Dear Friend,

All across our wonderful Jewish community we are hearing about selfless acts of generosity and kindness. Even in isolation, people are finding innovative, meaningful and safe ways to connect and give back. From showing up outside local hospitals to shower healthcare workers with gratitude and cheer, to packing boxes of food and household items, to making wellness phone calls to isolated seniors – the ways members of our community are reaching out to support and comfort others is inspiring and moving.

In times like these, we find solace – and strength – in returning to basics, reminding us of our mission statement: The Mission of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is to mobilize human and financial resources to care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life and advance the unity, values and shared purpose of the Jewish people in Miami, in Israel and around the world.

These words are being brought to life every day through the leadership and volunteers of our organization who are seeking ways to help others. They are rolling up their sleeves, being resourceful, creative and generous and working collectively to maintain a real sense of community to help us all emerge from this crisis with resilience.

So many inspiring initiatives are taking place through the Federation Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC). We thank the hundreds of volunteers who are participating in these activities. In particular, we want you to know about these very special initiatives:

  • Cadena Foundation, a Jewish international relief organization, in partnership with JVC, provided a donation of 5,000 KN-95 masks to Federation’s primary human service agency, Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS), to help keep their home healthcare professionals safe.
  • More than 110 cars participated in gratitude parades at Baptist and Aventura Hospitals to thank doctors and nurses on the front line of this health pandemic. A caravan at Mt. Sinai Medical Center is scheduled.
  • The coronavirus crisis has created more demand for the JCS Kosher Food Bank. Volunteers are working to stock the shelves and also to pack bags of household provisions for curbside pick-up. With social distancing measures in place, clients are no longer able to enter the facility to select their own items.
  • More than 3,100 older adults have received wellness and reassurance phone calls from JVC volunteers. Not only do these calls provide comfort and conversation, they have also helped identify individuals with needs and allowed us to connect them with vital services supported by Federation.

The heart of Federation’s mission requires participation at all levels. We are always humbled and grateful to see the extraordinary work of our volunteer leadership who take the notion of Kol Israel Arevim Ze Le Ze (“All Israel is responsible for one another”) to heart. With that in mind, our International Division created a moving and inspiring video to share their passion for community and all the ways Federation is helping during this crisis. For a real “feel-good” moment, click here to watch the video.

Our volunteer leaders are also providing critical direction, guidance and counsel during this emergency. We have convened a Crisis Response Task Force, which works with our professional team to facilitate emergency financial assistance and develop strategies as we strive to maximize impact and help our community navigate through these perilous times. Locally and nationally, members of our community are serving as representatives through The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) to make sure Miami is part of broader solutions during this global crisis, including caring for those affected worldwide and in Israel.

It is understandable that in times of crisis, we tend to focus internally and locally. Yet this week, the calendar itself reminds us that we are part of a worldwide Jewish family with Israel at its heart. Yom Ha’Zikaron (Israel Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror) and Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) took place with audiences participating remotely from every corner of the Earth. Israelis also took to the streets to pause in remembrance as memorial sirens filled the air. From mourning to celebration, connecting these two days conveys a simple and powerful message: We owe the existence of our beloved State of Israel to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the independence and the safety of the nation and its inhabitants. Today, when the world needs more joy and hope, it was delightful to come together in strength and unity virtually to celebrate Israel’s 72nd birthday!

We close with a reminder that as always, Federation is here for you. If you are in need of assistance, call our Jewish community’s confidential helpline at 305.576.6550 for guidance. Operated by Federation’s partner agency, JCS, the helpline is open 24/7 every day of the year.

We wish a refu’ah sh’lemah to all those people affected by this and other illnesses and we pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones. We urge you to continue to remain diligent in following health and safety guidelines.

Shabbat Shalom,