News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Perhaps you or someone you know has lost a friend or loved one? How do you cope with losses during this strange time?

In the wake of the pandemic, Federation partner agency the Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education has created a gap year semester program aimed at incoming college freshman and rising sophomores attending US higher learning institutions.

As families continue to feel the impact of the pandemic, the Jewish community is helping fight food insecurity.

Last week, the three residents of Moishe House Brickell enjoyed an evening of community with a virtual mezuzah hanging at their new home. Friends and family, including Federation leaders and Moishe House Founder and CEO David Cygielman, gathered by Zoom as Rabbi Adam Gindea of Base Miami officially blessed the home.

The Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has emerged as a lifeline for thousands of Miami residents whose lives have been disrupted by the current COVID-19 pandemic.

For Jewish young adults and college students, ages 18-29, the coronavirus pandemic is a moment to make a difference for those affected by COVID-19. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jewish Volunteer Center is launching Serve the Moment, a four-week summer fellowship of service from July 8-August 7.

Many American universities are planning to offer remote learning in the fall due to the coronavirus pandemic and some students are feeling reticent about the transition to online learning. For those looking for an alternative, this year provides an opportunity to explore gap year options with Masa Israel Journey.

In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Federation is not only providing much needed assistance in Miami, but is also supporting Israeli organizations experiencing increased hardship due to the pandemic.

Long before COVID-19 caused widespread unemployment, food insufficiency and financial strain, Federation offered a social service safety net to our most vulnerable populations.

Thanks to a Greater Miami Jewish Federation emergency grant to the Yerucham Science Center for its high school robotics team, professionals working with special populations in Israel now have transparent face shields to help keep them safe during the pandemic.

While the coronavirus pandemic has certainly changed summer plans, Jewish youth in Miami can still have fun through CHAI Fi.

With the idea to build a more inclusive Jewish community, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation recently launched Miami.JewishAbilities.org, a user-friendly gateway that links individuals with disabilities and their families to services, support and resources.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise throughout Florida, doctors are hoping the convalescent blood plasma of recovered patients can help fight the virus.

June 1 marked the first day of Hurricane Season and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jewish Volunteer Center is helping our community prepare for storms during a pandemic.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation continues to prioritize the well-being of our community’s precious Holocaust Survivors. For the second year in a row, Federation has received The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care grant for Critical Support Services for Holocaust Survivors.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation has elected long-time community leader Isaac K. “Ike” Fisher as Chair of the Board at its 82nd Annual Meeting, held on May 26 via Zoom.

It was a special day for 119 Ethiopian olim (immigrants) who recently arrived at Ben-Gurion International Airport to begin their new life in Israel.

May 31, 2020 – The Greater Miami Jewish Federation denounces the tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25, at the hands of police officers while he was handcuffed and helpless on the ground, pleading for his life. This death is yet another in a disturbingly long list of similar incidents and inexcusable injustices that have been perpetrated against African Americans across the United States. We call on people of all races, ethnic backgrounds and faiths to speak up now against the systemic racism that is a long-standing disgrace, for which we all share responsibility.