News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), a long-time overseas partner of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, completed one of its most remarkable immigration and absorption projects on August 28, 2013 when it flew its last flight carrying 450 Ethiopians to Israel as part of Operation Dove’s Wings.

The Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, a Committee of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, recently redesigned and launched its website, HolocaustMemorialMiamiBeach.org to tell the story of the awesome structure that sits along Meridian Avenue and Dade Boulevard as a tribute to the six million Jews that were murdered by the Nazis to the world.

On a hot Friday night this past June, more than 100 young Jewish professionals gathered for a Kabbalat Shabbat Service and dinner at Temple Emanu-El in Miami Beach, followed by drinks and socializing at a nearby South Beach club. The evening, called “Shabbat and the City,” was the latest in a long history of successful events presented by the Young Leadership Division.

A visit to Israel is a key stepping stone along the journey of Jewish identity-building, commitment and connection for youngsters. But for many families, a trip to Israel may seem financially beyond reach. That is why the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and participating synagogues established the Gift of Israel Savings Program, formerly known as Passport to Israel, in 1993.

As the campaign to boycott, divest and sanction (BDS) Israel continues, The Foundation’s Professional Advisors Council (PAC) will present an important fall seminar, Combating BDS: Changing the Conversation and Investing in Israel, on Wednesday, September 21.

Celebrate a successful start to the school year with a fun-filled afternoon! Join PJ Our Way at the Scott Rakow Youth Center on Sunday, September 11 for ice skating and a book-related project.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation is joining with The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) as part of the non-sectarian national Jewish response to help the victims of unprecedented flooding across Colorado.

Relentless flooding has devastated southern Louisiana, now a federal disaster area. Following severe storms, rising waters have killed at least seven, destroyed countless homes and forced tens of thousands to flee for their lives – including staff from the local Jewish Federation and many from the local Jewish community.

The Jewish Chaplaincy Program and Jewish Volunteer Center of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation are seeking participants for the Refuat Ha-Nefesh Spiritual Care Program, a remarkable and life-changing opportunity to bring comfort, spiritual solace and joy to people in need.

Children and teens are back in school and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign continues to support formal Jewish educational opportunities from early childhood through high school across Miami-Dade County.

Israel Bonds, The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Professional Advisors Council (PAC) of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation of will host its 2013 Fall Seminar on Monday, October 7.

If you have been thinking about joining Mission Mosaic, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation mission to Israel taking place November 3-10, 2013, now is the time to make your reservation. Just a few spaces remain for the unique travel experience, which enables participants to see the Israel that most appeals to them by selecting an itinerary geared toward specific areas of interest.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its Jewish Community Relations Council applaud the State of Florida in its efforts to strengthen sanctions against Iran and Sudan.

Tillie is 85 and lives on a fixed income, alone in a tiny North Dade apartment and homebound by debilitating medical conditions. Unable to get to the supermarket regularly and reluctant to ask for help, she used to ration her supply of food to make it last longer and was at high risk for malnutrition – until a cousin stepped in and contacted Jewish Community Services (JCS) of South Florida.

As a new school year begins, the Jewish Volunteer Center of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation wants kids and teens to know about Mitzvah Miami, a group of volunteer and community service projects just for the younger generation.

As we have done each year since 2008, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and our subsidiary agency, the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), held an art contest for the cover of our 2013/5774 High Holiday greeting card. The winning entry was created by Alejandro Sabo in 2012, when he was a sixth-grade student at Jacobson Sinai Academy in North Miami Beach.

In the heat of the South Florida summer, leaving the house and the comfort of the air conditioner is often the last thing any of us has the energy for, especially anyone of a mature age. While many senior Miamians head north for the summer months, there are still plenty of activities for those who are still in town.