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Jan 16, 2024

Two Communities, Two Generous Jewish Hearts

A lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts, Ruth Weiss later owned a second home in Key Biscayne, and demonstrated her love and commitment to Israel and the Jewish people through annual donations to the Jewish Federations in both communities. Then, through a gift in her will, Ruth established a Lion of Judah Endowment in Western Massachusetts and Miami, making her a Forever Lion in both places. Ruth also inspired her daughter, Federation Board member Susan Weiss Firestone, to follow in her footsteps as both a Miami snowbird and generous philanthropist. “My mother was the epitome of a strong Jewish woman and was proud to pass this tradition on to her children and grandchildren — of whom, out of everything, she was most proud,” Firestone said lovingly of her mother, who passed away in December 2020. Today, Ruth’s legacy is shared through The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s online Book of Life. To read Ruth’s story, click here. To learn how you can have your story — or that of a loved one — written in the Book of Life, contact Scott Kaplan, Foundation Director, at [email protected] or 786.866.8623.

Join Our Community to Commemorate Kristallnacht


Join Our Community to Commemorate Kristallnacht


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.

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Federation Partners Collaborate for Inclusive Education

Federation Partners Collaborate for Inclusive Education

FIU Teams With Federation partner Beit Issie Shapiro in a groundbreaking inclusive education initiative for adults with developmental disabilities.

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Rekindle Miami Launches

Rekindle Miami Launches

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

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Make a Difference With Mishkan Miami


Make a Difference With Mishkan Miami


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.

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