News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

With $165,000 in grants from Federation and in-kind donations from individual donors, local agencies Miami Jewish Health and Jewish Community Services of South Florida have been able to secure additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to enhance the safety and well-being of frontline healthcare workers and social workers while on the job.

As the pandemic has dramatically changed the world, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, through its Coronavirus Response Task Force, has mobilized the financial resources to provide immediate help to the most vulnerable.

Federation long-standing overseas partner, The Jewish Agency for Israel, created a COVID-19 Loan Fund for Communities in Crisis, an emergency initiative that helps Jewish institutions around the world bridge immediate gaps in cash flow amid the pandemic.

Primary election day is approaching on August 18 and our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) wants to keep you informed on the key issues and political races.

Federation is now accepting applications for its 2021 Jewish Incubator Grants, which will support nonprofits that strengthen Miami’s Jewish community through innovative and impactful programs.

Federation emergency grants distributed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic are helping older adults living in our partner city of Yerucham, Israel connect with family and friends.

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. This website — the first of its kind in Miami — developed out of a grassroots effort to meet a community need.

July 16, 2020 – This is a critical moment for our country. We find ourselves in the midst of a deadly pandemic, global economic strife and an alarming level of toxic polarization that threatens the very fabric of our society. In addition, we are at the same time also facing unprecedented levels of anti-Semitism and an increase in anti-Semitic sentiments from both sides of the political spectrum.

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.