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Lisa Edelstein

Lisa Edelstein is an actress, writer, director and producer best known for her work in such critically acclaimed series as “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce,” “House,” and most recently, Golden Globe-winner “The Kominsky Method.” She’s enjoyed portraying indelible characters over the years, ranging from George’s risotto-loving girlfriend on “Seinfeld” to Ben Stiller’s nightmare date in the film “Keeping the Faith.” She’s also played memorable roles in such hit shows as “The Good Wife,” “The West Wing” and “Ally McBeal.”

Edelstein’s speech, "To Be A Jew," covers a wide range of topics, from anti-Semitism to Ethel Merman, in a rollicking and sometimes emotional telling of her experiences of living life while simultaneously being Jewish. She credits being raised in a Conservative Jewish home as being the seed to her passion, not just for empathy, but for activism. She put that activism to work after studying at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, when Edelstein wrote, composed and performed in the musical “Positive Me,” which was one of the first productions to address the devastating AIDS health crisis.

Edelstein now resides in California with her husband, two step-sons and a trio of dogs. As a family, they have found a way to practice Judaism that centers around ritual with an emphasis on social justice.

Creating Community in Times of Crisis

Creating Community in Times of Crisis

As missiles rained down and everyone took shelter, Federation did what it does best: organized a swift response, located resources and brought people together.

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Helping Israelis Under Iranian Fire

Helping Israelis Under Iranian Fire

Through your support of the Israel Emergency Fund (IEF), an additional $10 million is now helping Israelis whose needs have increased dramatically since the start of the Israel-Iran war.

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Meet Shelly Brodie: New Chair of The Foundation

Meet Shelly Brodie: New Chair of The Foundation

Longtime Federation Board member, Forever Pacesetter and highly involved volunteer Shelly Brodie will become the new Chair of The Foundation of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, effective July 1.

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Lending a (Small) Hand: Kids Helping Kids

Lending a (Small) Hand: Kids Helping Kids

Preschoolers at the Herman & Miriam Tauber Academy raised $800 to help children in Federation’s partner city of Yerucham buy necessary school supplies.

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