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Jun 2, 2017

JCS Kosher Food Bank Helps Feed Hundreds in Miami

Through our partner agency, Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS), and generous contributions to the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign, hundreds of underserved and at-risk families in Miami, in addition to many Holocaust survivors, have access to the JCS Kosher Food Bank. Shoppers can choose from a variety of non-perishable staples, canned goods, fresh produce, meat and frozen items. In response to growing demand, the Food Bank plans to expand its facility to 4,500 square feet.

Professionals at JCS know that food shortage is often the symptom of other underlying problems, which is why everyone who visits the Food Bank also receives a comprehensive evaluation to assess his/her overall needs. Recommendations and appointments can be made to help with government benefits services, mental health services and/or employment counseling.

Day schools, synagogues and other Jewish institutions in Miami-Dade County all lend a helping hand to the Food Bank, supporting it with a variety of fundraisers throughout the year. Federation, too, regularly collects and donates items. Last week, Hebrew Academy (RASG), one of 10 Federation-funded Miami-Dade day schools, held its Annual Second Grade Restaurant Fundraiser. The Beauty and the Feast Café opened for a day. Students greeted “customers,” took orders, served as cashiers and prepared and served food. Students were able to practice their math skills in an everyday setting, while performing an act of tzedekah at the same time. The Café raised close to $1,500 for the Food Bank. Bonnie Schwartzbaum, Director of the Food Bank, loved attending the event and said, “Students do every job, from designing the menu to the cooking. They learn not only about math, but also about good social skills, and the importance of doing mitzvahs and helping others.”

Click here to learn how your contribution to the Annual Campaign supports more than 100 partner agencies and programs in Miami, in Israel and around the world.

Jewish Miami Offers Kever Avot

Jewish Miami Offers Kever Avot

Offered at a variety of cemeteries and virtually on Zoom, participants will join together in memory and prayer and light a yahrzeit candle for those who brought light into this world. Following the short program, you can visit the graves of loved ones with relevant materials provided.

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Limited Number of High Holidays Services Seats Available

Limited Number of High Holidays Services Seats Available

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami are once again partnering with local synagogues to make High Holiday services accessible to all.

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All Are Welcome to Worship in Jewish Miami

All Are Welcome to Worship in Jewish Miami

As we approach the High Holidays, it’s important to remember that all people — those with disabilities and those without — want to participate in community prayer. That is why Federation’s Miami Jewish Abilities Alliance (MJAA) is sharing valuable resources to elevate worship and celebrate Judaism.

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Women’s Philanthropy Installs New Board

Women’s Philanthropy Installs New Board

Hundreds of people from across Jewish Miami gathered recently at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens to thank the outgoing Federation Women’s Philanthropy Board of Directors for their outstanding service and to install new leadership for the coming year.

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