It's Happening In Miami

Greater Miami Jewish Federation, its JCRC and the RAGM welcome the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas | October 9, 2025

With tremendous joy and relief, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, its Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami (RAGM) welcome the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza that, if goes as planned, will result in the release of all remaining hostages as soon as this weekend. We are grateful for President Trump’s intervention to bring about the presumed beginning of an end to a long war perpetrated by Iranian-backed extremists and responsible for two years of unnecessary suffering.

We wish the surviving hostages a refuah shlema (speedy recovery). Their fortitude in the face of 733 days of extreme mental and physical torture is a testament to the strength of the Israeli and the Jewish people. We remind the world of why the war was waged in the first place: On Oct. 7, 2023, Israel was invaded by thousands of terrorists who wished to murder Jews and annihilate Israel. During the unwarranted invasion, they took the lives of 1,200 innocent people, almost entirely civilians, and kidnapped 251 more.

Upon the return of the hostages, we look forward to learning more about the details about the peace agreement which needs to ultimately include the full disarmament of Hamas. Removing all weaponry from a terror organization that has ruthlessly targeted not only innocent Israelis but also its own people for decades is an integral moral and strategic step toward permanent peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

We remain cautiously optimistic in the coming days and weeks for an end to the war and a lasting peace. Am Yisrael Chai.

Nominations and Applications Are Now Open!

The 2026 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, a program of the Helen Diller Family Foundation, celebrates outstanding Jewish teens who are making a positive impact on our world. Every year, the organization selects a cohort of 15 extraordinary teens from across the country who are making positive changes in their community. Each Awardee receives $36,000 to expand their project or support their education.

If you know a Jewish teen leader who is changing the world, consider nominating them for this prestigious award and help them join a community dedicated to tikkun olam.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY AND NOMINATE YOUR JEWISH TEEN LEADER

SCREENING THE HOLOCAUST SERIES

Thursday, October 30 | 7 PM

Filmed over the course of seven years, The Last Ones of Auschwitz brings together more than 200 Holocaust Survivor testimonies from across the globe, including over 30 from Auschwitz Survivors. This powerful documentary, which had its World Premiere at the Miami Jewish Film Festival 2025, features the final on-screen testimony of David Schaecter, z"l — a beloved founder of the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, a Committee of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and a longtime supporter, friend, and member of the MJFF family. The evening will be further enriched by the presence of director Leslie Benitah, who will join for an extended conversation following the screening.

O Cinema South Beach,1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

CLICK HERE FOR FREE TICKETS

Sunday, October 19, 1-2:30 PM | On Zoom

Nação: Business Law and Practices in Amsterdam and the Ottoman Empire (18th–19th Centuries)

Uncover a pivotal chapter of Jewish history with Jewish Heritage Alliance. The second session of this three-part webinar series explores the profound impact of the Sephardic experience on law and identity and focuses on the incredible story of how the Portuguese Nation (Nação) cultivated thriving commercial and legal cultures. Informed by Halakha and shaped by their Iberian past, Sephardic Jews in Amsterdam and the Ottoman Empire created self-governing communities, resolved disputes, and conducted global trade — blending tradition with innovation. Learn about the commercial networks that spanned continents, how Sephardic legal practices contributed to Western legal thought and about resilience and ingenuity of a community rebuilding after exile.

CLICK HERE TO FOR FREE REGISTRATION

Monday, October 27 | 7 PM — Only South Florida Appearance

Hear Sarah Hurwitz share her journey from a “cultural Jew” to a passionate advocate for Jewish wisdom as she unpacks the historical forces that have shaped Jewish identity and explores how we can confront antisemitism with pride, resilience and joy. Every family will take home a complimentary copy of Sarah's award-winning and New York Times bestselling new book, As A Jew — a special gift from CAJE | The Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education.

Temple Beth Sholom, 4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER

Presented in conjunction with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, CAJE and Temple Beth Sholom.

Wednesday, November 19 | 7 PM

Join us for the University of Miami Inaugural Lecture Series sponsored by Dr. Alfred and Mrs. Susan A. Feingold and honoring Dr. Miriam Klein Kassenoff for her devotion and dedication to Holocaust education.

Complimentary Admission | For information, contact Aimee Cibran at [email protected]

Temple Judea, 5500 Granada Boulevard, Coral Gables

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Sunday, October 5 | 5 PM

Come together to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023. Together we will honor those we lost and demand the release of the hostages still in Gaza.

Join us in strength for prayer, inspirational speakers and an art presentation. Wear red, white and blue.

Chabad Las Olas, 1406 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

Monday, October 20 | 6:30-8 PM

Joseph Zolobczuk from the YES Institute will lead in an in-person workshop on understanding transgender and nonbinary identities, terminology and lived experiences. The Pride Empowerment Circle meets the second Monday of every month to share, connect and build community in a safe space. Facilitated by Michele Rothkopf, Health and Life Coach. For JCC members and guests 18+ years old. Free for JCC members, $5 for guests

For information, please contact Jenine Simon at [email protected] 305. 271.9000 x 251.

Alper JCC Miami, Building #6, Studio Room A, 11155 SW 112 Avenue, Miami

Monday, November 3 | 7 PM | Free Community Event!

The Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF) is honored to take part in Holocaust Education Week, hosted by the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, a Committe of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. This MJFF Torchbearer Prize winner resents an intimate portrait of the Elie Wiesel, Nobel laureate whose words and actions transformed the global conversation about human rights and Holocaust remembrance.

The film explores Wiesel’s journey from his childhood in Sighet, Romania — a once-thriving Jewish community devastated by the Holocaust — to his rise as a beacon of moral courage on the world stage. This unforgettable evening will feature the film's acclaimed director Oren Rudavsky.

Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach

CLICK HERE FOR FREE RSVP

Program: April 12-24, 2026 | Apply by October 17

The Miami March of the Living nurtures our youth’s emotional, social and spiritual well-being while equipping them to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel messages in their future college environments. Join us in shaping the next generation of Jewish leaders and upstanders through this profound and impactful experience, which has been a community staple in shaping the next generation for over three decades. Participants from Miami-Dade join peers from around the world to bear witness to the Holocaust’s devastation in Poland and, in years when possible, celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people in Israel. Eligible teens are Jewish high school seniors in Miami-Dade County. Priority goes to students who live in Miami-Dade, attend school in Miami-Dade and/or belong to a Synagogue in Miami-Dade.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY