Federation Memorial Services: A Time to Reflect Following the Storm
Dear Friend,
I know this has been a difficult time, enduring a dangerous storm and its aftermath, for all of us. These are the instances when we realize how fragile our lives really are.
While the timing for such a crisis is never good, the religious themes of the High Holidays emphasize the fact that we need to take stock of every day. In this sense, seeing the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, we can observe these holidays feeling fortunate of the blessings we have. Maybe, for the same reason, our rabbis taught that between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we should visit cemeteries – to remind ourselves of our mortality and to be inspired by those who came before us.
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation, in conjunction with local synagogues and cemeteries, has organized Kever Avot memorial services where we will have an opportunity visit the graves of those we love and reflect on their lives. The service will last no longer than 30 minutes. Mishkan Miami’s chaplains will be there to answer any concerns or questions you have.
I wish you and your loved ones a year of blessing, health and meaning.
Shanah Tovah, Rabbi Frederick L. Klein Director of Mishkan Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support
P.S. If I can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or 305.562.1235.
Offered at a variety of cemeteries and virtually on Zoom, participants will join together in memory and prayer and light a yahrzeit candle for those who brought light into this world. Following the short program, you can visit the graves of loved ones with relevant materials provided.
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami are once again partnering with local synagogues to make High Holiday services accessible to all.
As we approach the High Holidays, it’s important to remember that all people — those with disabilities and those without — want to participate in community prayer. That is why Federation’s Miami Jewish Abilities Alliance (MJAA) is sharing valuable resources to elevate worship and celebrate Judaism.
Hundreds of people from across Jewish Miami gathered recently at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens to thank the outgoing Federation Women’s Philanthropy Board of Directors for their outstanding service and to install new leadership for the coming year.
The Mission of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is to mobilize human and financial resources to care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life and advance the unity, values and shared purpose of the Jewish people in Miami, in Israel and around the world.