It's Happening In Miami

Get Ready to Fest! | January 9-23, 2025

In-person and Virtual Screenings

The 28th Annual Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) kick offs at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell outdoor amphitheater before expanding to eight additional venues across Greater Miami including Temple Beth Am, Coral Gables Art Cinema, Miami Theater Center, Michael-Ann Russell JCC, Miami Beach JCC and O Cinema South Beach. Over 13 cinema-filled days will showcase nearly 100 film premieres, each a testament to the power of storytelling. Virtual showings will feature more than 50 exclusive films, complete with filmmaker Q&As and special guest appearances for a one-of-a-kind online festival experience.

Individual tickets go on sale in December when the full Festival lineup is revealed. All-Access Theater Badges and Virtual Passes are on sale now — grab yours today!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A MJFF IN-THEATER BADGE

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A MJFF VIRTUAL PASS

On JBS: Thanksgiving Week New Programs

Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box 1684, DirecTV 388, Hotwire 269 and streamed on Roku under “educational”, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, ZipWaveTV 29, and www.jbstv.org
For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org

All Times are ET and are Subject to Change

FEATURED THIS WEEK

Netanyahu Arrest Warrant

MirYam Institute CEO Benjamin Anthony analyzes the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with legal scholar Professor Avi Bell. Sunday - 10:00am & 4:00pm, Monday - 1:00pm,Tuesday - 5:00am & 4:00pm

Julie Platt & Sheryl Sandberg

At the 2024 General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America, JFNA Board Chair Julie Platt is joined by former Meta COO and proud Zionist Sheryl Sandberg. Sunday - 7:00pm & 11:00pm, Tuesday - 1:00am, 2:30pm & 10:00pm, Friday - 8:30am

Giving Thanks: People of the Cook

The American Thanksgiving menu gets an Israeli twist as President of the Shalom Hartman Institute Yehuda Kurtzer and Rabbi-Chef Nissimmi Naim Naor collaborate to create a unique holiday meal. Wednesday - 7:30pm & 10:00pm, Thursday - 1:00am, 4:30am, 7:30am & 5:30pm, Friday - 11:00am

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Leaders and members of Central Synagogue and Saint Peter's Church come together in a spirit of gratitude and fellowship for the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Thursday - 9:00am & 6:30pm, Friday – 12:30pm

WEEKLY PROGRAMS

Monday November 25

FIDF Briefing

FIDF CEO Steve Weil is joined for updates and analysis on the Israel-Hamas war. Monday - 7:00pm, Tuesday - 4:00am, Wednesday - 1:00pm

In the Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin: Rabbi Yitz Greenberg

Renowned scholar, author and theologian Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg joins Abby to discuss “The Triumph of Life,” his defining work on Judaism’s evolving partnership with God, focused on bringing life, dignity, and compassion into the world through the covenant. Monday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm, Tuesday - 2:00am, 7:00am & 11:00am, Wednesday - 5:00am, Thursday - 2:00pm, Friday - 4:00pm & 9:30pm, Saturday - 7:00pm

Tuesday November 26

Fighting Antisemitism - The ISGAP Hour: David Patterson

David Patterson, (Hillel A. Feinberg Distinguished Chair in Holocaust Studies, Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies, University of Texas at Dallas) discusses strategies for combating antisemitism at the ISGAP-Oxford Summer Institute. Tuesday - 7:00pm, Wednesday - 4:00am & 10:00am, Thursday - 4:00pm, Friday - 7:00am

Jewish Insights with Justin Pines: Ari Lamm - How Judaism Has Shaped America

Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm, Chief Executive of BZ Media, joins Justin to discuss how Jewish ideas have shaped world and American history, including American government, the first Thanksgiving, and American universities. Tuesday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm, Wednesday - 2:00am, 7:00am & 11:00am, Thursday - 5:00am, 1:00pm & 7:00pm, Friday - 9:00am & 8:30pm, Saturday - 8:30am & 4:00pm

Wednesday November 27

Defending Israel with David Harris

Lifelong Jewish frontline activist David Harris is joined by Arsen Ostrovsky, renowned human rights attorney and CEO of the International Legal Forum. Wednesday - 7:00pm & 11:00pm, Thursday - 4:00am, 7:00am, 11:30am & 5:00pm, Friday - 5:00am, Saturday - 8:00pm

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Mark Wilf

Co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings and Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Board of Governors, Mark Wilf, joins Jonah this Thanksgiving to explore Jewish identity, sports, and more. Wednesday - 8:00pm, Thursday - 10:30am, 8:00pm & 11:00pm, Friday - 2:00am, 10:00am & 2:00pm, Saturday - 5:00am & 10:00pm

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Thinking Out Loud with Micah Halpern

Micah examines the misuse of the term "pogrom" by politicians and commentators, setting the record straight on its true meaning and historical significance. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm, Thursday - 8:30am & 12:30pm, Friday - 5:30am, Saturday - 5:30pm

ILTV News and Daily News Updates

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule ILTV reports from Israel followed by JBS Daily News with Teisha Bader Monday - Wednesday at 6:00pm & Sunday at 5:00pm

Good Week Israel

Positive stories from Israel of heroism, unity and support Mondays at 6:30pm

Insider

ILTV reports and interviews Tuesdays at 6:30pm

On L’Chayim: Classic Conversations with Mark S. Golub z”l

Tal Keinan Part 1

Israeli financier and former IDF fighter pilot Tal Keinan, author of “God Is In The Crowd,” explains why he sees American Jewry on the decline and in danger of “dying in its sleep.” Monday - 9:00pm, Tuesday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

Tal Keinan Part 2

Part two of a conversation with Tal Keinan, author of “God Is In The Crowd.” Tuesday - 9:00pm, Wednesday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

Jews of Harlem

Jeffrey S. Gurock, Libby M. Klaperman Professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva University discusses the evolution of the Jewish community of Harlem, New York – and the revival of Jewish in life in Harlem today. Wednesday - 9:00pm, Thursday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

Joe Lieberman z"l

Former U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman z'l reflects on his Jewish background, his political heroes and his lifelong career in American politics. Thursday - 9:00pm, Friday - 12:00am & 3:00am & 3:00pm, Saturday - 6:00pm

JEWISH STUDIES

Dimensions of the Daf: Talmud Study with Rabbi Mordechai Becher

Brutal Honesty, Loving Lies

Rabbi Mordechai Becher explains how the Talmud requires that honesty be tempered with love. Sunday - 9:00am, Monday - 4:00am, Tuesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm

Saul and David

Rabbi Becher explores the different ways the Talmud views the first two kings of Israel, King Saul and King David, based on passages from the Biblical Book or Samuel. Sunday - 9:30am, Monday - 4:30am, Tuesday - 9:30am & 5:30pm

Jewish 101: Jewish Tradition and midrash with Rabbi Mark S. Golub z"l

God's Second Name

Study the two names of God given to Moses at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3) that serve as the basis for the Jewish understanding of the reality of God. Monday - 9:00am, Saturday - 1:00am

FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 7:30pm & 10:30pm

SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 9:30am & 1:00pm

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 11:00am & 2:30pm

Vlada Barash Special Projects Manager 201-334-2510 JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3 fulltime television channel Website: jbstv.org

Tuesday, December 17, 7:30 PM

This special Miami Jewish Film Festival presentation of the made-in-Miami film Between the Stone and the Flower, featuring acclaimed author and film subject Genie Milgrom, made its world premiere at last year's Festival. The film chronicles the remarkable odyssey of Milgrom as she embarks on a decades-long quest to uncover her Jewish lineage. Born in Havana and raised in Miami, her education was steeped in Roman Catholicism. Confronting the choice to transition from her traditional Catholic family to embracing Judaism, Milgrom ultimately opts for an Orthodox path. This event is free and open to the public.

Michael-Ann Russell JCC, 18900 NE 25th Avenue, Miami

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP

December 5-8, Temple Emanu-El

Vernissage: December 5, 6-9 PM | December 6, 12-5 PM and 7-9 PM | December 7, 2-9 PM | December 8, 2-5 PM

Temple Emanu-El will host Sawubona: I See You, an extraordinary exhibition of South African art that offers Miami Beach audiences a unique window into the diverse and dynamic world of South African cultural expression. The Zulu word Sawubona translates to "I see you," a phrase that acknowledges the presence, worth,and humanity of the other. This powerful theme runs through the exhibition, urging viewers to engage deeply with the experiences and perspectives portrayed in each artwork. Curated with the intent to bridge cultural and geographic divides, Sawubona will resonate with viewers as a call to recognize and celebrate our shared human experience.

Temple Emanu-El, 1701 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

For information, please contact Stacy Conde at [email protected]

Tuesday, December 17, 7:30-10:30 PM | 6:30 PM VIP Admission

Experience the rich and savory flavors of South Florida’s top kosher caterers and restaurants, highlighting over 400 of the worlds greatest wines and 40 top culinary experts. This event promotes the kosher trade industry and Israel’s ever evolving techo-agricultural production. Through Kosher Food & Wine Miami, WIZO is able to provide funding for over 800 educational and social projects benefiting thousands upon thousands of women and children in Israel. Come eat, drink and support all in one!

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W Country Club Drive, Aventura

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION AND TICKETS

December 10, Miami Beach JCC | December 11, Alper JCC Miami

Comedy for Peace aims to unite Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities through humor and mutual understanding, bringing together the Muslim, Jewish and Christian stand-up comedians for an inspiring, funny and unforgettable evening. Featuring Stever Marshall, a New York-based Jewish-American comedian, actor, and writer; Gibran Saleem, a Muslim American comedian born raised in a Pakistani household; Erik Angel, an Israeli-Jewish comedian and the founder/producer of the Comedy for Peace and Ashley Morris, a New York-based comedian, actress and writer.

MIAMI BEACH JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER

ALPER JCC MIAMI, 11155 SW 112 Avenue, Miami CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER

December 9-20

Parents and Grandparents Welcome!

Become a PJ Library Story Squad Volunteer and help bring the fun and universal values of Chanukah to the classrooms of elementary-aged students in secular Miami-Dade public and private schools.

To volunteer, contact Margie Sernik Stein at [email protected].

*PJ Library is a gift from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Blank Family Foundation.

Sunday, Dec 29, 2024 | Chanukah Day 4, 5785

Featuring: Pedal Yard, Laser Tag, Obstacle Course, Bounce House, Toddlers Soft Play Area, Aviation Airshow, Gelt Drop, Pony Rides, Petting Zoom, Family Train, Food Court, Snow Cones & Cotton Candy, Live Concert & more!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

On JBS: Rabbis Greenberg, Buchdahl, Cosgrove, Hirsch; YU Basketball; Violins of Hope

Watch JBS on Comcast X-1 Box 1684, DirecTV 388, Hotwire 269 and streamed on Roku under “educational”, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, ZipWaveTV 29, and www.jbstv.org For a complete and timely schedule and other television providers, go to www.jbstv.org

Now with Closed Captioning! All Times are ET and are Subject to Change

Yeshiva University Basketball

The YU Maccabees tip off against Oglethorpe University at the Max Stern Athletic Center in New York City. Sunday - 1:00pm

FIDF Briefing

FIDF CEO Steven Weil is joined by Maj. Gen. (Res.) Nadav Padan to discuss the latest developments in Israel’s ongoing multi-front conflict. Monday - 7:00pm Tuesday - 4:00am Wednesday - 1:00pm Thursday - 10:30am & 6:30pm Friday - 8:30am

In the Spotlight with Abigail Pogrebin: Joshua Leifer - Tablets Shattered (Part 2)

In part two of Abby’s conversation with Tablets Shattered author Joshua Leifer, he delves into his transformative political journey shaped by his on-the-ground reporting in Israel and shares his perspective on the future of American Jewish identity. Monday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm Tuesday - 2:00am, 7:00am & 11:00am Wednesday - 5:00am Thursday - 2:00pm Friday - 4:00pm & 9:30pm Saturday - 7:00pm

A Special Look with Teisha Bader: Violins of Hope##

Teisha Bader is joined by award-winning conductor and arts leader Helen Cha-Pyo, and others involved in the “Violins of Hope” project, where restored Holocaust - era instruments now serve as powerful symbols of resilience and remembrance. Monday - 8:30pm & 11:30pm Tuesday - 2:30am, 7:30am & 2:30pm Wednesday - 5:30am Thursday - 7:30pm Saturday - 4:30am & 9:30pm

Fighting Antisemitism - The ISGAP Hour: Amy Elman

Amy Elman, Senior Research Fellow at the Weber School in Social Science at Kalamazoo College, discusses strategies for combating antisemitism during her presentation at the ISGAP-Oxford Summer Institute. Tuesday - 7:00pm Wednesday - 2:00am & 10:00am Thursday - 4:00pm Friday - 7:00am

Jewish Insights with Justin Pines: Yitz Greenberg - The Triumph of Life Part 2: How Judaism Can Win

In Part 2 of Justin’s discussion with the preeminent Jewish theologian Rabbi Irving ‘Yitz’ Greenberg, they explore what “Triumph” means in Judaism and the Jewish approach to transforming society. Tuesday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm Wednesday - 4:00am, 7:00am & 11:00am Thursday - 5:00am Friday - 9:00am & 8:30pm Saturday - 8:30am & 4:00pm

Thinking Out Loud with Micah Halpern

Micah Halpern passionately shares why he is proud to be Jewish, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in one’s Jewish identity and support for Israel amidst rising anti-Semitism. Wednesday - 6:30pm & 11:30pm Thursday - 2:30am, 8:30am & 12:30pm Friday - 5:30am Saturday - 5:30pm

Defending Israel with David Harris

David Harris is joined by renowned French philosopher, writer, and public intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy, who brings his unique perspectives to a discussion of his book "Israel Alone." Wednesday - 7:00pm & 11:00pm Thursday - 2:00am, 7:00am, 11:30am & 5:00pm Friday - 5:00am, 4:30pm & 10:00pm Saturday - 7:30pm

Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch: Here We Go Again

In a sermon to his congregation of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, Rabbi Hirsch reacts to Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential elections. Wednesday - 7:30pm & 10:00pm Thursday - 1:00am, 10:00am & 2:30pm Friday - 11:00am Saturday - 1:30am & 9:00pm

For Such a Time as This: Rabbis Buchdahl and Cosgrove

In a program from Central Synagogue in New York City, Rabbis Angela Buchdahl (Central Synagogue) and Elliot Cosgrove (Park Avenue Synagogue) dig deep into the Jewish tradition’s treasure trove of wisdom and history to help lead us through this fraught and potential-filled time. Wednesday - 8:00pm Thursday - 4:00am & 1:00pm Saturday - 8:00pm

Jewish Book Month: Authors Discussion - Stephen Fried

Celebrating JFK's legacy in mental health advocacy during the anniversary week of his assassination, award-winning healthcare journalist Stephen Fried joins Rabbi Bronstein to discuss Profiles in Mental Health Courage, a powerful collection inspired by JFK’s Profiles in Courage, capturing the resilience and bravery of Americans with mental illness. Thursday - 7:00pm & 10:00pm Friday - 1:00am, 8:30am & 12:30pm

Being Jewish with Jonah Platt: Zoë Buckman##

Jonah explores Jewish identity with British artist, photographer, and writer Zoë Buckman, diving into her experiences as a multidisciplinary artist with roots in both Jewish and British culture. Thursday - 8:00pm & 11:00pm Friday - 2:00am, 10:00am & 2:00pm Saturday - 5:00am & 10:00pm

NEWS & ANALYSIS

ILTV News and Daily News Updates

ILTV reports from Israel followed by JBS Daily News with Teisha Bader Mondays - Thursdays at 6:00pm, Fridays & Sundays at 5:00pm

Good Week Israel

Positive stories from Israel of heroism, unity and support Mondays at 6:30pm

Insider

ILTV reports and interviews Tuesdays at 6:30pm

On L’Chayim: Classic Conversations with Mark S. Golub z”l

Itzhak Perlman

The world's greatest living violinist, Itzhak Perlman, sits with Mark S. Golub z"l at Juilliard to talk about upon his early life and Jewish background and reflects upon his personal musical journey that has established him as a musical genius. Monday - 9:00pm Tuesday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

Helen Nash

The author of New Kosher Cuisine, Helen Nash discusses her personal Jewish journey and why she wrote the most recent of her three kosher cookbooks. Tuesday - 9:00pm Wednesday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm

Jerome Chanes on JFK and Israel

On the Anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas, Texas (November 22, 1963), Prof. Jerome Chanes of the Center for Jewish Studies at CUNY's Gradate Center discusses the profound positive impact President Kennedy had on U.S.-Israeli relations. Wednesday - 9:00pm Thursday - 12:00am, 3:00am & 3:00pm Saturday - 6:00pm

Ayelet Zurer###

Award-winning Israeli Actress Ayelet Zurer discusses her feelings about acting and creating art, and describes portraying the Haredi widow "Elisheva" on the hit Israeli series on Netflix, Shtisel. Thursday - 9:00pm
Friday - 12:00am & 3:00am & 3:00pm

JEWISH STUDIES

Dimensions of the Daf: Talmud Study with Rabbi Mordechai Becher

Marriage

"Eight Blessings One Wedding," on the theme of marriage as found in Talmud tractates Kesuvos 7 and 8. Sunday - 9:00am Monday - 4:00am Tuesday - 9:00am & 5:00pm

Disputed Property

The Talmud's approach to a dispute over property claims is discussed. Sunday - 9:30am Monday - 4:30am Tuesday - 9:30am & 5:30pm

Jewish 101: A pluralistic introduction to the teachings, ideas and values of the Jewish Tradition with Rabbi Mark S. Golub z"l

Name of God

When Moses asks for God's name, the answer Moses receives reveals the Jewish Tradition's understanding of God. Monday - 9:00am Thursday - 9:00am Saturday - 1:00am

FRIDAY EVENING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 6:00pm, 11:30pm & 2:00am

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 7:30pm & 10:30pm

SATURDAY MORNING SHABBAT SERVICES

REFORM: CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE

Closed Captioned - 9:30am & 1:00pm

ORTHODOX: HAMPTON SYNAGOGUE

With Hebrew, transliteration and English subtitles - 11:00am & 2:30pm

Vlada Barash Special Projects Manager 201-334-2510 JBS Jewish Broadcasting Service, a 501c3fulltimetelevision channel Website: jbstv.org

Experience "The Moment Music Stood Still" | Opens on December 18

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation is proud to welcome The Nova Music Festival Exhibition to Miami. The in-depth remembrance of the brutal massacre at The Nova Music Festival in Re’im, Israel, on October 7, sets out to recreate a festival dedicated to peace and love that was savagely cut short by Hamas’ barbaric attack.

As the host community, Federation deeply encourages all South Floridians to visit the groundbreaking installation. Viewers are empowered to responsibly explore and bear witness to the tragedy of October 7 while joining together in the hopeful plea that “We will dance again.”

A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the Tribe of Nova Foundation, formed in the aftermath of the attack to support the physical, spiritual and mental healing journey of the survivors and the bereaved families. Due to the sensitive and graphic nature of some of the content, the exhibit is recommended for ages 16-plus.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS