Home / See, Read & Share / Federation News

27th Annual Judicial Reception Honorees

LANGER

PALERMO

ALVAREZ

The 27th Annual Judicial Reception, hosted by the Attorneys’ Division of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, will pay tribute to Judge Lester Langer, Judge Peter R. Palermo and attorney Cesar L. Alvarez, each of whom has guided the South Florida community in a unique and monumental way. Chaired this year by Jeffrey B. Kaplan, the popular event will take place on Tuesday, March 22 at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Miami Downtown, 1601 Biscayne Boulevard.

Judge Lester Langer will receive the 2011 Community Service Award for his devotion to the community and his work to bring positive attention to the court systems through leadership, scholarship and public service. He has been committed to improving family dynamics and providing support for parents and youth in Florida through his work in the Family and Juvenile Divisions of the County Court. He continues to speak out against domestic violence through his involvement in the courtroom, in numerous social-service organizations, and by lecturing at various Miami-Dade institutions. Langer has served as a judge in the Florida legal system and has presided over the Domestic Violence, Civil, Family, and most recently, the Juvenile Division of the County Court.

Judge Peter R. Palermo will be honored with the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional work as a public servant. A decorated war veteran, the first Mayor of West Miami and a Senior United States Magistrate Judge, Palermo has served our country with distinction, honor and civility. He has been instrumental in establishing and growing the Magistrate Judge system, and served as the first judge in the now-587-judge system. Palermo continues to guide the South Florida community and the country at large, presiding on the bench after more than 40 years. He is proud to be one of the longest-serving judges in the United States.

Cesar L. Alvarez, Esq. will receive the 2011 Theodore “Ted” Klein Special Recognition Award, which honors an individual who has had a profound impact on members of the judiciary. Alvarez has shown tireless commitment to community service, using his mastery of the law and dedication to philanthropy to improve the Jewish and overall communities of Miami-Dade County. He has enriched the quality of life for so many through his involvement in institutions serving multi-cultural and youth populations, including United Way, Florida International University, the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts, and Our Kids, Inc. Alvarez has demonstrated a strong bond with Israel and the Jewish people through his efforts to forge an alliance between the Cuban and Jewish communities in Miami.

To make a reservation for the Judicial Reception, click here. For more information, contact Pam DiGiacomo, Director of the Attorneys’ Division, at [email protected] or 786.866.8627.

To see a list of past Judicial Reception honorees, click here.

Miami Remembers October 7

Miami Remembers October 7

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami and the Consulate General of Israel in Miami, in partnership with Miami synagogues, day schools and agencies, present a communitywide commemoration on the one-year anniversary of October 7, 2023.

Read More

E-Bike Helps Israeli First Responders Save Lives


E-Bike Helps Israeli First Responders Save Lives


A specialized E-bike, donated by Federation to United Hatzalah, is saving lives throughout Israel, as demonstrated on October 7 by one “angel in orange,” medic Itamar Chazzan.

Read More

Free High Holiday Seats


Free High Holiday Seats


Our High Holiday Welcome Program offers unaffiliated individuals and families in Miami-Dade County free seats to holiday services.

Read More

March of the Living: Apply Now!

March of the Living: Apply Now!

Jewish High school seniors residing or attending school in Miami-Dade County are encouraged to apply for this life-changing educational experience taking place April 21-May 2, 2025.

Read More

Stay in Touch

Receive news about Greater Miami Jewish Federation events and more.