previous Next

American Jewish Committee (AJC) Miami and Broward Jan 7, 2025 Was honored to host a Diplomatic Lunch Meeting with Levente Magyar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and H.E. Szabolcs Takács, Ambassador of Hungary to the United States. Photo credit to US Embassy of Hungary- Lilla Hillier Previous Next

A Lifeline Of Compassion & Strength: Ensuring Every Jew Confronting Illness Or Crisis Is Embraced with Unwavering Support Pictured: “Wish at the Wall makes this dream a reality, showing them that despite their medical challenges, they are capable of incredible things.” Feb 18, 2025 Chai Lifeline is an international support network, providing social, emotional, and practical assistance to children, families, and communities impacted by medical crises and trauma through a variety of year-round programs and services. Their vision is to ensure every Jew confronting illness or crisis is embraced with compassion, strength, and unwavering support. Journey of Resilience This year’s trip will feature the introduction of the Rosenberg Jerusalem Experience and holds special significance, as it was postponed in 2024 due to the outbreak of war following the tragic events of October 7th. In addition to visiting Israel’s iconic landmarks such as the Kotel, Masada, and the Dead Sea, participants will engage in meaningful encounters, including meeting wounded IDF soldiers at Sheba Medical Center, paying tribute to the victims of October 7th at the Nova Music Festival site, and hosting a barbecue for soldiers. They will also visit “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv to show support for families of hostages. “This trip is so much more than a journey to Israel; it is a celebration of resilience and hope,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “The teens on this trip have faced unimaginable challenges, and through this program, we are honored to provide them with a life-changing experience that brings joy, confidence, and connection to their heritage. We are deeply grateful to the Hartman and Rosenberg families for their generosity in making this program possible.” Accompanied by wheelchairs, walkers, and respirators, these teens and their parents will experience Israel’s rich culture and spirituality. The trip alternates annually between teenagers who have completed cancer treatment and those living with chronic illnesses or disabilities, ensuring each group receives the specialized support they need. Joining the group this year is Rabbi Shay Schachter, Camp Simcha Rabbi and a prominent advocate for hostage families, who will provide spiritual guidance and support throughout the trip. “For many of these teens, a trip to Israel would otherwise be impossible,” said Rabbi Scholar. “Wish at the Wall makes this dream a reality, showing them that despite their medical challenges, they are capable of incredible things.” Yehudah Zellermaier Appointed As Director Chai Lifeline, is pleased to announce the appointment of Yehudah Zellermaier, LCSW, as the new Director of its Greater New York region. Zellermaier brings over 15 years of experience in social services and nonprofit leadership to the organization. Prior to joining Chai Lifeline, Zellermaier served as Managing Director of the Brooklyn Hub at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, where he significantly expanded programs and services, overseeing the buildout and operations of the new social services center in Boro Park. His extensive experience also includes roles as Executive Director of the Boro Park Chesed Center and Director of Operations at the Met Council, where he managed multiple large programs serving thousands annually. “We are thrilled to welcome Yehudah to the Chai Lifeline family,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “His proven leadership and dedication to community service align perfectly with our mission to support children and families facing serious illness. We look forward to the positive impact he will have in the New York region.” In his new role, Zellermaier, who holds a Master of Social Work from New York University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, will lead a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers to enhance Chai Lifeline’s comprehensive support programs, including case management, crisis intervention, hospital services, meal delivery, transportation, i-Shine after school programming, and a range of services for children and families confronting serious illnesses. “I am honored to join Chai Lifeline and contribute to its vital mission,” said Zellermaier. “I look forward to working with the team to provide compassionate support to families in our community during their most challenging times.” Chai Lifeline is an international support network providing emotional, social, and practical assistance to children and families impacted by illness and crisis. For more information, visit: www.chailifeline.org . Yehudah Zellermaier will serve as Chai Lifeline New York’s Regional Director. Previous Next

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

Memorial For Miami-Dade Mayor’s Mother Held At Chabad Chabad Chayil Feb 18, 2025 Pictured: Barry Snyder with Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. A Shloshim Memorial Service honoring the life of Lois May Jaffin Levine, the mother of Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, was held this week at Chabad Chayil in Miami-Dade North. The program began with a heartfelt performance by children from Chabad’s CHAP Program, a daily after-school program for Jewish public school students. The children sang a song about the neshama, setting a reflective tone for the evening. Rabbi Moishe Kievman of Chabad Chayil then taught 2 Mishnas corresponding to Lois May’s Jewish name, Leah Malka, with a Kabalistic Chassidic explanation based on the teachings of The Rebbe. The Kel Maleh Rachamim prayer was led by Rabbi Zalman Gansburg from Chabad of Palmetto Bay. Mayor Levine Cava read two poignant poems her mother wrote shortly before her passing, offering a glimpse into her mother’s wisdom. Everyone there joined together in singing a chapter of Tehillim, followed by Kaddish and the traditional verses of condolences. The mayor was presented with a plaque representing a dedicated square foot in the new Chabad Chayil center currently under construction in Highland Lakes. Her name will also be on permanent display together with all others that are dedicated square feet or any part of the building. https://BuildChabadChayil.org The event, which drew community members and local leaders, exemplified the values of faith, family, and community that Lois Levine instilled in her loved ones. Mayor Levine Cava, the first Jewish and first female mayor of Miami-Dade County, has been a trailblazer in public service. Overseeing a government with more than 28,000 employees and serving nearly 3 million residents, she manages an annual budget of $13 Billion. Originally from Brooklyn, she was first elected as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner in 2014 and became mayor in 2020, securing re-election in 2024. The Memorial service was organized by Rabbi Moishe & Layah Kievman. Rabbi Kievman who helped the mayor place Mezuzahs in her office when she was first elected, and has made sure she has Shmura Matzah for her Passover Seders said that: “We are lucky to have a mayor who understands the needs of each community and makes it her business to do whatever she can to help. When there was an issue with the Jewish schools throughout the county being faced with a choice of either opening up their schools to everyone, thus losing their identity, or to give up on funding, we turned to Mayor Levine Cava. The mayor called all involved parties to that meeting and made sure all issues were resolved before the meeting finished. Can you imagine the nachas of hundreds of Jewish children being able to attend Jewish schools, given to her late mother?” The memorial ended with the mayor together with everyone there making blessings on different types of food. Giving hundreds of merits to her mother's soul. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava talking with Rabbi and Layah Kievman and Avremel. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava accepts the plaque: https://BuildChabadChayil.org Kievman family with Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. Previous Next

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Presents The Shvesters & More: Transforming classic Yiddish and Jewish melodies into Sophisticated, Contemporary Harmonic Arrangements Photo Credit Broward Center for the Performing Arts Feb 18, 2025 The City of Aventura has an entertaining Lineup in store for you featuring Yiddish and Jewish melodies, a Piano Festival with Ilya Itin and more. This celebration of talent and artistry promises unforgettable experiences for every audience. Timeless, dazzling, and distinctive, The Shvesters, transform classic Yiddish and Jewish melodies into sophisticated, contemporary harmonic arrangements on Thursday, March 20th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Recognized for their tight harmonies, soulful grooves and rich improvisation, The Shvesters (Chava Levi and Polina Fradkin) have gained a reputation for their unique, refreshing interpretations of Yiddish standards and traditional Jewish songs. The duo has garnered widespread attention, with media coverage from The Jewish Journal, Voice of America, and The Grammys and sold-out concert halls in New York, Paris, Tel Avivnand beyond. The Shvesters are finally bringing their music to the stage in Aventura, supported by pianist Moshe Elmakias, with a performance that is sure to transport the audience to another world. Miami International Piano Festival presents Ilya Itin, known for his extraordinary range, power, quality of sound and command of the piano, on Sunday, March 23rd at 5:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Since capturing the Gold Medal, BBC Audience Award and Contemporary Music Prize at the 1996 Leeds International Piano Competition, Itin has performed throughout the world bringing his powerful musical imagination and mastery to wide ranging repertoire. Itin’s “Russian Marathon” concerts at the Miami International Piano Festival captured his historic recording of all 24 Preludes of Rachmaninov, and Prokofiev’s 7th and 8th Sonatas performed in one day. He released his newest recording of the complete Debussy Preludes on vinyl and high-definition audio in 2016 and his Princeton recital in July 2015 that featured beloved works by Rachmaninov and Scriabin will also be released as a state-of-the-art high-definition recording of the live performance. London's Daily Telegraph reported, "Itin’s is a rare and exciting artistry indeed … Poised, pure, and ravishing in its range of colour, Itin’s playing is a prime example of a superb technique put at the service of an inquiring and imaginative mind.” Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter . The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. Previous Next

The New Year For Trees By Rabbi Moishe Kievman - Chabad Chayil Feb 18, 2025 When’s the last time you wished a tree Happy New Year? Coming up this year on Thursday, February 13th, is a great opportunity to do exactly that. The day is known as Tu B’Shevat, and Jewish people throughout the world celebrate it as the New Year of Trees. Well, it’s the trees that will celebrate, but we’ll celebrate together with them! After all, the Torah says, “Man is a tree of the field.” We are nurtured by deep roots, as far back as Abraham and Sarah; we reach upwards to the heavens while standing firmly on the ground; and when we do all this right, we produce delicious fruit that benefits the world—namely, our good deeds. Since Tu B'Shevat is known as the "New Year for Trees," this would naturally be a time for trees to engage in soul-searching — the same way people do on Rosh Hashanah. Here is a tree's New Year Checklist by Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe which we have posted on: www.ChabadChayil.org/tubshvat • Did I shelter the seedlings that live in my shade — so they will grow up to be a next generation like myself? • Did I grow towards the sun as a tree should, reaching up higher and higher towards that which I can never grasp, but which nurtures me all the same the more I strive towards it? • Did I make sure my roots remain firmly planted in the soil that nurtures them, and did I drop my leaves there in the fall to give back life to that which sustains me? • Did I ensure that my fruits were sweet and nourished all that came to enjoy them? Did everyone walk away from me with a smile? • Did I bend gently in the wind, accepting what G‑d sends but never breaking or giving up hope? • Did I grow in strength and wisdom with each new ring this year? Come to think of it, it’s not a bad checklist for us humans either! Traditionally, we make sure to eat fruit on this day. After all, that's what the fruits were created for. And like us, they are happy and feel fulfilled when they serve their purpose. We try to include some of those fruits for which Israel is famous, like olives, dates, grapes, figs and pomegranates. But regardless of which fruit we eat, as with any food, we always precede it with a blessing, thanking G-d for sharing with us his delicious creations. The blessing for fruit in Hebrew is Baruch atah A-donay, Elo-heinu Melech Ha’Olam borei pri ha-aitz. If it’s a fruit that we haven’t yet enjoyed this season we make an additional blessing of Ba-ruch A-tah A-do-noi E-loi-hei-nu Me-lech ha-o-lam she-he-chee-ya-nu v'ki-yi-ma-nu vi-hi-gi-ya-nu liz-man ha-zeh. This year we will host a special workshop on growing MicroGreens and Sprouts at home. It will take place on Wednesday, February 12th, 7:00 p.m. at Chabad Chayil in the Highland Lakes section of Miami-Dade North. You can learn more about this holiday at: www.ChabadChayil.org/tubshvat . We wish all of our neighbors and friends a Happy Tu B’Shvat! May all our trees grow forth beautifully, giving off delicious fruit! About the Author : Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org Previous Next

Celebrating Celia Malavsky By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 On November 2nd, 2024, Celia Malavsky of Hollywood, Florida turned 100 years old and her family gathered from across the nation and even from Israel to celebrate her. In honor of Bubby’s 100th birthday, her 13 grandchildren (and their spouses) and 38 great-grandchildren, all contributed to Jewish National Fund-USA to plant a garden of 100 trees in Israel in her name. Said her granddaughter, Shira Stein, “A tree represents life, growth, wisdom and prosperity. All of these qualities describe their beautiful Bubby filled with life, wisdom and love. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been nurtured and have grown from the roots that she has provided to each individual in her family tree.” Celia and her husband, Rabbi Morton Malavsky z”l have fostered a love of Israel in all of their children and grandchildren and even facilitated many of their grandchildren’s first trips to Israel together with them. In fact, two of Celia’s great-granddaughters are currently serving in the IDF and sent special birthday messages since they were unable to attend the party. These 100 trees honor not just the many wonderful years of Celia’s life, but also her ongoing commitment to her family and the Jewish homeland. Photo credit her granddaughter, Shira Stein Previous Next