Home / See, Read & Share / Federation News

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.

Healing a Traumatized Nation and its People

Healing a Traumatized Nation and its People

Since the barbaric attacks of October 7, providing mental health services and rebuilding individual, communal and national resilience have been priorities.

Read More

Bringing Israelis Together

Bringing Israelis Together

Demonstrating the power of connection, Federation’s longtime partnership city of Yerucham recently hosted a visit from residents of Kibbutz Or HaNer, a community on the Gaza border hit hard on October 7.

Read More

Subscribe to PJ Library for Free Books


Subscribe to PJ Library for Free Books


With a free subscription to PJ Library, children from birth to eight years old receive Jewish storybooks and activities that spark conversations around Judaism and inspire the whole family to celebrate what they love about Jewish life.

Read More

Nominate an Outstanding Teen

Nominate an Outstanding Teen

Do you know an extraordinary Jewish teen who is a true changemaker? Each year, the Helen Diller Family Foundation awards 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 in recognition of their exceptional leadership and engagement in service projects that embody the value of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Read More

Stay in Touch

Receive news about Greater Miami Jewish Federation events and more.