It's Happening In Miami

The Greater Miami Section of the National Council of Jewish Women, locally known as NCJW Miami, hired Amy Bloom, who is its first Executive Director in a decade. NCJW Miami has been making a difference in the lives of women, children, and families in Miami and South Florida since its inception in 1921. Now, it is reorganizing to more readily meet the needs of the community and its members, with a diverse and enigmatic new board and an Executive Director at the helm.

NCJW Miami Board Co-President, Jenni Person responds to its new direction, “Coupled with the redevelopment of a new, dynamic Board, the appointment of an Executive Director marks an exciting moment of infrastructure expansion for NCJW Miami. Our section can now take on our justice-centered work and mission with the impact of a solid organization while modeling the priority of professionalizing and elevating women’s roles that have historically been volunteer and undervalued as such.”

Amy Bloom brings a wealth of non-profit experience. Previously, Amy established herself as a leader in the LGBTQ community in her native Chicago as co-chair of the Human Rights Campaign’s Chicago Gala and Executive Director for Equality Illinois. She also successfully managed her own company, supporting the fundraising and marketing efforts of over a dozen organizations. Moving to Miami six years ago, Amy most recently served as NCJW Miami’s Director of Outreach & Engagement. In this role, she led the organization’s governance transition from a presidium to a twenty-six member Board of Directors. Amy brings to NCJW Miami her expertise in strategic planning, grassroots organizing, and building coalitions that drive a wider movement.

Caren Kamlet, Board Co-President adds, “It has been my pleasure to volunteer for this amazing organization. As part of the fabric of Miami’s social justice history, NCJW has been helping those in need for almost 100 years. It’s the relationship between the community and the organization that has kept us strong. Our community service and advocacy efforts have uplifted lives across race, gender, culture and spirituality.”

Amy Bloom has her eyes set on the future, "I am honored to be NCJW Miami's Executive Director, and to have the opportunity to work with and build powerful women leaders who want to bring the organization into its second centennial."

ABOUT NCJW Miami: NCJW Miami currently advocates its progressive ideals with local, state and federal legislators. NCJW Miami will accompany NCJW members from around the state to Tallahassee in early February to promote reproductive rights and justice, gun safety, women’s equality and civil rights legislation. In April of 2019, members joined over 400 national NCJW members in Washington D.C. to promote similar legislation. NCJW Miami provides a leadership program for professional women, NCJW Teens, forming the future of women’s leadership and educational opportunities on advocacy, community building and spiritual enrichment. The section’s community service efforts include providing comfort for cancer patients, rides to polls, supporting local public education and immigrants’ needs. For more information visit www.ncjwmiami.org.

Press Contact: Laura Guren Rodriguez (305) 335-0606 [email protected]

A Conversation with Shirley & Arthur Sotloff

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, 7-9 p.m.

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU FIU Professor Tudor Parfitt will moderate a discussion with Shirley & Arthur Sotloff about the life and career of their son Steven Sotloff and the issue of wartime journalism.

Arthur and his wife Shirley founded the 2LIVES Foundation soon after their son, journalist Steven Sotloff, was brutally murdered on international tv after being held hostage for one year. Their mission is to provide scholarships to women and men of excellence seeking careers in journalism in a changed world.

Saturday, February 29th 9:30 AM

Temple Emanu-El on Miami Beach will host Daniel Gerstein from the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

Biracial, adopted as an infant by a U.S. Jewish family, Daniel faced both racism and anti-Semitism growing up. He now serves as Medic in Battalion Aid in the prestigious Station 890. He is 23 years old.

Daniel will speak about his remarkable life, journey, and unique military/combat story during Shabbat services. A complimentary Kiddush lunch will follow services.

Temple Emanu-El is located at 1701 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. (305) 538-2503. www.tesobe.org.

MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT

Thursday, February 27th Registration 9:15-9:45 AM (coffee) Lunch will be served $36 Entry Fee Prizes awarded to top finishers

Please consider donating gift baskets to be raffled to benefit the synagogue

Contact Sharon Jacobson at [email protected] Or register at www.tesobe.org

Tournament is based on a 15-minute game and there will be 4 rounds. Please bring your own NMJL card.

TEMPLE EMANU-EL OF SOUTH BEACH 1701 Washington Avenue Miami Beach (305) 538-2503

Monday, February 10th. 6:30 PM

Tu B’Shevat Celebration

You’re invited to celebrate the New Year of the trees

with a Mystical and Musical Tu B’Shevat Seder.

Savor different fruits and wines. Art Therapy.

Singing of sacred Jewish chants.

Temple Emanu-El. 1701 Washington Avenue.

Miami Beach. (305) 538-2503. www.tesobe.org.

Facebook.com/tesobe. ; @te_sobe.

Wednesday, February 26th 7 PM.

Temple Emanu-El will host a Rosh Chodesh Barbeque

and you’re invited!

Beef Hot Dogs. Burgers. Vegan Burgers (email us at [email protected]).

Sides. Corona Beer on Tap. S’mores.

Click to RSVP:

https://www.tesobe.org/store/c36/BBQ_Dinner_-RoshChodesh_Feb_26_%40_7pm.html

Temple Emanu-El is at 1701 Washington Avenue on Miami Beach. (305) 538-2503

Friday, February 21st . 7 PM. Rock Kabbalat: a Musical Shabbat.

Meet us at Temple Emanu-El for a musical Friday night service, followed by Shabbat dinner.

Minimum donation is $18. Reservations are a must: www.tesobe.org or phone (305) 538-2503.

Temple Emanu-el. 701 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach.

For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org

92nd Street Y: Humor-Guide To Jew People

Stand-Up Comic Judy Gold sits with Dave Barry, Adam Mansbach and Alan Zweibel, award-winning humor writers and the co-authors of A Field Guide to The Jewish People. From the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Today (Sunday) – 8pm & 2am; Monday - 10pm & 4am; Wednesday - 10:30am; Friday – 8:30pm & 1am; Saturday - 3pm

Jewish Cinematheque: Yaron Zilberman

Israeli director Yaron Zilberman discusses his film, Incitement, story of the assassination of Yitzchak Rabin through the eyes of the murderer, Yigal Amir. With Jewish film scholar Eric Goldman. Monday – 7:30pm & 1am; Wednesday - 1:00pm; Saturday – 10:30pm & 2:30am

ADL Summit: “Never Is Now”

ADL: Broadway Responds To Hate

Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat) and Broadway stars discuss how artists can help combat hate and promote freedom of expression. With Lisa Kron (Fun Home), Adam Kantor (Band’s Visit), Daniel Watts (Hamilton) and Benj Pasek (Dear Evan Hansen). From the 2019 ADL Summit in NYC. Monday - 8pm & 2am; Wednesday - 2pm; Saturday – 8pm & 1:30am

ADL: Elan Carr, Joan Ryan, Isaac Herzog

At the 2019 ADL Summit “Never Is Now,” Elan Carr (U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism), Joan Ryan (UK MP) and Isaac Herzog (Chairman, the Jewish Agency) address "Global Approaches to Fighting Anti-Semitism." Tuesday - 8pm & 1am; Thursday - 2pm; Saturday- 8pm

For Tu BiShvat

Talmud: Tu BiShvat

As Jews celebrate Tu BiShvat this evening and tomorrow, the Jewish “New Year for Trees,” when trees begin to bloom in the Land of Israel, Rabbi Mordechai Becher (Gateways) discusses the Talmudic view of the holiday on JBS’s “Dimensions of the Daf.” Today (Sunday) – 9am

Noah’s Flood & Climate Change

Three panels discuss the Biblical story of the Flood and how it relates to contemporary challenges of climate change. By the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism (Fairfield, Ct) and the Jewish Federation of Upper Fairfield County, from Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, Ct). Today (Sunday) – 2pm

For Valentine’s Day -Talmud: Love, Marriage & Giving

On the week of Valentine’s Day, Rabbi Mordechai Becher (Gateways Organization Senior Lecturer) discusses the Talmud's attitude towards love and marriage, and how the Jewish Tradition teaches love is the pursuit of “oneness” achieved through acts of giving. On The JBS original series “Dimensions Of The Daf.” Thursday – 7pm & 1am

L’Chayim: Psychology of Love

Dr. Aaron Ben-Ze'ev, former President of the University of Haifa, professor of philosophy and author of "Love Online", sits to discuss the psychology of love. Thursday - 9pm & Midnight; Friday - 3pm

Film: The Pin

After being left for dead and waking up in a shallow grave, Jacob runs to the first hiding place he sees, a broken down barn where he is saved by a young girl. A love story in the shadow of the Holocaust. In Yiddish with English Subtitles. Friday – 9pm; Saturday – 4am

Also On L’Chayim This Week

Monday: Dr. Mordechai Kedar Pt. 1

Mordechai Kedar, a leading scholar on Arab culture (Bar Ilan University), addresses the profound misconceptions Americans have about the structure and mentality of the Palestinian world and offers an alternative peace plan. Monday - 9pm & Midnight; Tuesday - 3pm

Tuesday: Mordechai Kedar Pt. 2

Mordechai Kedar, a leading scholar on Arab culture (Bar Ilan University), explains why the Arab world needs to recognize Israel as a Jewish State and why the issue of Palestinian refugees reflects an anti-Israel bias. Tuesday - 9pm & Midnight; Wednesday - 3pm

Wednesday: Music Industry vs BDS

Former Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Publishing, David Renzer, explains how he formed “Creative Community for Peace” to build bridges with Palestinians, to support artistic freedom and to counter the cultural boycott of Israel.
Wednesday - 9pm & Midnight; Thursday - 3pm

Saturday: Abraham Lincoln

For Presidents’ Weekend, Yossi Prager, Avi Chai Foundation Executive Director for North America, reviews the enduring legacy of President Abraham Lincoln, and discusses the Jewish Tradition's notion of God's role in human events. Saturday - 6pm

For Parashat Yitro

Talmud: Honor Father & Mother

As the Jewish world reads parashat Yitro and the Ten Commandments this week, Rabbi Mordechai Becher (Gateways Organization Senior Lecturer and author of Gateways To Judaism) discusses the commandment to "Honor Your Father and Mother" and why the Jewish Tradition teaches that respect for elders is so important. On JBS’s original series “Dimensions of the Daf.” Tuesday – 9am & 4:30pm; Friday – 2pm

Jewish 101: Standing At Sinai

As the Jewish world reads sedra Yitro dramatically describing how the Children of Israel received the Torah at Sinai, the midrash describes that each person heard the words of God in his and her own way. “Jewish 101” with Mark S. Golub. Wednesday – 9am & 4:30pm; Friday – 1pm

ITN: Alan Dershowitz Answers

Alan Dershowitz responds to criticisms of his Constitutional arguments debunking the impeachment of Pres. Trump; discusses the impeachment process in both houses; refutes the Epstein charges; and describes the vitriol directed at him. Today (Sunday) – Noon & 6pm; Monday – 3pm

From the Aleph-Bet: Lesson 16

Learn about exceptions to vowel pronunciation and review the entire Hebrew alphabet Monday - 9am & 4:30pm; Wednesday - 7pm; Saturday - 11am

Join American Associates, Ben-Gurion University and Israel Bonds at the Miami Beach JCC for

Game of Drones: Diving Into Future Human-Drone Interactions

Dr. Jessica Cauchard

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Department of Industrial Engineering and Management

Thursday, February 13, 2020 7:30 p.m.

Miami Beach JCC 4221 Pine Tree Drive Miami Beach, FL 33140

Drones are already being used for photography, search and rescue, and drone delivery is coming soon. Join us to hear how Israeli researchers are developing ways for people to safely and clearly communicate with drones we will increasingly encounter in our day to day lives.

Light refreshments will be served

Admission: $18 per person

To register, go to: https://mbjcc.ticketleap.com/drones/

Scheck Hillel Community School has earned the College Board's AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for attaining female student representation in AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) for 2019. Out of 20,000 institutions that offer AP courses, Scheck Hillel is among the top 3% to be recognized and is the only Jewish school in Florida to receive the national honor. This award acknowledges the outstanding work Scheck Hillel is doing to engage more female students in computer science.

“Scheck Hillel is empowering young women to see themselves as creators, innovators, and problem-solvers,” said Stefanie Sanford, College Board global policy chief. “We hope to see even more high schools inspire female students to harness the potential of an AP computer science education.”

Schools receiving the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have achieved 50% or higher female representation in either or both of the AP computer science courses, or the percentage of female computer science examinees meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. Scheck Hillel teaches coding from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and offers AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A.

“We’re very proud to have received this important award and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect moment,” said Vanessa Donaher, Head of Scheck Hillel Community School. “As a school we give our students opportunities to pursue their passions and maximize achievement, and over the years we have seen our Design/STEM program grow tremendously. Scheck Hillel's emphasis on Design/STEM in early childhood through high school, coupled with our high school STEM track and clubs like Girls Building STEAM have powered an increase in acceptances to college engineering programs.”

Providing female students with access to computer science courses is necessary to ensuring gender parity in high-paying technology jobs and to drive innovation, creativity, and competition. A 2014 Google study found that women are more likely to pursue computer science if they are given the opportunity to explore it in high school. At Scheck Hillel, 60% of the Design/STEM faculty is female, providing successful role models in the field.

Design/STEM at Scheck Hillel Community School starts as young as early childhood education (ECE) and progresses through Grade 12. In ECE, Design/STEM is taught in the classrooms through science lessons and project-based learning. Kindergarten-Grade 5 students also go to the campus I Lab: a dedicated space for inspiration and innovation designed to extend classroom learning in an environment that promotes collaboration and experimentation. There, students engage in developmentally sequenced activities with a focus on coding and robotics, social studies and digital literacy.

In Grades 6-12, the school’s Multimedia Maker Lab is the hub for Design/STEM education. Scheck Hillel offers an intensive 4-year high school Design/STEM track of hands-on laboratory courses, including Engineering, Engineering & Entrepreneurship and more than one computer science class, designed to mimic work environments in the real world. Applications for this program open for rising Grade 9 students every spring.

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].