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84th Annual Meeting Award Winners

KEITH GINSBURG was raised in South Dade with a deep sense of connection to Miami’s Jewish community. These experiences sparked his personal dedication to preserving a vibrant cultural and recreational environment in our community for the next generation of young Jews. Keith first stepped into the Alper JCC Miami when he was only a toddler as a student in its Early Childhood program. He continued to participate in Alper JCC Miami sports and camping programs throughout his adolescence, eventually becoming a coach of the roller hockey program.

Today, Keith serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Alper JCC Miami, following other leadership positions on the Alper JCC Miami Board, including Treasurer, Athletics Chair and Maccabi Games Chair. He also is a Board member of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and is active in Federation’s South Dade Branch. Keith is a Financial Advisor with the Barkow Ginsburg Wealth Management Group of Raymond James. He lives in Coral Gables with his wife, Melissa, and three daughters, Hailey, Sydney and Rylee.

JACLYN BERGMAN believes in the power of tzedakah and in our shared obligation to make a transformational difference in the lives of those in need. She dedicates her time and resources to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and other vital causes because she understands the power of volunteerism and its role in building a better world.

Jaclyn is extremely proud to serve as Chair of the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Miami, a Federation program that provides grants and interest-free loans to families and individuals in need. Her enthusiasm is fueled by the fact that “the program has made such a difference in so many lives,” particularly during COVID-19 when food insecurity and economic challenges have been so rampant. An active volunteer for the Lehrman Community Day School, she also serves on Federation’s Board of Directors and on Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Board. The Founder of IRA Financial Group, Jaclyn lives in Miami Beach with her husband, Adam, and their two sons, Aven and Ever.

YOSEF SHWEDEL became involved in Jewish community service at a very young age in his native Mexico, where his personal direction was influenced by his parents and the Bnei Akiva Zionist youth movement. Today, he maintains his family’s tradition of Jewish activism as a leader in Miami’s Jewish community.

Yosi has served Federation as Campaign Chair of the Young Leadership Division, Education Chair of the International Division, Chair of the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center Allocations Committee, and as part of the Israel and Overseas Committee and the Ethiopian Israel Initiative Committee. A member of the incoming Executive Team of The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) National Young Leadership Cabinet, he also is on the Board of Directors of CADENA Foundation, which supports disaster rescue and humanitarian services worldwide. He is an attorney and partner in the firm of GS2 Law, practicing in multiple jurisdictions in the US and Mexico. He lives in Aventura with his wife, Rosy, his son, David, and daughter, Esther.

LECIA ROTHMAN moved to Miami in 2015 to further her career and be closer to family. Throughout her childhood, Lecia watched her family’s synagogue involvement grow and expand into other organizations, while she attended Jewish summer camp and participated in USY. During college at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Lecia became involved with Hillel and participated in Birthright Israel. Upon returning to Miami in 2015, Lecia knew she wanted to engage with a community of young Jewish professionals. She immediately found it with Federation and has been passionately growing her involvement ever since. 

  Traveling on Federation’s Israel 70 Miami Mega Mission was a life-changing experience and Lecia is enthusiastically waiting to return next year during the Israel 75 Miami Mega Mission. A graduate of Federation’s Leadership Development Institute, this will be her third and final year serving as Executive Co-Chair of YLD. Lecia previously held the positions of Campaign Chair and Social Action Chair. Lecia is the Director of Digital Engagement for Lennar. She lives in Brickell. 

DR. JAIME GHITELMAN became active in the Greater Miami Jewish Federation after participating in its 2012 Mega Mission and Pre-Mission to Poland. The emotional overseas journey and his renewed awareness of Federation’s purpose reinforced Jaime’s belief that diaspora Jews with financial means have a responsibility to support the needs of the worldwide Jewish community. Since then, he has been setting the example for his family and community.

Born in Venezuela, Jaime is the Incoming Chair of Federation’s International Division, after serving as the division’s Education Chair, Campaign Chair and Co-Chair, and Chair of Federation’s Super Sunday event. He is involved in the David Posnack Jewish Day School and serves as Chair of the Venezuelan American Medical Association, which provides free healthcare services to Venezuelan citizens in need. Jaime is a board-certified cardiologist with special expertise in the treatment of complex coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular interventions. He lives in Aventura with his wife, Stefany, and three daughters, Rachel, Alexandra and Naomi.

Statement on Ongoing College Campus Protests

Statement on Ongoing College Campus Protests

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and its Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) stand in solidarity with Jewish college students across the country who are being targeted on campus simply because they are Jewish or because they believe that Israel has the right to exist as a homeland for the Jewish people.

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Yom HaShoah Commemoration is May 5

Yom HaShoah Commemoration is May 5

Next weekend’s Yom HaShoah observance is a chance to stand in solidarity with your Miami community and pay tribute to the 6 million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered during the Holocaust and honor the strength and courage of the Survivors.

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Making a Difference Through The Foundation

Making a Difference Through The Foundation

This year, The Foundation will contribute $3.1 million to the Annual Campaign, thanks to the careful consideration of more than 100 generous donors who created endowed gifts by including Federation in their estate plans or through retirement funds, insurance policies or lifetime gifts.

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Wellness Shabbat in May


Wellness Shabbat in May


In an effort to shine a light on Mental Health Awareness Month, Federation’s BeWell Miami is organizing Wellness Shabbat, a collaboration between Miami Dade synagogues and organizations over the course of the five shabbatot in May.

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