Federation
Five Things To Know This Week
5
Friday, February 19, 2021 | 7 Adar 5781
While pandemic fatigue has set in after nearly a year of living with the coronavirus, the needs in our community remain as pressing as ever.
Yesterday, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation brought some relief to approximately 1,100 individuals and families experiencing food insecurity at our Free Kosher Food Distribution Drive-Thru at the Dave & Mary Alper JCC. Participants received packages of fresh produce, challah, kosher meat, non-perishables and even hamantaschen to celebrate Purim. The food distribution was generously underwritten by the Katz/Squires Family – Valerie, Michael, Danielle and Scott. Partners included Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center, our primary human service agency Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Repair the World Miami, Farm Share and Miami-Dade County. The next kosher food distribution will take place Thursday, March 4 from 9-11 a.m. at Federation Headquarters, 4200 Biscayne Boulevard.
In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help senior adults, Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center has been assisting Florida residents who are 65 and older secure vaccination appointments.
If you or someone you know is a Florida resident and 65 or older and need help scheduling an appointment, please click here to submit the necessary information. A volunteer will be in contact with you shortly. To date, JVC volunteers have scheduled more than 600 appointments for eligible individuals.
Activism was at the forefront this week as more than 70 members of our Jewish community participated in Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) virtual mission to Washington, D.C.
The group met via Zoom with Josh Dickson, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and six South Florida Congressional Representatives, including Reps. Ted Deutch (D), Mario Diaz-Balart (R), Carlos Gimenez (R), Maria Salazar (R), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) and Frederica Wilson (D). The discussions highlighted critical issues in our Jewish community: combatting anti-Semitism; supporting Israel; providing COVID-19 relief; advocating for people with disabilities; ensuring care of Holocaust Survivors and bolstering the security of local Jewish institutions. Make your voice heard on these critical issues by clicking each of these links to email your Congressperson.
Join the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, a Committee of Federation, for a free online showing of 18 Enduring Voices, an inspiring short film depicting artist Debra Kapnek’s journey in painting portraits of 18 Holocaust Survivors, on Tuesday, February 23 at 7 p.m.
With each brushstroke, Kapnek discovered a brave new story, unearthed harrowing memories and celebrated relentless spirits. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with the artist, Survivor Allan Hall and Third Generation member (those whose grandparents were Survivors) Jessica Katz. Dr. Helen Chaset will serve as moderator. Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Federation’s primary human services agency, is co-sponsoring the event. For more information and to RSVP, click here.
Students around the world are taking advantage of Israel gap year programs as an alternative option to online learning at home.
Rather than start his freshman year at the University of Chicago online due to the pandemic, Judah, 19, joined Masa Israel, a joint project of the Israeli government and Federation overseas partner The Jewish Agency for Israel. Masa offers Jewish young adults semester- or year-long Israel experience programs for college credits. Judah’s interest in pursuing a pre-medicine track led him to an internship that trained him to become a certified EMT and volunteer on ambulances in Jerusalem. In addition to the real-world experience, Judah said, “Living on your own, away from familial influences without the pressure of [typical] school, allows us to explore who we are, who we want to be and really take our first steps toward adulthood.” Although Judah’s time in Israel has been impacted by the pandemic — some opportunities were cancelled completely while others had to shift to accommodate lockdowns, health restrictions and more — he would not have done anything differently. Click here to learn more about Federation’s support of Israel programs.
View the Virtual Calendar

Ongoing-2/28 | JDAM/JDAIM Month

2/25 | An Inside Look into the Modern Family With the Professional Advisors Council

2/28 | A Virtual Purim Party With PJ Library

Shabbat Shalom!



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