News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

As college students return to classes this fall, they have a meaningful way to connect with their Jewish heritage.

With COVID-19 cases rising once more, we continue to face incredibly difficult and often isolating times.

Even in the most challenging of times, Miami's early childhood educators are helping children cultivate an attitude of gratitude, through an innovative program developed by the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), a Federation subsidiary agency.

While the tragedy in Surfside has started to fade from the headlines, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation remains committed to helping individuals and families recovering from devastating loss.

It was an enlightening, meaningful and historic day for 22 participants of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Israeli Division as they recently came together for the division’s first-ever one-day mission in Israel.

In the month since the collapse of Surfside’s Champlain Towers South, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has distributed approximately $525,000 in immediate financial aid to those affected by the disaster as they try to rebuild their lives in the uncertain days ahead.

Not long after Base Miami became a Federation partner, COVID-19 spread around the world, but even a pandemic couldn’t stop the success of the program and the inspiring duo behind it: Rabbi Adam Gindea and his wife Jessie.

How do we discuss Israel and engage with others about the complexities our homeland faces? This challenging task was the subject of a 16-month initiative sponsored by Makom, the Israel Education Lab of Federation overseas partner The Jewish Agency for Israel. Educators from Makom worked with residents and professionals from Moishe House, an international program that provides home-based Jewish experiences for young adults.

For the second year in a row, the Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) was named one of 50 best film festivals in the world in 2021 by Moviemaker magazine.

A hearty of Mazal Tov to Daniel Solomon for winning a 2021 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award for his commitment to social justice and volunteer service.

With the collapse of Champlain Towers South, those who were employed by the condo are experiencing a sudden loss of income and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is helping them get back on their feet.

Last week, 22 college-aged participants on Miami’s Onward Israel Summer Internship Program visited Federation’s partner city of Yerucham to learn about the relationship between the two communities.

Fathers and sons in Kiev, Ukraine are bonding while strengthening their Jewish identity through an innovative program sponsored by Federation overseas partner The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).

Federation is looking for changemakers to help transform Jewish life. We are now accepting applications for three grant opportunities for 2022: Women’s Impact Initiative Grants, Jewish Incubator Grants and for the first time, Jewish Abilities Alliance Inclusion Grants.

The tragedy in Surfside has shown the heartfelt generosity and compassion of our community. Thanks to the support of nearly 8,000 donors, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation has been able to offer immediate critical help.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation awarded $150,000 to 11 local organizations with initiatives supporting older adults, especially those who have experienced trauma.