News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Loneliness and social isolation can have a profound effect on our health and wellbeing, particularly as we age. This topic will be explored at the 29th Annual Ministering to the Elderly Conference on Thursday, June 4 at Miami Jewish Health.

For years, Federation has provided rescued fresh produce and meals for Israelis in need through Leket Israel, and the demand for the nonprofit’s services has nearly doubled since October 7 due to food scarcity and high prices.

Federation’s vital support of Yad Sarah since October 7 has ensured that Israel’s foremost volunteer organization can continue to aid vulnerable evacuees of the ongoing war. In the case of elderly client Ayisa, when her safety and wellbeing were threatened by continued hostilities, her family moved her and her devoted caregiver, Reena, to Yad Sarah’s Wellness and Rehabilitation Hotel.

The 2024-2025 season will come to a close on Thursday, May 22 at the 87th Annual Meeting, when the Greater Miami Jewish Federation installs the 2025-2026 Officers, Board of Directors, Trustees, Leadership Council and Council of Jewish Organizations.

A group of Lions of Judah from Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy recently visited Panama to explore the country’s rich Jewish history. They saw Federation dollars at work in a pluralistic Jewish day school, a newly built senior center and met with MASA alumni.

Do you know a graduating senior headed to college this fall? Make sure they are connecting with their campus Hillel! As college campuses across the country remain a hotbed for antisemitism, coming together as a Jewish community is more important than ever.

Federation’s BeWell Miami is bringing attention to special events throughout May during Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). In addition to the resources and programming it makes available year-round, BeWell is sharing in-person get togethers such as the Fit Shop X WAO (We Are One) transformative experience on May 18 for high-school students with boxing, yoga, meditation and more.

This summer, 700 Israeli teens from Gaza and Lebanese border communities will attend Jewish overnight camps in North America, thanks to you! When the program launched last summer after the October 7 attacks, 1,500 Israeli young adults from traumatized war-zone communities attended Jewish summer camps around the world.

Since October 7, more than $23 million has been distributed to Israelis through the Federation-supported Fund for the Victims of Terror (FVOT), providing comprehensive, prolonged assistance for those dealing with sorrow, fear and uncertainty.

Providing a dignified Jewish burial for someone who lacks financial means is one of the greatest acts of tzedakah. That is the goal of Federation’s Indigent Burial Program. Each year, Federation receives dozens of requests for assistance with burials from families, cemeteries, funeral homes, police and medical facilities.

Last month, Miami’s Diller Teen Fellows welcomed their Israeli counterparts from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation's partnership city of Yerucham, Israel, for an unforgettable week of cultural exchange, deep conversations and plenty of Miami vibes known as the Jewish Community Mifgash.

Earlier this week, the City of Miami Beach Commission voted to rename a portion of 17th Street in honor of Norman Braman, an outstanding community leader. Seventeenth Street, between Washington Avenue and Alton Road, will now be known as Norman Braman Way.

Join your community for a moving commemoration of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, on Sunday, April 27 at 6 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 1701 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach.

Federation is supporting the significant increase in French aliyah (immigration to Israel), as applications double. Of the 29,000 new olim (immigrants to Israel) from around the world in the past year, nearly eight percent were from France. Plus, an additional 6,800 French citizens are currently engaged in the process.

During Federation's recent Israel Study Trip, participants visited Miami’s partnership city of Yerucham, where they saw Federation dollars at work. One of the programs that Federation supports is the city’s robotics team.

“Resilience” is a word you hear repeatedly since the brutal October 7 terrorist attacks, and Federation leaders saw true resilience in action as part of their recent study trip to Israel. The group of 13 from Miami visited the Vertigo Dance Company and Eco Art Village, a Federation-funded contemporary dance company in an eco-art village in the Elah Valley.

Looking for a simple way to make a philanthropic impact on our Jewish community? Consider gifts of stock through The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. “Donating stock to our Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) at The Foundation is incredibly simple,” said Jeffrey Levine, a Foundation Board member.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, is Thursday, May 1, and there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate right here in Miami! From rikudim (Israeli dance) shows and Krav Maga demonstrations to concerts, Israeli-themed arts and crafts activities and Lunch & Learns, there is something for everyone. Our recently released Jewish Miami: A 2024 Community Study demonstrated that Miami Jews have a deep connection to Israel and are highly engaged in Jewish community.