It's Happening In Miami

Monday, April 21 | 5:30-7:30 PM

A new documentary that takes a unique look at the root cause of antisemitism, Tragic Awakening has been well received in dozens of special screenings in the US, Canada and Israel in recent months, and the impact on audiences has been profound. It attempts to answer this question: Why have Jews faced enduring and intense hatred throughout history? Ultimately, Tragic Awakening serves as an inspiring call to appreciate the beauty, resilience and strength of the Jewish faith and its people. Presented with the support of the Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies and The School of Education and Human Development.

Cocktail Reception: 5:30-6 PM | Screening: 6-7:30 PM FREE ADMISSION

The Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies, 5202 University Drive, Room 119, Coral Gables

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Released Friday, March 14 in AMC Theaters Only | Through Thursday, March 20

Directed by Wendy Sachs and starring Debra Messing, Michael Rapoport and Noa Tishby, October 8 exposes the emergence of antisemitism on college campuses, in social media and on the streets since October 7, 2023, when Hamas unleashed its brutal assault on Israel. The film provides an understanding of the shift in the current narrative as it pertains to Israel and how the real story is being silenced. After knocking on door after door to find a distributor in Hollywood and being turned down, AMC miraculously agreed to air October 8 for this week only.

Check your local movie listings for locations and times

LISTEN TO DIRECTOR WENDY SACHS TALK WITH DAN SENOR ABOUT OCTOBER 8

Sunday, March 30 | 1-2:30 PM

One of the many untold stories about the Sefarad legacy is the fact that Portuguese Jews and New Christians played a pivotal role in the discovery of Brazil. They were among the very first settlers in the country, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape Brazil's rich cultural tapestry.

Today, Brazil is home to an estimated 90,000 to 120,000 Jews, but the influence of Jewish heritage extends far beyond this number. Over 50 million Brazilians are descendants of conversos—Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism during the tumultuous times of Medieval Spain and Portugal. Their stories, struggles, and contributions are an integral part of Brazil’s identity.

To learn more about this extraordinary story, join us as we embark on a virtual journey delivered by a renowned historian, author, and speaker Irene Shaland as she uncovers 500 years of Jewish history woven into the very fabric of Brazil.

CLICK HERE TO FOR WEBINAR REGISTRATION

Celebrating 10 Years at the Braman Miller Center for Jewish Life

Thursday, April 3

7 PM Reception With Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres | 8 PM Event Program Featuring Alex Edelman

UM Hillel envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel. UM Hillel steadfastly meets the needs of today’s Jewish students on campus - and your support is more important than ever before.

Alex Edelman is a critically acclaimed Jewish comedian celebrated for his sharp wit, relatable storytelling and unique perspective on the world. Known for his HBO Special, Just for Us, and sold-out shows around the globe, Alex will deliver a night of laughter and connection.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER

If you would like to pay with a check or if you have questions, please reach out Terri Green, UM Hillel Director of Development, at [email protected].

Today, Jewish Federations mourn and pray for the families of Itzik Elgarat, Tsahi Idan, Shlomo Mantzur and Ohad Yahalomi, all taken hostage from their safe rooms and homes in a horrifying manner by Hamas terrorists on October 7.

The last several weeks have been tragic in many ways, yet we remain amazed and proud of the resilience of the Israeli people as they stand strong during these times of grief. Jewish Federations stand in solidarity and pray with them during these times of mourning.

March 20-23

The Nisticovich Gallery Tel Aviv will take part in the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The exhibit will showcase art of emerging and mid-career Israeli artists.

"Amid the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish community in Israel, Nisticovich Gallery views this event as an opportunity to foster unity and resilience. Our gallery remains deeply committed to supporting local artists while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the global art scene."

Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach

RSVP to [email protected] for a free invitation for two.

Tuesday, March 11 | 8-9:30 PM

A Zoom workshop with Dr. Daniel Siegel, renowned parenting expert

Parenting is hard, especially when every child has different needs. Imagine a clear scientific-backed roadmap to understand your child’s unique patterns, temperament, and how they respond best to connection, structure, and emotional support.

BeWell Miami has partnered with The Wellness Institute to bring an exclusive event with Dr. Daniel Siegel, world-renowned child psychiatrist and bestselling author of The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline.

FREE With Discount Code: GMJF18

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER

Jewish Federations React to Hamas' Psychological Warfare on Bibas Family | February 20

Jewish Federations are appalled, outraged and disgusted by Hamas’ cruel and deceitful psychological warfare against the Bibas family, the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Not only did these terrorists kidnap Kfir and Ariel Bibas, two young children — aged just nine months and four years — but forensic evidence shows that they brutally murdered them roughly a month into their captivity. Further, they lied about returning the body of their mother, Shiri, adding to the immense pain of the family. In case it was not yet clear to anyone, Hamas cannot be allowed to remain in power. Jewish Federations send our deepest condolences and love to the Bibas family and our brothers and sisters in Israel during this horrific period.

Jewish Federation Statement About the Hostages Released February 22

Following a week that has delivered great tragedy to our community, Jewish Federations are thankful for the release of the six hostages who were freed from the darkness of captivity today: Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed – both of whom spent a decade in Hamas’s hands – as well as Tal Shoham, Omer Shem-Tov, Omer Wenkert and Eliya Cohen, who were taken hostage on October 7th.

Federations are also full of gratitude that Shiri Bibas has finally been brought home, where a proper burial can take place and she can be reunited with her boys, Ariel and Kfir. We are also praying for Yarden Bibas, husband to Shiri and father to the boys, as he mourns this terrible loss

The six hostages freed on Saturday:

Avera Mengistu, an Ethiopian Israeli, was released after spending 3,825 days in Hamas captivity. His family has fought fiercely for his release over the past decade, going as far as Geneva to meet with human rights organizations in hopes of assistance. They returned to Israel with the promise of help, yet none came. Avera, who suffers from mental illness, was abducted by Hamas after trying to climb a fence in Gaza. The contents in the bag he carried included slippers, a towel, the Bible, and books, including one with his name.

Hisham al-Sayed, a Bedouin Arab Israeli, was released after 3,599 days in Hamas captivity after he was captured while wandering on the Gaza strip. Hisham, who recently turned 27, suffers from several health issues, including hearing loss, schizophrenia, tinnitus and vertigo. There was no communication about Hisham’s condition until June 2022 when terrorists released a video clip of him lying in a hospital bed with an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose.

The four other hostages released were all abducted during the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. Three of them were taken while at the Nova festival.

Tal Shoham, an Austrian-Israeli citizen, was celebrating the holiday with his wife and two children at a family gathering in Kibbutz Be’eri when terrorists took them, as well as other extended family members, captive. His wife and young children were released in November 2023. His father-in-law was slain during the attacks.

Omer Shem-Tov was attending the Nova music festival when terrorists put Omer and two others in Omer’s car and drove them into Gaza. A released hostage said that Omer tried to honor Shabbat while in captivity by reciting the Kiddush with a small bottle of grape juice and a piece of bread. Omer had two birthdays while being held hostage.

Omer Wenkert was also abducted at the festival and taken to the Gaza strip. His family knew he was alive when they saw video circulated by Hamas that showed him on his stomach with his hands handcuffed behind his back. Omer, who worked at a restaurant, had just enrolled in college courses to become a restaurant manager.

Eliya Cohen was at the festival with his girlfriend when the attacks broke out, forcing them to hide in a roadside rocket shelter where many were murdered. Cohen, who works in marketing and real estate, was shot in the leg before being taken captive by Hamas. His girlfriend managed to escape the shelter after six hours. His mother, Sigi Cohen, told The Times of Israel that released hostages have said that her son is being held in a tunnel, has been chained for the entire length of his captivity, and gets little food or daylight.

We are thankful they are all home, finally reunited with their families, and that they have the support and medical care they need to begin the road to recovery from this horrific tragedy. Finally, we pray for the families of the 61 innocent hostages whose fate is unknown and remain hopeful that they will return home soon into their waiting arms.

Thursday, February 27 | 7:30 PM

Join Noa Tishby, acclaimed activist, and Emmanuel Acho, modern thought leader, for a dynamic and impactful dialogue. Together, they will lead a powerful conversation on fostering understanding, challenging stereotypes and promoting courage in the face of division. We’ll discover how to break taboos and create common ground.

Barry University Shepard and Ruth K. Broad Center for the Performing Arts. 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE & RESERVE SEATS

Today, Jewish Federations are grateful and relieved to see Sagui Dekel Chen, Alexander Sasha Troufanov and Iair Horn back on Israeli soil after a terrifying 498 days in Hamas captivity in which they were unaware if their loved ones would be waiting for them. We pray for their recovery and remain hopeful for the release of all other innocent hostages who have suffered nearly 500 days in the hands of this terrorist regime.

The hostages released Saturday include: Sagui Dekel Chen, a United States-Israeli citizen, who will meet his baby daughter for the first time when he returns home.

Iair Horn, an Argentinian-Israeli citizen, who was with his younger brother, Eitan, when they were both captured by Hamas. While Iair was released, his brother, who was visiting for the holiday on October 7, remains in captivity.

Alexander Sasha Troufanov, a Russian-Israeli citizen, who was with his mother, father, grandmother and girlfriend when terrorists arrived. His father was murdered and the rest were taken as hostages. The three women were released in November.