Amidst Reports On Hostage Deal, 2 Ex-Hostages Raise Awareness In West Palm Beach Fundraiser At New Kosher Restaurant Grand Opening By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 I was honored to be invited to this wonderful event where I met two ex-hostages who were held in captivity in Gaza for nearly a year after being kidnapped at the Nova Music Festival in Israel and arrived in West Palm Beach to meet with the local community and share their story. Amid reports of negotiations to release the remaining hostages, rescued hostages Almog Meir Jan and Andrey Kozlov are determined to raise awareness for the issue. Michelin Star Chef Eyal Shani held the grand opening of his brand-new Malka Kosher Restaurant in West Palm Beach on Sunday, in collaboration with the La’Aretz Foundation. The former hostages discussed the harsh conditions in which Hamas terrorists kept them in for eight months, along with the vitality of an imminent hostage deal. The two were kidnapped during the Nova Music Festival and spent eight months in captivity in Gaza until they were rescued by the IDF in June. Jan was attending the festival with friends, while Kozlov was a volunteer security guard. “We felt it was vital for the residents of South Florida to hear what the hostages experienced and are still currently experiencing,” La’Aretz Foundation Founder Shelly Pitman said. “We are thankful to Chef Eyal Shani, who graciously hosted the La’Aretz community once again. This outstanding community understands how critical each day is for the remaining hostages, and we must bring them home now.” In an emotional discussion with Netflix Star Maya Vander of “Selling Sunset,” Jan and Kozlov detailed the physical and psychological trauma they endured while in captivity. The audience was silent as the two explained in excruciating detail what October 7th was like for them and in the days and months after, along with the moment IDF soldiers came to rescue them. “In order to build the country, people immigrated – made Aliyah to Israel from across the world – basically drying swamps and building the country. This is what La’Aretz is doing now. It is the equivalent of the drying swamps of 100 years ago,” Ambassador Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel in Miami, said. “La’Aretz is the modern Zionism – to develop a great education system and support soldiers and reservists in need. Of course, rebuild the communities in the north and the south and help the internally displaced people from the north and south. The way this community has rallied together, has come together to support our people and the State of Israel is just unimaginable.” An IDF soldier who serves in a classified role and is also a singer who has captured the hearts of Israelis since October 7th. “M,” as he is known, performed several songs with his face covered to protect his identity in his American debut. While cherishing the all-new Floridian menu created by the Michelin Star Chef, guests supported the La’Aretz Foundation, which provides direct assistance to Israelis in need. The La’Aretz Foundation and its vibrant community of over 2,000 members has provided direct financial support for 300-plus Israeli families who have been impacted by October 7th, along with scholarships to 172 students serving in the reserves, and assisted 70 Aliyah applicants return to Israel. About The La’Aretz Foundation: The La’Aretz Foundation strengthens Israel through direct support by focusing on three fundamental areas. In times of need, La’Aretz provides timely financial aid to families in distress who lack government support, offers scholarships to ensure equal educational opportunities, and facilitates the integration of new Olim to make them feel at home. Photo: La'Aretz_A: Almog Meir Jan (right) speaks about his eight months in captivity in Gaza with fellow ex-hostage Andrey Kozlov (middle) in a discussion with Maya Vander during the La'Aretz Foundation's fundraiser at Malka Restaurant in West Palm Beach. Photo credit: Shay Cohen Previous Next

Volunteers Needed For Inaugural James Hardie Invitational Press Release Jan 7, 2025 Want to have an up-close look at some of the greatest pro golfers and NFL players playing tournament golf while raising money for South Florida charities? Then sign up to become a volunteer at the inaugural James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, which will be held March 31st, 2025 - April 6th, 2025 at The Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton. For a $75 fee, every volunteer receives: Two polo shirts and one hat/visor. One volunteer badge. Two tickets per day. Volunteer parking and meals on scheduled workdays. One spot in the Volunteer Shotgun Outing (three shift minimum). Net proceeds benefit Boca Raton Regional Hospital, First Tee Gold Coast and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. The tournament will feature 26 Pro Football Hall of Famers competing alongside 78 PGA TOUR Champions professionals. Sign up to volunteer at: https://jameshardieinvitational.com/ Previous Next

United States Ambassador William Taylor Shares An Update On Russia’s War On Ukraine By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 United States Ambassador William Taylor is a diplomat, government official and former military officer. He currently serves as Vice President of the Russian and European Center at the United States Institute of Peace. From 2006 to 2009 he served as United States Ambassador to Ukraine, and as Chargé D'affaires to Ukraine from June 2019 to January 2020. On Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 at 12:30 p.m., Ambassador Taylor will lecture at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) on Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus. He will also give a presentation at FAU’s Jupiter campus on Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. During our conversation, Ambassador Taylor explained what needs to be done to end the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “A peaceful agreement between Russia and Ukraine is clearly going to have to be initiated between the two nations. Only those two nations can forge and agree to negotiations. Ukrainians need to convince the Russians that they cannot win on the battlefield and all of Ukraine’s allies (including the United States) need to support it. If the Russians can be convinced that they can’t win, they will be motivated to come to the negotiating table. Over 780,000 Russian soldiers have been killed during the conflict. The Ukrainians will not sacrifice their soldiers the same way Putin has and they (Ukrainians) will never stop fighting. Russia started the invasion and it must stop with the Russians coming to the table. Negotiations have still not been reached between the countries. Ambassador Taylor explained how the Russian-Ukraine conflict affects global security. “The Russian invasion is a challenge to the security of the US, Europe and all nations. Russia is trying to establish a precedent where a large, powerful, nuclear armed nation can invade its non-nuclear smaller neighbor and get away with it. That has dramatic significant implications for every nation around the world. We have a moral obligation to realize what the Russians are doing to Ukrainian civilians is just wrong.” Ambassador Taylor reflected on the optimism of the Ukrainians despite nearly three years of ongoing conflict. “Since the big war started on February 24th, 2022, I have been to Ukraine several times and have been amazed by the heroism displayed by the Ukrainians and their leader since the invasion began. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared from the start of the invasion (over 1,000 days ago) that Ukraine will win this war. When Ukrainians push forward aggressively their morality goes way up. Their determination is to win this war. They understand that if Russia wins there is no Ukraine. After more than 1,000 days, Ukrainians are tired, but their will to survive keeps them motivated.” For more information regarding the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at FAU, visit: https://olli.fau.edu/ollifau/category/category.aspx Previous Next

For The First Time Since October 7th - Birthright Israel Participants Return To Visit And Volunteer In Northern Israel By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 8, 2025 Birthright Israel is excited to announce the launch of its winter season, with a special milestone: for the first time since October 7th, participants will return to visit the northern regions of Israel. This week, the first groups have already begun touring the historic city of Safed, marking the return of Birthright trips to this iconic part of the country. Additionally, participants in the Birthright volunteering program will begin engaging in volunteer activities in northern towns within the next few weeks. The winter season, which will run through March 2025, is expected to bring over 300 groups from around the world to Israel, with 6,500 young Jewish adults participating in life-changing 10-day trips, internships, and volunteering opportunities. In 2025, Birthright Israel will celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for one of the most impactful Jewish programs in history. Since its founding, more than 850,000 young Jews from across the globe have visited Israel through the program. The 25th anniversary will be commemorated with a series of events and announcements starting early next year. In addition to the traditional 10-day trips, Birthright Israel is preparing to welcome approximately 10,000 volunteers in 2025 through its expanding volunteering program. In response to the growing demand, the age limit for participation has been extended to 50 years old. This year alone, 8,500 volunteers participated in the program, underscoring the increasing interest in contributing to Israeli communities while deepening Jewish heritage connections. “Since the war began, we’ve been inspired by the remarkable resilience and unwavering determination of our participants to come to Israel,” said Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel. “Each day, I meet participants who are so happy to finally be here. They share how safe they feel and how deeply proud they are to be part of the Jewish people.”  Mark continued, “While the war has undoubtedly presented challenges, it has only underscored the vital importance of our mission. As we mark 25 years since our founding, Birthright Israel remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening Jewish identity, fostering a connection to Israel, and building a strong sense of community. These values empower college students and young adults to confidently address and combat the growing Antisemitism worldwide. I urge every young Jewish adult to apply as soon as possible. Whether it’s the gift of a 10-day trip, an internship, a fellowship, or a volunteer program, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with your heritage and make lasting memories.” In the meantime, Birthright Israel has announced that while anyone can submit an application, summer trips will drop on January 14th via its website, and applicants will be able to choose their trip at: www.birthrightisrael.com Photo: Participants with the Mayor of Safed, Yossi Kakon - Photo credit: Nehemia Rosenfeld, courtesy of Birthright Israel Previous Next

Slow Burn Theatre Company Presents "Parade": A Story Of A Newlywed Jewish Couple, Who Are Struggling To Make A Life In The Old Red Hills Of Georgia Photo Credit Broward Center for the Performing Arts Feb 18, 2025 Slow Burn Theatre Company presents “Parade,” a powerful and poignant musical revival based on the true story of the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, as part of its 2024/2025 Season supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale through Sunday, February 23rd in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Winner of the 1999 Tony awards for Best Score, Jason Robert Brown, who also wrote the lyrics and Best Book of a Musical, Alfred Uhry as well as the 2023 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, “Parade,” co-conceived and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince, follows a newlywed Jewish couple, Leo and Lucille Frank, who are struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice and devotion. Hailed as an “an essential American musical” by Variety, “Parade” is a “phenomenal production that feels more poignant and powerful than ever,” according to Entertainment Weekly. Time Out New York writes, “What you hear at this Parade…will echo for a long time to come.” Directed by Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director and Carbonell Award winner Patrick Fitzwater and presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), Slow Burn’s riveting and gloriously hopeful production features lead actors Justin Albinder* (Leo Frank) and Mikayla Cohen (Lucille Frank) joined by Kevin Patrick Martin* (Hugh Dorsey), Michael Hunsaker* (Britt Craig), Erik Schark* (Judge Roan/Old Soldier), Jessica Balton (Mary Phagan), Joel Hunt (Frankie Epps), Kareema Khouri* (Minola “Minnie” McKnight/Angela), Chaz Rose* (Newt Lee/Jim Conley/Riley), Michael Materdomini (Governor John Slanton), Landon Summers (Tom Watson/Detective Starnes), Ana Marie Calise (Mrs. Phagan), Nolan Montgomery (Young Soldier/Fiddlin John/others), Bridget Rose Pirrota (Iola Stover), Erica Gouldthorpe (Monteen/others), Sofie Poliakoff (Essie/others), Allyson Rosenblum (Sally Slanton), Steven Ross-Dybash (Mr. Peavy), Eli Jacobson (Officer Ivey/others), Austin Gladstone (Luther Rosser/others), Elizabeth Sackett (Nurse/others), Sam Hoffman (Mr. Turner/others) and Sara Sun Park (Nina Formby/others). The creative team features direction and musical staging by Fitzwater joined by Music Director Travis Smith, Lighting Designer Eric Norbury, Scenic Designer Nikolas Serrano, Costume Designer Rick Peña, Technical Director Timothy Dickey, Production Stage Manager Jeffry George* and Assistant Stage Manager Jolie Rubinchik*. Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s 2024/2025 Season are on sale now. Supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale, the season continues in the new year with “Something Rotten!” from Saturday March 29th – Sunday, April 13th and “The Bodyguard The Musical” from Saturday June 7th – Sunday, June 22nd. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - And at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @BrowardCenter. Subscribe to our channel at: www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter - And join the conversation with #BrowardCenter . Major support of Slow Burn Theatre Company is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Sponsored in part by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale. Student and community complimentary tickets are subsidized and underwritten by the Salah Foundation and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation. The Broward Center 2024/2025 Season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or visit Slow Burn Theatre Company’s website at: http://slowburntheatre.org/ Previous Next

“The Abandonment Of The Jews” At 40: A Book That Saved Lives By Rafael Medoff Jan 7, 2025 This month marks the fortieth anniversary of the publication of David S. Wyman’s The Abandonment of the Jews, a book that changed the way we think about our nation’s history—and also saved lives. That is a rare achievement. Wyman (1929-2018), a Harvard-trained historian and grandson of two Protestant ministers, did not set out to write about the Holocaust. But he was puzzled by the reluctance of other scholars to confront the question of how America responded to the Nazi Genocide, so he decided to explore it himself. The Abandonment of the Jews: America and the Holocaust 1941-1945, was published by Pantheon in November 1984. Professor Wyman often spoke about how difficult it was for him, as a Christian, to find himself face to face with evidence of the meager response by American Christians, including our elected leaders, to news of the Holocaust. Sometimes he “cried for days” and had to take a break from his research. He said he “had been brought up with the belief that at the heart of Christianity is the precept that, when people need help, you should provide it.” Prior to the publication of The Abandonment of the Jews, the widespread assumption among the American public was that there was little or nothing the Roosevelt Administration could have done to save Jews from the Holocaust. Professor Wyman’s meticulous research demonstrated that there were many ways the U.S. could have aided European Jewish refugees, without interfering with the war effort or undermining America’s Immigration Laws. He documented how President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his State Department suppressed news about the Holocaust and ignored opportunities to rescue refugees. He exposed how U.S. planes struck within a few miles of the Auschwitz Gas Chambers—yet failed to bomb the railways and bridges leading to the camp, or the mass-murder machinery itself. The Abandonment of the Jews quickly rose to the New York Times best-seller list, and reviewers were nearly unanimous in their acclaim. “We will not see a better book on this subject in our lifetime,” Professor Leonard Dinnerstein concluded. Professor Hasia Diner wrote that Abandonment “systematically demolishes often repeated excuses for inaction.” The Abandonment of the Jews won numerous prizes, went through seven hardcover printings and multiple paperback editions, and was translated into German, French, Hebrew, and Polish. Most remarkably, the book also played a key role in the rescue of Jews from Ethiopia in 1985. A secret agreement between Israel and Sudan in 1984 had enabled Israel to begin airlifting tens of thousands of Jews from an area along the Ethiopian-Sudanese border. But an overly eager American Jewish journalist rushed to publish the scoop, prompting Sudan to suddenly halt the airlifts in January 1985. That left some 800 Ethiopian Jewish refugees stranded at the border. A team of Jewish activists, including Los Angeles Jewish Publisher Phil Blazer and Nate Shapiro of the American Association for Ethiopian Jews, flew to Washington to seek U.S. intervention. In meetings with members of Congress and Vice President George H.W. Bush, they distributed copies of The Abandonment of the Jews and pleaded with them not to repeat the indifference of the Roosevelt years. Senators Alan Cranston (D-California) and Rudy Boschwitz (R-Minnesota) and Congressmen Stephen Solarz (D-New York) and John Miller (R-Washington) spearheaded the bipartisan effort to press the Reagan-Bush Administration for action. Learning that Vice President Bush was scheduled to visit Sudan on diplomatic business shortly, Representative Miller went to see him. Citing The Abandonment of the Jews, Miller told Bush “that this was a chance to write a very different history than the history of America’s response to the Holocaust.” Sudan might refuse to let the Israelis land on its soil, “but Sudan would not be able to say no to the United States–if our government insisted,” Miller argued. On March 22nd, 1985, shortly after Bush’s meetings in Sudan, a fleet of U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules transport planes airlifted the 800 refugees from Sudan to Israel. The Vice President subsequently sent Professor Wyman a handwritten note of thanks and made a point of saying in a speech afterwards, “Never again will the cries of abandoned Jews go unheard by the United States Government.” CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer, who at the time was the Washington correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, wrote: “Today’s direct and very active cooperation by the U.S. Government in helping to rescue Ethiopian Jews is in marked contrast to the documented abandonment of European Jewish refugees before and during World War II…[which has been] well-documented in David S. Wyman’s recently published book, The Abandonment of the Jews.” In 2008, Professor Wyman visited an Israeli air force base, where he met Major-General Amir Eshel, who was involved in the 1985 airlift operation, and Moshe Gadaf and Ami Farradah, who, as eight year-olds, were among the Ethiopian Jewish children who were rescued. Wyman described meeting them as one of the most moving experiences of his life. Forty years later, The Abandonment of the Jews remains the definitive study of America’s response to the Nazi Genocide. A handful of polemicists and pundits have tried to excuse FDR’s Holocaust record, but additional research in the field in recent years has only reconfirmed Professor Wyman’s original conclusion: President Roosevelt, “the era’s most prominent symbol of humanitarianism, turned away from one of history’s most compelling moral challenges.” Photo Taken by Author Dr. Medoff is Founding Director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies and Author of more than 20 books about Jewish history and the Holocaust. His latest is Cartoonists Against Racism: The Secret Jewish War on Bigotry, coauthored with Craig Yoe. Previous Next

Jewish National Fund-USA Leads Critical Efforts For Rebuilding And Renewing Northern Israel Pictured: Talia Tzour Avner, Chief Israel Officer at Jewish National Fund-USA Feb 18, 2025 In response to the profound challenges facing Northern Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA is spearheading efforts to rehabilitate and rebuild communities devastated over the past year. On Monday, January 6th, 2025, the organization held a pivotal conference at the Cultural Hall in Kiryat Shmona, where it focussed on uniting local leaders and creating mission-driven communities to forge a more resilient future for the region. Talia Tzour Avner, Chief Israel Officer at Jewish National Fund-USA, emphasized the importance of the moment: "The profound crisis that has affected Northern Israel's communities in the past year presents us with a historic challenge – not merely to physically rehabilitate these communities, but to lead a deep process of renewed community building. We stand at a pivotal moment to reshape the social-community fabric that will guide the North for decades to come." The conference agenda included panel discussions on the challenges local authorities face in rebuilding efforts, breakout workgroups addressing critical areas like education, community resilience, and settlement, as well as recognition of mission-driven communities for their extraordinary contributions over the past year. "Jewish National Fund-USA has always believed that a community's true resilience is measured by its ability to face challenges, unite around a shared vision, and emerge stronger from crisis," Tzour Avner added. "This is the defining moment for mission-driven communities, which have proven to be vital social and moral anchors. We must harness their experience and knowledge to create an innovative model of community life in the North – one that integrates social commitment, economic resilience, and community strength." The event brought together local authorities, representatives from task-oriented groups, and civil society organizations to discuss comprehensive strategies for addressing the multifaceted challenges in Northern Israel. These include strengthening education and cultural systems, fostering economic growth, and creating support frameworks tailored to the evolving needs of the region’s residents. The conference also highlighted Jewish National Fund-USA's "Circle of Impact," a concept that emphasizes the interconnected and broader impact each of the organization's projects has on uplifting the entire land and people of Israel. For more information, visit: www.jnf.org/ways-to-help/support-israel Previous Next

Nova Music Festival Exhibition In Miami Recalls The Horrors Of October 7th By Linda Chase and Alan Goch - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 When visitors explore the immersive “Nova Music Festival Exhibition: October 7th 6:29 a.m. — the Moment Music Stood Still” now open at the Greenwich Studio in North Miami, the horrific realities of that dreadful day suddenly come to life. As you enter the exhibition, the timeline noting 6:29 is reflected on the floor near your feet. This is the precise time that rockets fired from Hamas were noticed in the sky. After entering the installation, visitors walk through a painstakingly, carefully created meticulous timeline complete with information, evidence and emotion from that morning. Four hundred of the 4,000 festival attendees were among the 1,200 Israelis murdered on October 7th. Charred remains from cars, bullet riddled portable toilets, clothes hanging on lines (including a pair of pants showing a hole where a festival goer was shot in the groin), tents, camping gear, as well as “Lost and Found” tables containing personal items such as shoes and toiletries, add to the authenticity of the exhibition. Interwoven among the remnants are actual videos taken by festival goers, as well as body-cam footage taken by Hamas Terrorists. Video testimonies featuring survivors, family members and responders are also featured in the exhibit. Several of the individuals who did survive are on site to share both their physical and emotionally-scarred experiences. Ofir Amir, who is still recovering after being shot in the leg by Hamas Terrorists, is one of the Founders and Producers of the SuperNova Music Festival. He also founded the Tribe of Nova Foundation. During our visit, Ofir explained why he created the nonprofit. “The goal of the foundation is to assist people impacted by the atrocities of the festival massacre by creating a community-based imitative that both empowers and heals. This includes financial aid, social integration, commemorative events, medical treatments, long term rehabilitation and therapy for both survivors and their families. All donations raised by the exhibition supports the Tribe of Nova Foundation and goes towards the healing journey of the survivors and their families. The foundation also memorializes the murdered victims and shares their stories.” “The exhibition originally premiered in Tel Aviv only weeks following October 7th. As founders of the exhibition, our objective was to create a powerful and educational exhibit that allows visitors to bear witness to the horrors that occurred at the Nova Festival.” Survivor Idan Itzhaki was very emotional as he recalled how something so special went so wrong. “I went to the festival with two friends. There were so many people dancing and celebrating. I was so happy and at 6:29 people started to panic and something beautiful turned into a nightmare.” During our conversation, Idan tearfully revealed that one of his friends is still missing. “I’m sharing my story in the hopes that people in Israel who need support will find it through my words.” After witnessing the brutality of the Nova Music Festival, the exhibit concludes with a large healing room. The space is intended for visitors to find solace after bearing witness to the harrowing events of the festival. Hanging high and bright in this sanctuary are the words “We Will Dance Again.” These inspiring words remind visitors that there’s life beyond the terror. It is also the space where the survivors recounted their experiences. The exhibition is located at Greenwich Studios, 12100 Northeast 16th Avenue and will be on display until mid-February. For more information, visit https://www.novaexhibition.com/about-the-exhibit Previous Next

Exploration of Human Connection, January 15th, Free at Nova University Library By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 LoveJewish.org in association with NSU Florida’s Alvin Sherman Library and the University of Miami Sue and Leonard Miller Center will present a FREE reading of award-winning playwright Debbie Slevin’s critically acclaimed play Gate B23: Carry-On Baggage. The reading will take place at 1:00 pm on January 15th in the Sherman Library. This ‘dramedy’, directed by Avi Hoffman, is a witty and compelling exploration of human connection amid uproarious chaos. It follows a diverse cast of travelers, each wrestling with personal challenges, as they are stranded at Gate B23 at Palm Beach International Airport whilst enduring an increasingly prolonged flight delay. The play promises to deliver a unique theatrical experience that blends humor, tension, and profound human insights. The reading of Gate B23: Carry-On Baggage will feature some of South Florida’s most prominent actors, including Brandon Campbell, Rayner Gabriel, Harriet Oser, Emma Garcia Seeger, Devra Seidel, Barbara Sloan, and Troy Stanley. Dave Corey will take on the role of the progressively disturbed Gate Attendant. Debbie Slevin, an award-winning essayist and author is a writer, producer/director, and teacher. She conceived and co-produced The Apron Strings Project in Riverhead, NY, produced and directed The Last Five Years at Guild Hall in East Hampton, and the first NYC revival of Songs for a New World. Her play Gate B23: Carry-On Baggage was a best-selling selection of NYC International Fringe Festival and Manhattan Repertory Theater's Winterfest. Now a well-read blogger for Huffpo50, Debbie’s writing has also appeared in Essence Magazine, Woman’s World, and Reform Judaism. She was also a staff writer for the Jewish Standard. Tickets for Gate B23: Carry-On Baggage are FREE. Reservations can be made online at: www.YILoveJewish.org/Events - or at The Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University, located at 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Boulevard, Davie, Florida 33314. Previous Next

South Florida Rabbis Join 6,500 Colleagues For Conference In New York By Moshe New/Chabad.org Jan 8, 2025 6,500 Chabad Rabbis and Jewish leaders from around the globe gathered recently in Brooklyn, New York, for the Annual International Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries, the largest rabbinic gathering in the world. While the yearly conference has a celebratory feel, welcoming rabbinic leaders from Alaska to Zambia, the past year was a difficult one for the Jewish people, seeing tragedy in Israel and other parts of the world. Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries, known as shluchim, are husband-and-wife teams who dedicate their lives to strengthening Jewish life in communities worldwide, often in remote locations without established Jewish Infrastructure. They aim to reach both affiliated and unaffiliated Jews, welcoming Jews from all walks of life. From the city streets of Los Angeles to the islands of Thailand, Chabad serves not only as a spiritual home, but a focal point of Jewish life. The conference, also known as the Kinus Hashluchim, united rabbis and lay leaders from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries and territories around the world for four days of workshops, networking and spiritual uplift. The conference concluded with a gala banquet. The first day included a series of workshops on contemporary issues that ran over the course of the weekend. Topics covered included: disaster relief, combating hate, education, counseling and dealing with grief and much more. Conference participants who serve students on college campuses (where Chabad has become the heart of Jewish life) took part in a separate track discussing issues specifically relevant to campus communities. A visit to the Ohel, in Queens, New York (the resting place of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory), marked the pinnacle of the conference. The emissaries came to pray for their families, communities and humanity at large, carrying with them countless prayer requests from people around the world. With the onset of Shabbat on Friday evening, the emissaries spent the Jewish day of rest in prayer. The annual “class picture” was taken Sunday morning under the iconic gables of 770 Eastern Parkway, the headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. The capstone of the conference was the gala banquet. It was held at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison, New Jersey. It was a powerful moment of remembrance and resilience. Speakers honored Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the U.A.E.-based Chabad emissary murdered by terrorists in Dubai, with emotional tributes that emphasized the importance of continuing their global mission. The conference was linked by video with the home of Kogan’s parents in Jerusalem, where his family sat shiva. All 6,500 participants gathered and shared the traditional text of comfort with the family. Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch—Chabad’s educational arm—greeted the audience, sharing words of consolation with Kogan’s family and the emissaries, his “extended family,” and sent prayers for Israeli soldiers defending the Holy Land, as well as the hostages held in Gaza. A special video tribute was made for Rabbi Moshe Kotlarksy, the energetic Vice Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, who passed away after a lengthy illness on June 4th. Among the most inspiring presentations of the evening was that of Rabbi Yehoshua Soudakoff, Director of Chabad for the Deaf Community in Israel, who spoke of his path to finding his Jewish self as a Deaf Jew. “The voice you hear is not mine, but the words definitely are,” he said through an interpreter. “It is hard for a deaf person to find a place within the community. Torah and Mitzvah while deaf is difficult. That is why I established Chabad for the Deaf Community. There are Deaf Jews and Jews with various disabilities throughout the world. Let us continue our holy work to reach out to every single one of them and inspire them, just as I was once inspired,” he said to resounding applause. The 6,500 assembled rabbis united in their determination to continue their mission of Jewish outreach and community building, regardless of the challenges they face. Photo attribution (Shmulie Grossbaum / Chabad.org) Group (Photos) Previous Next

MorseLife Presents Third Annual Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars Film Festival By Alan Goch - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 From January 22nd, 2025 through February 2nd, 2025, the Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars Film Festival (presented by MorseLife) will return for its third season at two venues. Screenings will take place at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on January 23rd - January 30th and at EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace from January 31st - February 2nd. Ten of the films being screened will have Jewish themes. Barbara Scharres, SASIFF Artistic Director, acknowledged the cultural significance of presenting Jewish films in the festival. “A passion for Jewish stories is at the top of the list for a significant number of filmgoers. The festival has put together ten Jewish-themed films with broad appeal, from historical dramas, bio-pics, comedies and of-the-moment documentaries.” The Jewish-themed films include: Auction - Le Tableau Volé: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Saturday, January 25th at 4:00 p.m. Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Pascal Bonitzer. France, 91-minutes – In French, English and German with English subtitles. Bad Shabbos: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Thursday, January 30th at 7:00 p.m. Comedy, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Daniel Robbins. USA, 84-minutes. Broken Dolls: EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace on Sunday, February 2nd at 1:00 p.m. Director Tracy Whipple will be present for audience discussion. Documentary, 2023, South Florida Premiere. Directed by Tracy Whipple and Gilles Bovon. USA, 82-minutes. The Glory Of Life - Die Herrlichkeit Des Lebens: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Saturday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m. Historical Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Judith Kaufmann and Georg Maas. Germany/Austria, 98-minutes – In German with English subtitles. Midas Man: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Friday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m. Musical Biopic of The Beatles / 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Joe Stephenson. UK, 112-minutes. Never Alone - El Koskaan Yskin: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m. Drama, 2025, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Klaus Härö. Finland, 85-minues – In Swedish, Yiddish, Russian, Hebrew, English, Finnish, and German with English subtitles. Of Dogs And Men - Al Klavim Veanashim: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Monday, January 27th at 4:00 p.m. Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Dani Rosenberg. Israel, Italy, 82-minutes – In Hebrew with English subtitles. Pink Lady: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Friday, January 24th at 4:00 p.m. Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Nir Bergman. Israel, Italy, 106-minutes – In Hebrew with English subtitles. Troll Storm: EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace on Wednesday, January 29th at 7:00 p.m. Tanya Gersh will be present for audience discussion. Documentary, 2023, Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Eunice Law. USA, 83-minutes. Yaniv: The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center on Sunday, January 26th at 1:00 p.m. Comedy, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Ammon Carmi. USA, 80-minutes. For more information on the films or to purchase tickets, visit: www.sasiff.org - Or call: (561) 220-6735. Liza Minnelli on her European Tour 1975 (Photo Credit: Courtesy Atlas Media Corp) Previous Next

Junior League Of Boca Raton - Hosts Talk By Heather Hirsch, MD, Expert On Menopause And Perimenopause By Linda Chase - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 The Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR) will host a talk featuring Heather Hirsch, M.D. M.S., M.S.C.P., Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Founder of the Menopause & Midlife Clinic at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and now CEO of the Health by Heather Hirsch, M.D. Telemedicine Collaborative. Dr. Hirsch, who has appeared on Oprah Daily and in other national broadcasts, will speak about Perimenopause and Menopause. The talk will take place on January 23rd, 2025, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC), 500 T Rex Avenue, Boca Raton. The event is open to the community. There is no charge to attend the talk, but guests must register in advance. “Women take care of their families, their co-workers, and their community first, often neglecting their own health,” said Nikki Stelzer, President of The Junior League of Boca Raton. “We launched this year-long initiative with Baptist Health to encourage our members, as well as women all across our community, to focus on their own health and wellness.” Attendees will explore the stages of Perimenopause and Menopause in a special workshop led by Dr. Heather Hirsch, a leading Menopause expert in the field. Whether attendees are experiencing these changes, preparing for them, or supporting a loved one, this event offers essential guidance and is an opportunity to learn from a trusted voice in women’s health. Dr. Hirsch is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine, completed a fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, and founded the Menopause Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital while serving as faculty at Harvard Medical School. Her fellowship training included an emphasis on scholarly activity, the development of women's health curriculum, clinical research, and leadership. She is Certified by the Menopause Society and is a member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. Dr. Hirsch's educational skills can be seen across her large Social Media accounts, invited grand rounds, media talks, and her down-to-earth, practical approach to leading women to live empowered and healthy lives. To register, call The Junior League at: 561-620-2553 About The Junior League of Boca Raton Throughout the year, JLBR members contribute more than 35,000 volunteer hours and donate more than $250,000 to support the organization’s mission of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. The Junior League currently focuses on two community issues, Child Welfare and Non-Profit Support. To learn more about the JLBR, please contact the JLBR office at: 561-620-2553. Or visit: www.JLBR.org Please credit Dr. Heather Hirsch. Previous Next