News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

At this week’s Women’s Philanthropy (WP) Lion of Judah event, former hostage Emily Damari became an honorary Lion of Judah recognizing her fierce courage. More than 600 guests attended the brunch, which featured a candid and emotional conversation between renowned Israeli journalist Tamar Ish-Shalom and Damari, who spoke about being held captive for 471 days in Gaza.

“During the war [in Ukraine], it is especially important to give children back their childhood,” said Tatyana Protasova, Hibuki therapy trainer at an Odesa school run by Federation partner World ORT. Hibuki doll therapy, conceived in Israel during the 2006 Second Lebanon War, was introduced in Ukraine in 2023. It has since helped 20,000 Ukrainian children suffering from psychological distress resulting from the ongoing hostilities.

Employment services provided by Federation-supported Tevet are tailored to help IDF reservists rejoin the Israeli workforce. Tevet gives vocational instruction and guidance for overcoming barriers to employment to some of the approximately 300,000 reservists called to duty since the October 7 attacks, more than 40 percent of whom reported losing their jobs.

Federation’s Mishkan Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support is seeking compassionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of others. The Refuat Ha-Nefesh Spiritual Care Program is a unique group of volunteers trained in the mitzvah of bikur cholim (visiting the sick) and the art of spiritual care.

Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC), in partnership with the NAACP, has launched Rekindle Miami, bringing together young Black and Jewish leaders in their 20s and 30s to learn about each other’s histories and traditions.

Florida International University (FIU) has teamed with Federation partner Beit Issie Shapiro in a groundbreaking inclusive education initiative for adults with developmental disabilities.

Join our community this Sunday, November 9 at Temple Beth Sholom as the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation commemorate Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass.

As the former October 7 hostages begin to find their new normal, Federation remains deeply committed to their long-term wellbeing, as well as that of their families and the loved ones of those brutally murdered by Hamas.

Join Miami’s Jewish community next Sunday, November 9 at Temple Beth Sholom to commemorate Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. Beginning at 6 p.m., the program will be led by the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, a Committee of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, in partnership with other nonprofit and civic organizations.

As SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits come to an end for millions of families across the country tomorrow, Federation has made emergency grants to help vulnerable Jewish Miami residents make ends meets and ensure they have food for themselves and their families.

As we close out October — Domestic Violence Awareness Month — Federation wants to remind our community about Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home), the domestic abuse assistance program. Serving hundreds of individuals and families across Miami-Dade County since its inception in 2006, Shalom Bayit was created by our social services partner, Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS).

Federation’s Hebrew Free Loan Association (HFLA) is launching a new initiative to help Jewish individuals and families burdened by high-interest debt. Through interest-free loans of up to $18,000, the new Phoenix Debt Relief Fund offers a compassionate and practical path to financial stability for Jewish Miami-Dade County residents.

Be part of Jewish Miami’s response to help victims of Hurricane Melissa. As the most powerful hurricane ever to strike Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa barreled into the small island country on Tuesday, October 28 as a devastating Category 5 storm, causing widespread damage and destruction.

Join Miami’s Jewish community Sunday, November 9 at Temple Beth Sholom to commemorate Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. Beginning at 6 p.m., the program will be led by the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, a Committee of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, in partnership with other nonprofit and civic organizations.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but Federation works year-round to promote awareness of breast cancer risks in our Jewish community. Federation-supported nonprofits Sharsheret and Yodeah provide lifesaving education and access to breast cancer screening for Jewish women.

While we welcome the ceasefire and pray it holds, Federation continues to assist IDF reservists and their families through the Reservists’ Wives Forum. Founded in 2023 by partners of reservists, the nonprofit represents 100,000 reservist families facing employment and mental health challenges.

Through the new initiative Shikma, Federation is helping bereaved families of Israel’s fallen transform grief into good works that honor their loved ones and provide innovative solutions to Israel’s social challenges.

As we watch the released living hostages take their first delicate steps back into the loving arms of their families and Israeli society, the work of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and our partners remains critical, as does our resolve to support them.