The Countdown Is On: America’s Premier Culinary Celebration! Tickets Selling Fast For The 24th Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival Thu Feb 20 2025 22:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An Evening Of The Impossible: A Great Way to Introduce The Whole Family to Live Theater Fri Mar 10 2023 17:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Five Guys Named Moe: A Jazzy, Sexy Tribute To Legendary Composer And Saxophonist Louis Jordan Thu Sep 21 2023 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

MUST EXPERIENCE: The SOBEWFF® Is Coming to Hallandale Beach February 23 – 24, 2024 February 21, 2024 Share Love is in the air and foodies are swarming to South Florida… You won’t want to miss one of the City of Hallandale Beach’s top events of the year, the Hallandale Beach Event Series! Part of the Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®), the event series spotlights the City’s eclectic international food scene, and the exploding art and cultural destination Hallandale Beach has become.
 The Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (HBCRA) is once again hosting the only SOBEWFF® events in Broward County for the fifth year running, with two days of exciting tasting experiences. Celebrity Chef Chris Valdes and KAO Bar & Grill Executive Chef Georgina Sulle are kicking off the foodie-centric weekend at the Celebrity Chef Dinner on February 23, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at KAO Bar & Grill (11 Northeast 1st Avenue). The following night, immerse yourself in a night of culinary delights at the Food & Groove, on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Pegasus Park at Gulfstream Village (901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach). Hallandale Beach is uniquely positioned to welcome guests from both Broward and Miami-Dade Counties to experience the City’s vibrant and eclectic culinary and arts scene. This year’s “Festival of Lights” themed evening will feature art, music, and local restaurants with celebrated chefs showcasing cuisines inspired by international flavors from around the globe including Argentina, Spain, the Caribbean, and Italy. Have food restrictions? Not to worry! Food options will include Kosher and vegan options as well, so all foodies have a chance to enjoy. Approximately 30 restaurants will be participating in this year’s Food & Groove including El Tamarindo Coal Fired Pizza, Dr. Limon Hallandale, Cilantro 27 & Taco Corner, Dunn's River Island Café, Chef Irie (Last Year’s Best in Show Winner), KAO Bar & Grill, Juice Mafia, Don Lolo’s, Matteo’s Trattoria, Ten Palms, Holy Avocado, Ajaicos Restaurant, Yard House, Dolce Cartel, and Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar. New this year, Food & Groove will light up the night as 300 drones perform a 12-minute show, choreographed and synched, 1,000 feet in the sky. There will also be glow-in-the-dark LED activation areas throughout the event for attendees and a performance from FUSION®, a true DJ-driven dance band that will have guests movin' and groovin' to the beats. Tickets to Food & Groove are $75 per person and include all food and drink. Bundle the deal to both the Celebrity Chef Dinner and Food & Groove for $225. Tickets are selling quickly, so purchase yours today! Please note, both events are open to everyone ages 21 years and older. You can get your tickets at: www.hallandalebeachfoodandgroove.com The HBCRA is also offering Uber and Lyft discount codes for attendees for up to $50. Codes for both ridesharing services are available on the event website. Free shuttle services are also available through Freebee, visit our website for schedule and pick-up/drop-off locations. The SOBEWFF® Is Coming to Hallandale Beach! Celebrity Chef Dinner: February 23rd, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at KAO Bar & Grill $225/person, includes a ticket to Food & Groove Food & Groove: February 24, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Pegasus Park at Gulfstream Village $75/person Both events are 21+. Rideshare codes available. Buy tickets at: www.hallandalebeachfoodandgroove.com < Previous News Next News >

Jewish Community Services Of South Florida Announces New Board Chair And Board Leadership For 2026-2027 Jewish Connection News Sep 10, 2026 Jewish Community Services Of South Florida (JCS), One Of Miami-Dade County’s Longest-Serving Nonprofit Social Service Agencies, Today Announced The Appointment Of Mitchell “Mitch” Morris As Chair Of Its Board Of Directors, Along With The Appointment Of Its New Executive Committee, Board Members, And At-Large Representatives. Morris succeeds Vanessa Ressler, who will continue serving the organization as Immediate Past Chair. He brings more than eight years of service on the JCS Board of Directors and a deep commitment to the agency’s mission of improving the quality of life and self-sufficiency of the Jewish and broader communities throughout South Florida in accordance with Jewish values. Throughout his tenure with JCS, Morris has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to bringing the JCS mission to life. He has served in several leadership positions, including Vice Chair, Treasurer, Audit Committee Chair, and as an active member of the Executive Committee. “Mitch’s leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to our mission make him the ideal thought partner in leading the Board during these challenging times for Jewish communal agencies and the non-profit sector,” said Miriam Singer, President and CEO of JCS. “His commitment to service and his extensive experience in finance and risk management will strengthen and amplify our impact.” Professionally, Morris serves as Vice President of Internal Audit for Restaurant Brands International, one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant companies, whose brands include Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. In this role, he oversees global audit and risk management initiatives. He previously held positions at EY and KPMG and brings decades of expertise in accounting, finance, auditing, and corporate governance. “I am honored to serve as Board Chair of an organization that has continued to make such a profound impact on our community for more than 100 years,” said Morris. “JCS embodies the values of compassion, dignity, and responsibility for others. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure we continue providing high-quality critical services to those who need them most.” JCS also announced its 2026-2027 Executive Committee: Executive Committee • Mitchell Morris, Board Chair • Vanessa Ressler, Immediate Past Chair • John Bussel, Vice Chair • Michael Berman, Treasurer • Yolanda Valencia, Secretary At-Large Members • Michele Burger • Michael Levine • Robert Newman Ex-Officio Members • Dr. Helen Sachs Chaset • Jonathan Raiffe In addition, JCS welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors: • Ilene Kossman • Bruce Libhaber • Jill Swartz • Dennis Kerbel “Our volunteer leaders play a vital role in helping JCS fulfill its mission,” added Singer. “We are grateful for their service and look forward to the leadership and expertise they will bring as we continue strengthening programs that improve the lives of frail and vulnerable residents of all ages and backgrounds, based on Jewish values, across Miami-Dade County.” For more than 106 years, JCS of South Florida has provided critical social services that help individuals and families achieve greater stability, independence, and well-being. Through more than 25 programs and services, JCS supports older adults, Holocaust Survivors, children, families, and individuals facing mental health, food security, and other life challenges throughout the community. JCS also operates the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, providing 24/7 confidential support, crisis intervention, and connection to essential behavioral health resources for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or thoughts of suicide. For more information about JCS and its programs, visit: www.jcsfl.org . About Jewish Community Services of South Florida Since 1920, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, based on Jewish values, has remained true to its mission in providing a resilient safety-net of health and social services through a broad array of programs that promote, health, safety, and self-sufficiency. By collaborating with community partners, funders, hundreds of volunteers, sister organizations and local leaders, our team continuously strengthens its engagement and impact. Our professional team continues to provide healing and hope in serving the many layered needs of residents in our diverse and vibrant community. JCS is here for you. Mitchell Morris Elected Board Chair, Leading New Board of Directors and Executive Committee Previous Next

The War Is Over, But The Real Battle Begins - As Israel Celebrates, A Silent Struggle For Healing Unfolds Jewish Connection News Oct 23, 2025 Gila Tolub Is The Co-Founder And Executive Director Of ICAR Collective, Israel's Collective Action For Resilience, Which Is Dedicated To Accelerating Trauma Healing And Advancing Mental Health Resilience Through Coordinated Collaboration Across Israel’s Public Health, NGO, Academic And Research Communities. The Organization’s Mission Is To Protect The Nation’s Health, Productivity And Security, While Positioning Israel As A Global Leader In Mental Health Innovation And Psycho-Trauma Response. Under Tolub’s leadership, ICAR is building an integrated national response to trauma, focused on both individual and collective healing. The organization seeks to transform the field of psycho-trauma by deepening the global understanding of recovery pathways and forging partnerships that enhance community resilience. In the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7th, 2023, attack on Israel, Tolub served as Interim CEO of The Healing Space (Merhav Marpe), an initiative supporting survivors of the Nova Music Festival massacre in Re’im. Survivors of the assault, where Hamas used firearms, explosives, sexual violence and inflicted mass casualties to inflict severe physical and emotional trauma on Israelis. Tolub oversaw urgent Mental Health interventions designed to address both acute and long-term Psychological needs. Prior to October 7th, 2023, Tolub was a strategic management consultant for two decades, including 12 years at McKinsey & Company, where she focused on healthcare. In her most recent role at McKinsey, she co-created the firm’s practice focused on advancing health equity with an emphasis on Women’s Health and Mental Health. Earlier in her tenure, she co-created and co-led the firm’s vaccine practice beginning in 2015, contributing to the global public health strategy during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Tolub received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Adelphi University. ICAR Collective (Israel’s Collective Action for Resilience) is working to accelerate trauma recovery and advance Mental Health resilience through coordinated collaboration across Israel’s public health, NGO, academic, and research communities. Founded in response to the national trauma of October 7th, 2023 ICAR Collective works to close critical gaps in Israel’s Mental Health and trauma care systems. By uniting experts in Medicine, Psychology, Public Health, Philanthropy and Investment, ICAR Collective drives ecosystem mapping, fosters partnerships, and invests in evidence-based solutions. Its mission is to build a national, science-backed roadmap for long-term trauma recovery—aligning efforts and resources to protect the wellbeing, productivity, and security of Israeli society. For more information, visit: https://www.icarcollective.org/ . Gila Tolub, Co-Founder And Executive Director Of ICAR Collective, Israel's Collective Action For Resilience Previous Next

Planning A Trip? Flight Cancellations Have Become 'The New Norm' Thu Sep 29 2022 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Warning From The Inspector General: Offers To Increase Your Social Security Benefits Are from Criminals March 23, 2023 Share That unexpected offer from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to activate a benefit increase is from a criminal and not the real SSA. Do not share personal or financial information. Do not click on links or respond. Report suspected scams to: https://oig.ssa.gov/report/ Criminals continue to impersonate SSA and other government agencies in an attempt to obtain personal information, money, or download malware onto phones. Recent reports indicate that criminals are trying to trick people into sharing personal and financial information over the phone or through deceptive text and email messages that lure recipients to a fake Social Security website. Criminals falsely advise recipients to apply to receive Social Security benefits or extra money, such as a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), or to set up an online account. The message may also provide fake contact information for SSA. “Scammers are relentless in their attempts to lure you to their fake websites or to get you to respond in any manner to their fictitious offers. I urge members of the public to ignore unexpected messages and unsolicited offers. This simple step will help protect you from a scam,” said Inspector General Gail S. Ennis. “Also, be alert for unusual business practices and contact Social Security directly with questions or concerns regarding SSA matters. Never click on the link.” “We are deeply concerned that fraudsters continue to find new ways to impersonate government agencies to deceive people into providing personal information or money,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “I strongly urge people to be vigilant and ignore suspicious emails, texts, or letters. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on any links or attachments.” Ignore suspected scams and report them to: https://oig.ssa.gov/ - Reporting these scams helps us identify emerging scam tactics and trends and protects others. How A Government Imposter Scam Works Recognizing the signs of a scam can help you avoid falling victim to one. These scams primarily use telephone to contact you, but scammers may also use email, text message, social media, or U.S. mail. Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust. Scammers say there is a problem or a prize. Scammers pressure you to act immediately. Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way. Tips To Protect Yourself 1. Do not take immediate action. If you receive a communication that causes a strong emotional response, take a deep breath. Hang up or ignore the message. Talk to someone you trust. 2. Do not transfer your money! Do not buy that gift card! Never pay someone who insists that you pay with a gift card, prepaid debit card, Internet currency or cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or by mailing cash. Scammers use these forms of payment because they are hard to trace. 3. Be skeptical. Do not believe scammers who “transfer” your call to a government official or law enforcement officer, or who feed you a number as proof. Scammers can create fake numbers and identities. Do not trust your caller ID. 4. Be cautious of any contact claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement, telling you about a problem you don’t recognize or an unsolicited offer. Do not provide your personal information, even if the caller has some of your information. 5. Do not click on links or attachments. Block unwanted calls and text messages. Scammers frequently change their approach with new tactics and messages to trick people. We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest news and advisories by following SSA OIG on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook or subscribing to receive email alerts. Visit the: https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams to read about common scams. < Previous News Next News >

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

Become A Part Of The Aventura Zumba Community May 15, 2024 Share The City of Aventura started offering Complimentary Zumba® Classes to Aventura residents of all ages. Participants must register prior to attending the class, and be ready to provide valid proof of Aventura residency to access the park on the day of class. Participants will spend their morning being in a positive mood, having fun, and enjoying aerobic movement and Latin dance with the help of a certified instructor. During a Zumba® Class, you'll follow choreography with footwork that works your leg muscles, arm movements that tone your arm muscles and squats that can tighten your glute and core muscles. Whether you're new to the dance fitness world or have been taking different types of dance exercise classes for a while, you'll experience the post-workout feel from a Zumba® Class the next day, throughout your entire body. No matter your fitness goals, whether they're losing weight, toning muscles or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a full-body workout can contribute to all of these goals and more. These workouts are versatile, and you can easily adapt them to your preferences and workout style. Zumba® Classes are a popular full-body workout because of the atmosphere of the class, and participants don't need any equipment to enjoy it — all you need is yourself and enough space to dance. According to: http://Zumba.com these are the ten main benefits of Zumba®: 1. Complete a Full-Body Workout Many exercise classes or types of workouts focus on certain parts of your body. Some workouts target your legs, back, arms, core and other areas of your body, but others provide a full-body workout that can help engage multiple muscles in your body. Zumba® is one of the exercise programs that can provide a full-body workout and a dance class. 2. Improve Your Coordination Dancing requires some level of coordination to follow choreography and piece together the moves. Zumba® will help those looking to improve their coordination and give them a safe space to practice their dancing abilities. Similar to how you can train your Lungs to work harder and your muscles to become stronger, you can train your body to become more coordinated through repetition. Zumba® is one of the best classes to work on improving your coordination. Including regular exercise into your routine, like Zumba® Classes, can help you maintain your physical abilities and coordination as you get older and prevent injuries from falls. 3. Enjoy Aerobic Exercise Benefits Zumba® is an upbeat and lively dance fitness class that will make you sweat with a smile on your face — you'll be having so much fun that you'll almost forget you're accomplishing an intense cardio-style workout. Implementing aerobic exercise in your workout schedule is an essential part of improving your overall health. This type of exercise describes any high or low-intensity cardio workout. It'll increase your heart rate and the amount of oxygen your body is using during your workout, helping you exercise your heart and lungs, which positively impacts your cardiovascular system. Specifically, aerobic exercise can improve your heart health by lowering your Blood Pressure, lowering your resting heart rate and reducing your chances of Heart Disease. Completing an aerobic workout is also beneficial for your Lungs. It trains your lungs to work more efficiently as you breathe hard and absorb more oxygen. Even parts of the body like the skin can benefit from Zumba® and other forms of aerobic exercise. When you raise your Heart Rate and enhance Blood Circulation, your body can deliver Oxygen and other nutrients to your skin, which helps make it healthier. 4. Assist Your Metabolism Zumba® Classes, and any other type of cardio workout, may help give your metabolism a boost. If you're someone looking to lose weight or improve your overall health, you may be curious about finding ways to improve your body's metabolic rate. A person's metabolism will vary depending on various factors and may change as they age. Keep in mind that you can't really "increase" your metabolism — and trying to do so won't help you lose weight. However, you can assist your metabolism by burning more calories than you take in, and Zumba® is a wonderful way to do just that. All levels of Zumba® can impact your metabolism. 5. Torch Calories A top benefit that encourages many people to work out is the number of calories they burn. Zumba® Classes are a great workout if you have a weight loss goal and want to burn a lot of calories. Zumba®, like other aerobic workouts, requires plenty of energy to keep up with all the choreography and upbeat rhythms. Zumba® is all about movement. During a class, you'll shake your hips, move your feet, sway your arms and complete other types of dance moves that will keep your body moving. The tempo changes and intensity variation throughout the class make Zumba® one of the best workout choices to maximize fat burning and torch calories. 6. Boost Your Mood Whether it's been a rough day, you're stressed or you just need a morning pick-me-up, Zumba® is the perfect mood booster. Zumba® can benefit many aspects of Mental Health. The combination of exercise and dance causes your brain to release Endorphins like Serotonin, making you happier. In general, exercise can also help alleviate any built-up Stress, anger or Anxiety that needs an outlet to escape. 7. Meet Other Zumba® Lovers Zumba® offers plenty of social benefits that can enhance your overall health. Having friends who like the same things you do is a big part of friendship. A fun aspect of participating in local Zumba® Classes is socializing with other people and creating new friendships. Zumba® is a social group fitness class, especially if you take classes regularly at your local fitness center, dance studio or other location. Zumba® Classes are a great way to make new friends if you spend a lot of time at work, are busy with kids or have other obligations in your life that hinder your time to socialize with others. 8. Exercise at Home While some people love to work out at the gym, others like to exercise from the comfort of their homes. A major perk of Zumba® Classes is you can participate almost anywhere — virtual Zumba® Classes are a wonderful option for people who want to stay home and work out or don't have time to make it to the gym. Zumba® Workouts are possible at home or at any location as long as you have enough space to move around and an internet connection. 10. Feel Like You're Part of a Community One of the best parts about Zumba® is its inclusivity to all levels of fitness. Zumba® Classes are open and available to those of nearly all abilities. No matter your age or skill level, you can find a class that works perfectly for your health goals. Zumba® Classes are a safe space for all fitness levels, and the instructors are ready to welcome you into their motivating and supportive community. Classes are held on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Veterans Park: 18375 Northeast 31st Avenue, Aventura, Florida 33180. Please plan to be in class for approximately one hour. Students must bring their own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. So join your friends and neighbors in your community and register for the next class at: https://secure.rec1.com/FL/aventura-fl/catalog For more information, call: (305) 466-0183. < Previous News Next News >

Broward County Transit Launches Campaign to Increase Ridership 
BCT encourages residents to try public transit as they journey to exciting events this fall
 Thu Sep 26 2024 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Sweet Family Favorites To Celebrate Lent Thu Mar 21 2024 16:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)