News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

On Tuesday, October 10, more than 3,000 people came together at the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and to denounce terrorism, in response to the attacks Hamas launched against Israel on Saturday, October 7.

As a result of Federation’s multiple, long-term relationships with our overseas partners, your donations to the Israel Emergency Fund are already at work helping individuals and families that are victims of Hamas’ brutality. With devastation all around, the needs are many.

This Shabbat, as we gather with family and friends, seeking solace at this most difficult time, Federation’s Mishkan Miami invites us to recite a special candle-lighting prayer.

In response to the deadly terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas and the resulting war in Israel, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation opened an Israel Emergency Fund to bring critical aid to the victims and their families.

How do we cope? How do we respond? The same way God does. To the darkness, God proclaims, “Let there be light!” – the first act of creation, the first act of blessing in this world. We too will light our Shabbat candles, countering the darkness in the world and in our hearts.

Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its JCRC are outraged by unprovoked, multi-front terrorist invasions in Israel

Are you a lifelong learner looking for a way to nourish your mind and your soul? Or perhaps you’ve been searching for a way to make a unique and meaningful connection with others who share your love of learning?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but Federation’s partner Yodeah works year-round to promote awareness of breast cancer risks among those in the Jewish community.

Mazal tov to Masa Israel Journey, which is celebrating 20 years of bringing young Jewish people to Israel for unique, life-changing experiences. Created by Federation overseas partner agency The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Israeli government, and funded yearly through the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, Masa is the largest immersive, long-term educational experience for individuals ages 16-35.

A new teen service initiative by Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) will provide students with a wealth of volunteer opportunities during school holidays and Spring Break for 2023-2024.

PJ Library Story Squad is seeking volunteer readers to help bring Chanukah to Miami-Dade elementary school students. Share the joy of the Festival of Lights with children in their classrooms through story time and Chanukah traditions such as lighting the menorah, playing dreidel with Chanukah gelt (chocolate “money”) and eating sufganiyot (jelly donuts).

After more than four decades with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, President & CEO Jacob Solomon has announced his plans to retire, effective June 30, 2024.

One of Federation’s longtime priorities has been helping Israelis exercise choice around their Jewish identity and practice. With a rise in interest in civil marriages in Israel, our participation in iRep, the Israel Religious Expression Platform, is more important than ever.

What began as a program where third-grade educators from three Miami Jewish day schools received robotics training and mentoring from Science Center professionals in Miami’s partnership city of Yerucham, Israel, has flourished into an annual activity involving 13 local schools for the 2023-2024 year.

Mazal tov to Igor Shteyrenberg, Executive Director of the Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF), who was recently honored by Mayor Dan Gelber and the City of Miami Beach with a proclamation dedicating August 23 as “Igor Shteyrenberg Day.”

Steve and Shelly Brodie are carrying on a legacy of leading philanthropic efforts that benefit South Florida’s diverse community. “We proudly support a number of important Jewish and non-Jewish charities with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation at the center of our giving — it’s in our DNA,” said Steve.

This summer, more than 100 Israeli youngsters ages six to 16 living near the Gaza Strip experienced the joy and relief of summer camp far from the violence and bombings that have become a frequent part of their lives.

Applications are being accepted for Mishkan Miami’s Refuat Ha-Nefesh, a unique volunteer experience that provides training for Jews ages 21 and older in the art of Jewish spiritual care.