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

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

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

Jewish Kids In Europe, Latin America and Asia Highlight Plight Of Hostages In Gaza (JNS Staff Report) Jan 7, 2025 Jewish children across the globe joined together this Chanukah to raise awareness of the Israeli hostages being held by Palestinian terrorists in Gaza since the Hamas led massacre in southern Israel on October 7th, 2023. Children in Latin America, Europe and Asia learned about the hostages’ plight and lit Chanukah candles arranged in the shape of the yellow ribbon that has come to symbolize the captives. The initiative was spearheaded by schools supported by the Yael Foundation, a philanthropic organization working in 35 countries and impacting 13,000 Jewish students. “The suffering of the hostages and their families must be acknowledged and addressed worldwide, especially within the Jewish community. Chanukah, a time deeply rooted in Jewish solidarity, is the perfect occasion to bring attention to this tragic situation,” said Chaya Yosovich, CEO of the Yael Foundation. “As an organization that partners with schools globally, we aim to instill the Jewish value of pidyon shvuyim, the imperative to act for the release of fellow Jews who are captured. This is our way of contributing to one of the most urgent Jewish challenges of our time,” she added. ‘Their hearts remain with those suffering in captivity’ In Odessa, Ukraine, students at the Tikva Children’s Home—an orphanage and school supported by the Yael Foundation—created a heartfelt video. The children, many of whom are refugees from the ongoing war in Ukraine, sang the iconic Hebrew song “HaBayta” (“Back Home”), and formed a human yellow ribbon while waving Israeli flags and holding photos of the hostages. “It is more important than ever to remember the Israeli hostages held by Hamas,” said Refael Kruskal, CEO of the Tikva Children’s Home. “Our students have suffered greatly because of the war in the Ukraine, but their hearts remain with those suffering in captivity in Gaza. Our greatest prayer is for their safe return, and we hold this hope close during this Chanukah season.” Rabbi Shmuel Kot of the Jewish Education Center in Tallinn, Estonia, said: “We are grateful to the Yael Foundation for the wonderful opportunity to participate in these meaningful Chanukah campaigns, highlighting both Jewish identity and solidarity with the hostages.” Founded in 2020 by Uri and Yael Poliavich, the foundation is guided by the belief that every Jewish child, no matter where they live, deserves access to high-quality Jewish and general education. Photo : Children from the Hatikvah School in Barcelona call to free the captives held by terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Previous Next

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

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

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

“Where Does YOUR House of Worship Fit in YOUR Home?” Jeff Jacob - jeff@tbehollywood.com Jan 8, 2025 A 2023 Gallup poll found that the percentage of Americans attending weekly religious services fell from 42% to 30% over the past 20 years. The article further broke these numbers down by individual religion. Sixteen percent of Jews responding to the survey expressed that they attend services weekly. And, while there was no deeper dive into the denomination breakdown, it stands to reason that if one were to remove Orthodox Jews from that equation, the percentage of Jews attending weekly services would be far, far lower than 16%. Ouch. In 2025, after piano and ballet lessons, soccer practice, Social Media time, Netflix, family time, friends, chores, school work, and the two of you working three jobs…where does the temple fit in? In other words, where does your house of worship fit in your home? As a Synagogue Executive Director, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a struggle it can be in many Reform and Conservative congregations to put “butts in the seats” for regular Shabbat services…therefore, I can’t say that I’m surprised by the results of this study. Although it is still shocking to see the actual numbers, many churches are also struggling with these questions. In this day and age, if one is not particularly observant, what does it take to garner enough interest in someone to make them desire to be regularly involved, in some shape or form, at the nearest temple? What can get you there? Charismatic, authentic Clergy is certainly a starting point. Gotta have it. Geography is also key. Who wants to drive more than 10-15 minutes to a house of worship when there is so much else vying for your attention? Even growing up in the 80s, I know that I was not the only one in my Hebrew and Sunday school classes who would have preferred being at soccer or basketball practice with my Christian friends. We were already being over-programmed as kids back then, but we didn’t have smart phones or Social Media, Prime, Apple +, Hulu, etc., streaming every single possible thing in the world right to our own personal hand-held movie theater. All of these options right at our fingertips have quelled the desire of more secular-leaning adherents of various religions to attend worship services even more. Kids are glued to their screens, and after an exhausting day, or week at work, so many parents simply want to tune out as well. Time for Netflix seems to be a common mantra after dinner hour for many of us. The aspect of Temple as a possible “3rd place” outside of work and home began decades ago, but with the growing popularity of coffee shops and personal electronics that trend has dramatically reversed itself in many instances. At Temple Beth El of Hollywood, we’ve been asking ourselves hard questions these past few years. Since COVID-19 really, as that period made so many of us reconsider and rethink both how we live, and how we “do business.” Questions such as, “How can we continue to offer the basics of what the older generations expect in a synagogue, while somehow trying to alter our operations, our programs, our long-range vision to adapt and be relevant to a changing world?” In a world where Zoom is a verb, and virtual programs are here to stay, why would someone get off the couch to come to a temple and worship, play, learn? The obvious answer would seem to be that most of us still seek a sense of belonging, community, caring, and continuity. But that drive to commune with one another doesn’t seem quite enough anymore to compete with all of the options and distractions available to us. Like most Jewish houses of worship, we host Shabbat services, Sunday School, Adult Education, celebrations of major holidays, Sisterhood, Brotherhood, Social Action, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah training. We also have a wonderful, Apple-Accredited Preschool. None of this is extraordinary, rather it’s a baseline. For Bar or Bat Mitzvah, we actually have 2 different tracks. And what does this mean? Traditional Track: Through being a member family of our congregation, and attending our Sunday School, a child is eased along the path of a modern, Jewish education that eventually evolves to include learning about what it takes to become an adult in Judaism, and training on how to get there. The benefits of this traditional model are well-documented. A sense of community and relationships that come with being part of a temple or synagogue is a major reason many of us commit to being supporting members of a “House of Worship.” However…. We’ve been hearing for years that there is a significant portion among the less observant who long for their children to have the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience without committing to supporting a temple community. It may be sad, but that doesn’t make it untrue. Therefore, we created our “APP Program.” In this transactional, fast-food, ADHD, multi-personal-device, person-driven society, many Jewish and interfaith families are disinterested in being a part of a “fixed Religious community.” And yet, they STILL want to provide that one rite of passage that is definitively Jewish for our kids. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah. For families that fit this mold, this program exists. Without any of the commitments that come with joining a congregation, a family can have their son or daughter go through training (on average 9-12 months) with our well-loved and talented Cantor, Manny Silver, who does a wonderful job of “meeting kids where they are” in his mentorship. Truly personalized paths of learning that towards the end of the process are also joined in on by our Rabbi, Aaron Sataloff, so that he can get to know each student and add to their experience before it’s time to stand on the Bimah together. Over the years, many students and their families have benefited from this program, and we feel it’s a necessary component of ensuring the survival of our peoplehood. While it may sound counter-intuitive since those who take advantage of this path are basically unengaged at the temple most of the year, we are still assisting in the continuation of Jewish knowledge and identity…and pride. And even though this may NOT ensure the survival of all temples and synagogues in a new world, it CAN help Judaism survive, thrive, and evolve. We cannot be so enamored of the four walls we inhabit that we disregard the potential to keep a flame of Jewishness lit out in the world. By any means necessary and at our disposal. And to that end, we’ve also created a festive “Alternative Shabbat Experience,” which we call 2nd Saturdays/Shabbatstock. As the name suggests, on the 2nd Saturday of each month October through May, our Worship band, JewGrass Revival, leads a folk-rock-oriented service under the big, beautiful trees on our front lawn. The goal in creating this experience was to make a once-a-month, Shabbat “mini-festival” feel that would be appealing to those who just don’t want to be with us, or can’t be with us on Friday nights. This dog-friendly environment features a coffee truck serving lattes and espressos, etc., a big lawn for the kids to run around on, and often a post-service activity such as yoga, a Ukulele Circle, or story time for the little ones. Neighbors stop by and commune in a VERY casual Shabbat experience. The Neshama in nature is 2nd to none. Outside the walls! We even offer a boutique Yoga & Fitness Studio in our Chapel every Monday through Friday with expert practitioner Sue Elle Strong. We love embarking on “field trips” with our congregants to baseball games with the Marlins, and basketball games with the Heat, as well as museums and member-hosted house parties where we expand beyond the four walls, out into our broader community. If you’ve reached this point in the article and would like to know more about any of the above-mentioned items, or would like to talk regarding anything else temple-related, please reach out and say hello. We’d love to show you around and share a cup of coffee. If you’re interested in signing someone up for our APP program, mention this article and receive a $500.00 credit towards their training! Shalom. Jeff Jacob jeff@tbehollywood.com Previous Next

From Miami’s Jewish Beginning, There Was Isidor Cohen By Sylvia Gurinsky Feb 18, 2025 Recently the City of Miami celebrated Isidor Cohen, a true pioneer of Miami, with the naming of Isidor Cohen Road. The event, held with family and friends present at the Center for Jewish Life at Beth David, 2625 Southwest 3rd Avenue, honored his legacy of community growth, cultural inclusion, and vision for our city’s future. (Pictured: All descendants of Isidor and Ida Cohen.) In June, 1896, Isidor Cohen, a young merchant, was beginning his first summer in Miami and was already experiencing business ups and downs, mosquitos, snakes, rats and hot weather. Nevertheless, he wrote in his diary, “This is going to be a wonderful city.” Greater Miami has had its own ups and downs, but Cohen’s prediction has generally been correct. And he and his family have been among the reasons for that success. Cohen had arrived in February, 1896, two months before the first train. He tried to negotiate with Julia Tuttle for land on the north side of the Miami River. She recommended he take a job clearing land. “I tried to impress this naïve lady that the last labor of this character my race had performed was in the land of Egypt, and that it would be a violation of my religious convictions to resume that condition of servitude,” he later wrote. After starting on the south side of the river, Cohen soon moved to the north side, where most of the business was. He quickly became part of the growing community, joining most of the new organizations except the Tuxedo Club – because he didn’t own a tuxedo. In July, 1896, Cohen voted to officially incorporate the city of Miami. He took note of the Black men who voted and spoke in favor of the new city and wrote favorably about them. His book, “Historical Sketches and Sidelights of Miami, Florida,” was published in 1925 – the first locally published book with a positive look at the Black community. In the beginning, things looked favorable for the growing Jewish community as well, with an 1896 Commemoration of the High Holy Days. But two fires and a Yellow Fever Epidemic before 1900 temporarily reduced the size of that community. Cohen didn’t give up. In 1904, he married Ida Schneiderman, the widow of another early Miami Jewish merchant, and adopted her son, Murray. Isidor and Ida added two more children – daughter Claire and son Eddie, who had the first Bris in Miami in 1908. The growth extended far beyond the family. In 1912, Isidor and Ida were among the founders of Beth David Congregation, the city’s first and oldest Synagogue. In 1941, Ida Cohen was a principal creator of what’s now Miami Jewish Health Systems. After World War 2, the Cohens were among the founders of Mount Sinai Medical Center. During the 1950’s, Claire Cohen Weintraub helped to begin what is now the Frost Science Museum. By the time Isidor Cohen died in 1951, Miami was on its way to becoming a major international center. Today, members of his family continue as community leaders. In January, the City of Miami honored Cohen by naming the street just north of Beth David Congregation for him. Such an honor is long overdue for a primary founding father of Jewish Miami. Isidor Cohen was the father of Greater Miami's Jewish community - Credit: www.museumoffamilyhistory.com In January, the City of Miami honored Cohen in a ceremony by naming the street just north of Beth David Congregation for him. Credit: Miami-Dade Communications Department Isidor and Ida Cohen and family with Claire Weintraub (Right) - Credit: www.floridamemory.com Ida Cohen, wife of Miami's first permanent Jewish settler, Isidor Cohen - Credit: www.museumoffamilyhistory.com Previous Next

Jewish Family Home Care Once Again Awarded With Three 2025 Best Of Home Care® Awards Pictured: JFHC CEO Robin Miller Feb 18, 2025 Jewish Family Home Care (JFHC) – a not-for-profit agency – is honored to announce that it once again received three 2025 Best of Home Care Awards from Activated Insights, formerly Home Care Pulse, the leading firm in experience management for post-acute care. The awards include the Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice. JFHC received all three awards in 2024 and both the Best of Home Care® – Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards from Activated Insights in 2023. JFHC provides multi-reach, non-medical home quality home health care for Broward County, Florida seniors from all reaches of life and any faith. JFHC is one of the largest providers of home health care providing assistance to Holocaust survivors and anyone in Broward County needing in-home care. Providing service to more than 400 clients, including over 300 Holocaust survivors, JFHC offers services such as home health aides, companions, housekeepers and certified nursing assistants. It delivers tailor-made home health care plans, with special consideration to patients’ physical and emotional needs, as well as their family’s budget. The Leader in Experience Award is the highest recognition awarded by Activated Insights and is given to select home care businesses that consistently rank among the very highest in 10 or more quality metrics. As a Leader in Experience, JFHC is now recognized among the top 10% of home care providers participating in the nationwide Activated Insights Experience Management program. This accomplishment demonstrates JFHC’s long-term dedication to excellent care and quality improvement. To qualify for this award, 10% of JFHC’s clients and caregivers were interviewed each month by Activated Insights. Over 12 months, JFHC received high client and caregiver satisfaction ratings in areas such as caregiver training, compassion of caregivers, communication, scheduling, client/caregiver compatibility and more. Using feedback from clients and employees, as well as quality benchmarks from Activated Insights, the JFHC management team set goals to reach the highest level of experience possible. The Best of Home Care® – Leader in Experience Award highlights the top-performing home care businesses in the nation. Activated Insights believes that by honoring these providers, families looking for in-home care for a loved one will be able to recognize and choose a trusted home care provider. The Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards are granted only to the top-ranking home care providers, based on client and employee satisfaction scores gathered by Activated Insights. JFHC is now ranked among a small handful of home care providers across the country who have proven their ability to provide an exceptional working experience to employees and the highest quality care to clients. Best of Home Care providers have contracted with Activated Insights to gather feedback from their clients and caregivers via live phone interviews each month. Because Activated Insights is an independent company, it can collect honest and unbiased feedback. “We are proud to once again be honored with the 2025 Best of Home Care® – Leader in Experience, Employer & Provider of Choices awards from Activated Insights,” said JFHC CEO Robin Miller. “Each of these awards is a true testament to our commitment to providing exceptional in-home care to our families, as they are based on testimonials from both our clients and our caregivers. This wouldn’t be possible without my incredible team who shares my passion for excellence and delivering the best results to our clients and their families. Knowing that we’re making a difference in the lives of others fuels our passion and commitment to exceeding expectations every day.” “At Activated Insights, our mission is to help post-acute care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations; ultimately improving outcomes for all stakeholders in the care continuum,” says Bud Meadows, Chief Executive Officer of Activated Insights. “When we see agencies like Jewish Family Home Care that have so effectively provided outstanding care and employment experiences, we know we’re on the right track. Jewish Family Home Care has worked extremely hard to prioritize high-quality care and employment, and their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. These awards allow them to show proof of quality to potential clients and caregivers.” To find out more about JFHC’s commitment to excellence, please visit: www.JFCares.org - Or call: (954) 908-5677. Previous Next

Roll With The Punches By Judith Levy Jan 7, 2025 Life offers many ups and downs. Some blows, especially the unexpected ones, bolts out of the blue, are more hurtful than others, but what choice do we have? We must endure. The loss of loved ones, parents, partners, and worst of all a child leaves no option but to reel from the blow, get up, steady yourself and go on. Many times, we wonder what we did to deserve this unspeakable sadness. There are no answers for you, only words of sympathy that are being offered by friends who want to, but don’t really know how to comfort you. You listen, appreciate their kindness but nothing will help other than the passage of time. You look at the pictures of your dear loved ones, even talk to them, but nothing will ease your pain other than some momentary distraction and the ticking of the clock, heralding the passage of time. The calendar betrays your true feelings with each passing birthday or anniversary that shouts at you, remember me and the good times we spent together. Of course you do remember them, and painful as it is, you hold those memories dear and try to comfort yourself with recollections of the heartfelt times and the laughter you shared with these people whose absence leaves a permanent hole in your heart. I know it’s difficult, been there and done that, but do try to look forward. The people you loved would want that for you. Your happiness would be their fondest wish, so embrace that thought and try to face tomorrow with good thoughts and a smile. Rain makes flowers bloom and then to everyone’s joy, the sun comes out. Sometimes reaching out to be with someone who has walked the road you are now traveling on offers a modicum of relief from sorrow. Helping others might help you. Try it. Judith Levy speaks for organizations and is the New York Times best-selling author of GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS, which has sold over four million copies and the mega best-seller GRANDFATHER REMEMBERS published by HarperCollins. Both books, perfect gifts, are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Previous Next

Chanukah Discovery: Rare Coins Unearth Hasmonean History By Hanan Greenwood and Assaf Golan Jan 7, 2025 A remarkable archaeological discovery emerged in the Jordan Valley during this year’s Chanukah Festival: a cache of coins minted under King of Judea Alexander Jannaeus, a significant ruler of the Hasmonean Kingdom from 104–76 BCE. Jannaeus (whose Hebrew name was Jonathan, as revealed in historical records and confirmed by numismatic evidence) was descended from a lineage of revolutionary Hasmonean leaders. He was the son of John Hyrcanus, the grandson of Simon, and the great-grandson of Mattathias, who sparked the rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the Seleucid Empire. That historic uprising, which began in 167 BCE, culminated in the Temple’s purification from Syrian-Greek idolatry and the genesis of the Chanukah celebration. The rebellion led to the establishment of a sovereign Jewish kingdom under Hasmonean leadership. Conducted by the University of Haifa’s premier archaeological team—including Shai Bar from the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, Yoav Farhi and Michael Osband—the excavation uncovered a previously unknown roadside complex. “The site features a ritual bath, water reservoir and additional structures along Nahal Tirzah’s [the Tirzah Stream’s] banks, situated on the primary route leading to the Sartaba Fortress, which Jannaeus himself constructed,” Bar elaborated. Farhi, the Israel Museum’s ancient coin curator, noted the cache’s remarkable uniformity. Each coin bears an eight-pointed star with an Aramaic inscription reading “King Alexander Year 25” on one side, and an anchor with a Greek inscription on the reverse. Dated to 80 or 79 BCE, such comprehensive coin collections are exceptionally rare in archaeological research, making this discovery particularly significant. “Discovering this Hasmonean treasure during Chanukah imbued our work with profound meaning, especially amid the current challenging national context,” Bar said. “We hope this site will become a cherished public landmark, enriching Israel’s archaeological heritage.” Originally published by Israel Hayom. Photo by Shai Bar/The Zinman Institute of Archaeology - Ancient coins minted under King Alexander Jannaeus, found in the Jordan Valley. Previous Next