News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Last week, 120 people, representing more than two dozen organizations, discussed security best practices at the first Community Security Conference and Workshop, presented by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s Office of Community Security and the Anti-Defamation League.

Thirty-six Miami Jewish women joined 1,300 others from around the world to celebrate the power of women’s philanthropy at the International Lion of Judah Conference, September 11-13 in Washington, D.C.

Do you know an incredible teen committed to serving the community? Federation-funded Diller Teen Fellows, an international, immersive leadership program operated by the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), a subsidiary agency of Federation, is seeking Jewish ninth- and 10th-graders from Miami-Dade County to participate in a 15-month pluralistic, informal Jewish educational program.

The Jewish Agency for Israel, one of Federation’s overseas partner agencies, recently helped 200 new immigrants relocate from Ukraine and Germany to Israel. In 2015, Ukraine was the second-largest source of aliyah, with some 7,000 olim (new immigrants) moving to Israel, compared to 2,000 just two years prior.

Not too long ago, parents were stocking up on school supplies for the new school year. But for many, it isn’t that easy, and back-to-school season presents financial challenges for families around the globe. Federation, through our overseas partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), and other Jewish organizations, made sure that two dozen Ukrainian families received backpacks full of school supplies for their children.

Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) is taking its popular volunteer programming one step further with its Miami Service Challenge, which encourages local groups to participate in rewarding service projects.

From preschool and afterschool programs to adult education and much more, Miami’s three Jewish community centers are buzzing with activity! Last year, the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign provided more than $2.2 million in vital support to the Michael-Ann Russell JCC in North Dade, the Miami Beach JCC, and the Alper JCC Miami in South Dade.

Did you know Federation and our partner agency, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), have been supporting Argentina’s Jewish community for the past 15 years? Many of these families have such limited incomes that they are unable to provide financial support for their aging family members.

Did you know Federation and our partner agency, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), have been supporting Argentina’s Jewish community for the past 15 years? Many of these families have such limited incomes that they are unable to provide financial support for their aging family members.

As Jewish students across Florida are returning to college campuses, Hillels are ready to welcome them back to Jewish life on campus. From Tallahassee to Tampa, from Gainesville to the Gables, the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign supports seven Hillels across Florida and countless more nationwide.

With the High Holidays approaching, it’s important to make time for a mitzvah, especially one that can involve the children in your life. Join PJ Library at the annual Jewish Community Services (JCS) Milk & Honey event.

Are you looking for a spiritual connection this Jewish New Year? To help members of Miami’s Jewish community choose a place to worship, Federation and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami have compiled a directory of area synagogues.

Federation is thrilled to announce the birth of the very first Making Miracle Babies Fertility Fund baby. Since 2014, Federation and the Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA) of South Florida have worked together to support this innovative loan fund, started by Michelle and Matan Ben-Aviv, in honor of their son, to empower South Florida Jewish couples with fertility obstacles to pursue parenthood via In Vitro Fertilization.

Since 2014, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA) of South Florida have been working together to support the Making Miracle Babies Fertility Fund. Started by Michelle and Matan Ben-Aviv in honor of their son, the innovative loan fund empowers South Florida Jewish couples with fertility obstacles to pursue parenthood via In Vitro Fertilization.

Since 2007, your donations to the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign have helped Yerucham’s 10,000 residents on a daily basis. Most recently, through the Berlin Fund, Federation financed the build-out of a new Yad Sarah branch in Yerucham.

The Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC), Federation’s central clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities in Miami’s Jewish community, kicks off its teen volunteer program on Sunday, September 11. On the National Day of Service and Remembrance, young leaders will come together to plan volunteer programs for the year ahead, including JServe, the annual teen day of service that recruits more than 200 participants. The JVC offers opportunities year-round for volunteers of all ages to get involved. For more information, click here.

Enjoy a special evening hosted by the Young Leadership Division and community partners. Join Federation’s Under 40 connection, on Friday, September 9 for a Blue & White Community Shabbat Dinner at Temple Emanu-El. Schmooze with old friends and make new ones. Candle-lighting and services begin at 7 p.m. Prior to September 1, couvert is $36 (after which it is $45) and includes dinner, dessert and open wine bar. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 786.866.8446.

Children love the joy of being read a good book. And now, thanks to a limited-time offer by Federation's PJ Library, they can extend their subscription to grandparents.