It's Happening In Miami

Dennis Prager Shabbat Keynote Address: How to Raise a Mensch - How to Be a Mensch

Saturday, May 28 at 9:30 am at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus - 20350 NE 26th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33180

Join us for Shabbat Morning Services Saturday, May 28 at 9:30 am with a special keynote address by Dennis Prager "How to Raise a Mensch- How to be a Mensch"

Dennis Prager is a best-selling author, columnist, and one of America’s most respected and popular radio talk show hosts. He is the co-founder of PragerU, which has garnered more than 5 billion views on its website, mobile app, and social media channels.

Free event. Open to the community.

For more details, visit: http://btbrc.org/event/dennis-prager/

Dr. Marc E. Agronin, Senior Vice President, Behavioral Health, and Chief Medical Offer for MIND Institute at Miami Jewish Health, will be the keynote speaker at the second session of a series for Certified Legal Advisors (CLA) presented by Federation’s Professional Advisors Council (PAC) on Wednesday, June 1 at noon.

During the online session, available via Zoom, Agronin will discuss “Planning for Care in the New Normal: How to Understand Age-Related Changes in Cognition and Decision-Making When Working With Your Clients.”

PAC engages professional advisors to educate them about planned giving opportunities for their clients through Federation. After attendance of at least three programs in the PAC series, CLA professionals are recommended for certification and are listed on Federation’s website as a resource for donors to seek professional guidance in formalizing their legacy commitments.

Click here to learn more about the speaker.

Click here to RSVP. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box Ch 1684, Atlantic Broadband 168, Hotwire Ch 269, DirecTV Ch 388, Blue Stream Ch 110, streamed on Roku under "educational", Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and jbstv.org. For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org

Rabbi on the Sidelines: Peter Kurz

Peter Kurz, President of Israel Baseball and General Manager of Israel’s Olympic baseball team, discusses the historical Tokyo Olympics, what it means for the growth of baseball and Israel, and the impact Israel has had on the players’ Jewish journeys. Sunday - 7:00pm & 2:00am Monday - 1:00pm Tuesday - 4:00am & 10:00am Thursday - 5:00am & 10:00pm

Jewish Cinematheque: Ahed’s Knee

Israeli writer and director Nadav Lapid discusses Ahed’s Knee, his imaginative psychodrama about an Israeli filmmaker who finds himself fighting for his freedoms and his mother’s life in a remote desert village where he’s presenting one of his films. Monday - 7:30pm & 2:00am Tuesday - 2:00pm Wednesday - 10:30am & 10:00pm Thursday - 12:30pm Friday - 2:30am

In the Spotlight: David Harris

As he prepares to leave a job he’s held for three decades, David Harris, CEO of AJC, sits with Abigail Pogrebin to discuss how much has been accomplished and what is more challenging than ever when it comes to American Jews and Israel. Monday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Tuesday - 11:00am & 10:00pm Wednesday - 5:00am (2:00am PT) Friday - 10:00am Saturday - 7:00pm

Rabbi Hirsch: The Things That Count

Rabbi Hirsch reminds his congregation that the holidays of Passover and Shavuot are inextricably linked, and explains how counting the Omer between the festivals is a way of heralding the arrival of the ultimate moment of emancipation and liberation Tuesday- 7:00pm & 2:00am Wednesday - 10:00am Thursday - 10:35am Friday - 4:35am & 11:00am Saturday - 4:00pm

The First Female Rabbis

In celebration of the 50-year anniversary of women in the rabbinate, the first four female rabbis to be ordained in their respective denominations come together to discuss the challenges they faced and the triumphs they enjoyed as they made history. Tuesday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Wednesday - 2:00pm Thursday - 10:00pm Friday - 2:00pm

Global Perspectives: Nathan Sales

Nathan Sales, former Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights of the US, shares his perspective on the threat of terror attacks from the IRGC or Hezbollah on the US, and more with Ellie Cohanim. Thursday - 7:35pm & 2:00am Saturday - 5:30am & 10:30pm

Top Story: John Podhoretz

Jonathan Tobin is joined by Commentary magazine editor John Podhoretz who shares his perspective that recent events have “vindicated neo-conservatism,” by reminding us of the dangers of American weakness abroad. Thursday - 8:00pm & 1:00am Friday - 9:00am Saturday - 8:00pm

In The News: The Death of Shireen Abu Akleh

David Brinn, Managing Editor of The Jerusalem Post, discusses how the killing of the veteran Al Jazeera journalist has been used to fuel a narrative against Israel, taking focus away from the tragedy of her death. With Teisha Bader. Monday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Tuesday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 11:30pm

Thinking Out Loud: Overlooked Global Threat

Micah Halpern returns his focus to a global threat that has been overlooked of late due to the focus on Russia's invasion of Ukraine: ISIS. In light of recent attacks, he reminds us why this violent jihadist organization is still a massive problem for global stability. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Thursday - 3:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Saturday - 5:30pm

Hebrew: From The Aleph Bet: Lesson 19

Recognize Hebrew letters that tend to look alike in a complete review of all the Hebrew letters and vowel sounds. Download Lessons and Worksheets free on the JBS website by Clicking Here. Monday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Thursday - 10:00am Friday - 4:00am

Talmud Study: Marriage Mordechai Becher, Senior Lecturer for Gateways and author of "Gateway To Judaism," discusses "Eight Blessings One Wedding," on the theme of marriage as found in Talmud tractates Kesuvos 7 and 8 Today (Sunday) - 9:00am Monday - 4:00am Tuesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Wednesday - 7:00pm

Jewish 101: Not In Heaven

In a continuing study of what it means to say that "the Torah is written by God," a discussion of the famous Talmudic story which teaches that Jews do not listen to voices from heaven to understand the Torah Sunday (Today) - 10:15am Wednesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm Thursday - 4:00am & 11:00am Friday - 5:00am & 1:00pm

92nd Street Y: Jonathan Sacks

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the UK and author of “Not In God’s Name,” discusses “altruistic evil” and the need to confront religious violence and intolerance in our times. From the 92Y in NYC (November 2015) Sunday - 8:00pm Monday - 5:00am & 10:00pm
Tuesday - 5:00am Wednesday - 1:00pm Saturday - 1:00am

FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 7:30pm & 10:30pm

SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 9:30am & 1:00pm

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles 11:00am & 2:30pm

Edith Samers Vice President 203.536.6914 (cell phone) JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3 fulltime television channel Website: jbstv.org

On Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 8am to 1:30pm, join us at 5200 NE 2nd Avenue on the Miami Jewish Health campus where the 26th Annual Ministering to the Elderly Conference will focus on the notion of “Creating Meaning in Times of Uncertainty.”

The conference is being organized by Mishkan Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Miami Jewish Health and Jewish Community Services of South Florida. The Ministering to the Elderly Conference is a practical forum for caring professionals and community and spiritual leaders, in addition to those concerned with enriching the lives of seniors.

During times like the recent COVID-19 pandemic, intense polarization and political conflict, and disasters like Surfside, it can be difficult to find meaning, hope and resilience. Keynote speaker Dr. Kenneth J. Doka will explore the grief- often disenfranchised- people may experience during this traumatic period. He will also offer suggestions on ways to build resilience, hope and meaning within ourselves and those we serve.

Registration fee for the conference is $36 per person, which includes Kosher continental breakfast and lunch. Continuing education credits will be available for nurses, mental health professionals and guardians.

To register for the 26th Annual Ministering to the Elderly Conference, visit JewishMiami.org/mttec or call 786-866-8621.

Bows and Arrows of Love##

by Rabbi Moishe Kievman Chabad Chayil

Lag BaOmer is a festive day on the Jewish calendar, celebrating the anniversary of the passing of the great sage and mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Also known as the Rashbi (an acronym for his name), he was the author of the Zohar, a foundational work of the Kabbalah, who requested that the day of his passing be celebrated, and not mourned.

It also commemorates another event. In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot, a plague raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva and on Lag BaOmer the dying ceased. The Talmud tells us that the plague affected the students of Rabbi Akiva “because they did not act respectfully towards each other.” Thus, Lag BaOmer carries the theme of the imperative to love and respect one’s fellow (ahavat yisrael). Lag BaOmer teaches us that while working to help improve our fellow man, we must never allow these efforts to compromise our love and respect for him.

It is traditional to light bonfires on Lag BaOmer eve, commemorating the immense light that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai introduced into the world via his mystical teachings.

Children customarily go out into the fields and play with imitation bows and arrows. This commemorates the midrashic tradition that no rainbow was seen during Rabbi Shimon’s lifetime.

Rainbows first appeared after Noah’s flood, when G‑d promised to never again devastate the world. When the world is deserving of punishment, G‑d sends a rainbow instead. Rabbi Shimon’s merit protected the world, rendering the rainbow superfluous.

But there’s a much deeper meaning behind the bow and arrow game, with a lesson not just for Lag BaOmer, but something we can apply every day of the year.

The first weapons devised by man were designed for hand-to-hand combat. But a person's enemy or prey is not always an arm's-length away, or even within sight. Soon the warrior and hunter felt the need for a weapon that could reach a target a great distance away, or which lies invisible and protected behind barriers of every sort.

With a bow and arrow, the tension in an arched bough of wood is exploited to propel a missile for great distances and slash through barriers. The inventor of this device first had to grasp the paradox that the deadly arrow must be pulled back toward one's own heart in order to strike the heart of the opponent, and that the more it is drawn toward oneself, the more distant an adversary it can reach.

Chassidut teaches us that the same rules that apply to tools of destruction, apply to tools of construction - the tools we use to help build each other. And this is the deeper theme and lesson of Lag BaOmer: In order to reach a friend or relative who is otherwise unreachable, we have to first dig deep within our own heart. The deeper place from within our heart this love comes from, the deeper it will penetrate in our loved ones heart. The more we work on our own character, the more our children will work on theirs.

The Rebbe writes in Hayom Yom “If you rebuke your brother and he does not listen, then it is you who is to blame. Words that come from the heart, enter the heart”. If you haven't penetrated their heart, dig deeper within your own heart.

This year, Lag BaOmer is Wednesday Night - Thursday, May 18-19, 2022. I encourage you to join a Lag BaOmer celebration taking place at any Chabad or synagogue near you. You are of course welcome to join us at Chabad Chayil in HIghland Lakes for a bonfire, bbq and kumzitz, to G-d willing take place Wednesday, May 18 at 8:30pm. There’s no charge and you can bring your own music instruments to join the kumzitz. For the complete history and more lessons you can learn from this fun and Kabbalistic holiday visit www.ChabadChayil.org/Lag.

About the author: Rabbi Kievman is the ambassador of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. He is founder of CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools, rabbi at The Family Shul & together with his wife directs Chabad Chayil. He can be reached at (305) 770-1919 or [email protected]

On May 26 at noon at the Miami Beach JCC, JPro Miami will have the great pleasure of honoring these two extraordinary colleagues.

Mark Baranek will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and Jenine Simon will receive the Rabbi Solomon Schiff (z”l) Jewish Communal Professional of Excellence Award.

In addition to their professional achievements, each has contributed to the work of JPro Miami - the organization that connects, educates, inspires, and empowers professionals working in the Jewish community sector.

RSVP today to reserve your spot! And share with others who love and respect these two special members of our community.

RSVP: Members, click here

RSVP: Non-members, click here

Getting ready for college today requires much more than school supplies and textbooks. With the alarming rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on many campuses, it is essential for Jewish high school seniors to be prepared for what's ahead.

Join the Greater Miami Jewish Federation International Division and the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education for a special educational and social program, Sunday, May 15 from 3 to 7:30 p.m. in Miami Beach.

• Learn about campus resources that support Jewish life
• Gain knowledge and access tools to advocate for Israel
• Dine, dance and mingle with other incoming freshmen

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit JewishMiami.org/college Address will be provided upon registration.

Space is limited. Dietary laws observed.

If you, a family member or friend require special accommodations to attend this program, please let us know. We will do our best to assist you.

*For more information, contact Jessica Meiler-Tangir at [email protected] or 305.705.0800."

Women's Philanthropy invites you to a special program on Wednesday, May 11th from 10:30am-Noon at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 770 NE 125th St. North Miami.

Please join us for a guided private tour of the exhibit My Name is Maryan. The exhibit is a monographic presentation of four decades of paintings, sculptures, drawings & film by the iconoclastic, ground-breaking Polish-born artist Maryan. To learn about the exhibit, visit mocanomi.org.

We are honored to have Dr. Helen Sachs Chaset as our docent. Dr. Chaset is a long-time educator & daughter of two Holocaust survivors who was born in a displaced persons camp in Hannover, Germany.

Free parking available immediately east, west & south of museum. Handicapped parking is behind museum.

LIMITED space available & RSVP is required to participate. Please RSVP to [email protected]

We respectfully request that only those who are fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours in advance of this event attend. We thank you for your understanding & cooperation.

CommUNITY Event for Israel

Commemorate Yom HaZikaron & Celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut

On Wednesday, May 4th will be Hebrew Academy's incredible Community for Israel event at Hebrew Academy Miami, 2400 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach. We have many exciting festivities planned including a meaningful program at 6:45 pm, music, face painting, delicious food for purchase and fireworks! Doors open at 5:30 pm and raffle tickets for The Warrior Auction for Education are available for purchase now through May 4th! Check out our amazing prizes today (app.galabid.com/thewarriorauction) and good luck. Please join us and bring your family members to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with Hebrew Academy!

ANTISEMITISM TODAY: A PAGE OUT OF AN AGE-OLD PLAYBOOK

Wednesday, May 11 | 7 PM (EST) Featuring Scholar & Historian Dr. Robert Watson

Dr. Robert Watson will offer meaningful insight into the rise of Antisemitism today and the long history of hate that has followed the Jewish people throughout history. He will address the rise of micro-aggressions on college campuses and will include resources for how to engage in dialogue with your children and grandchildren about the rise of Antisemitism and ways to combat the vitriol and hatred.

Due to the generosity of The Lynn & David Russin Family Foundation, this program is free and open to the community.

Lynn Dumas Russin treasured her Melton & More Adult Learning experience and was passionate about Jewish learning. She is fondly remembered for her vibrant personality, her dedication to family and her love of Judaism.

This program will take place virtually.

Registration is required to receive the ZOOM link. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Visit caje-miami.org/adults/Watson for more information.