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

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

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

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

Temple Sinai Of Hollywood Presents An Evening With DuDu Fisher & Friends By Alan Goch - Jewish Connection News Jan 7, 2025 World renown Israeli Cantor and entertainer DuDu Fisher will perform in concert at Temple Sinai of Hollywood on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Fisher will be joined by Cantor Dimitry. General Admission is $72 and includes one seat; VIP Tickets are $360 and include one ticket, a reserved parking spot, meet-and-greet champagne dessert reception and a listing in the event program.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, including Community Sponsor at $500, which includes a listing in the event program and Event Sponsor at $1,000 which includes 4 tickets, a reserved parking spot, meet-and-greet champagne dessert reception and a listing in the event program.

Bid on items in the Online Auction which went live January 1st, 2025, and will culminate the evening of the concert. All proceeds benefit Temple Sinai of Hollywood’s community programs and services. The synagogue is located at 1400 North 46th Avenue in Hollywood. 
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit: www.SinaiHollywood.org . Or call: (954) 987-0026, Extension#: 1. Or email: info@sinaihollywood.org Photo: DuDu Fisher. Photo courtesy of DuDu Fisher 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

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

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

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