Temple Israel In The News
Heritage Articles
Obituary - RICHARD SHELDON LAZARO
Richard Sheldon Lazaro was born on May 18, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Louis & Judith (Koppel) Lazaro and passed on Jan. 29, 2024 at 89 years old.
Obituary - WILLIAM JOSEPH KAHN
William Joseph Kahn passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Orlando, Fla., after a courageous battle against kidney disease at the age of 91.
Obituary - DR. ROBERT KAPLAN MD, FACP, CMD
With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Dr. Robert Kaplan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and a respected physician, who touched the lives of many through his remarkable dedication to medicine, love for sports, and devotion to family. Dr. Kaplan left this world on July 31, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.
Mr. Jordan Ira Zamore, 39, Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023, at Sunrise Medical Center following a brief illness. Jordan was born Nov. 27, 1983, in Danbury, Connecticut. Jordan was a graduate of Full Sail University and a Audio Lighting Producer. He is predeceased by his father Michael Stuart Zamore.
JCRC's thoughts on antisemitism
In a recently released survey, the Anti-Defamation League confirmed empirically what many have observed anecdotally: antisemitism is on the rise in the United States. The survey found that belief in antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories has doubled since 2019, and now stands at the highest level in decades. Anti-Israel sentiments were also found to be far more prevalent, going far beyond mere criticism of policy to a level that, as ADL CEO Johnathan Greenblatt described, is simply “antisemitism in another form.”
Tess Wise, 99, died Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022 at her Orlando home following a brief illness. Wise was born June 6, 1923, in Szydtowiec, Poland, and moved to the Orlando area in 1946 from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is predeceased by her husband, Abe O. Wise.
Temple Israel is bringing in the fall
The lazy days of summer are over, and Temple Israel is bringing in the fall with both favorite and fresh activities for everyone.
Obituary - CLIFFORD "CLIFF" MICHAEL REBACK
It is with deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Clifford "Cliff" Michael Reback, 84, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, on Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Vitas Suites Hospice surrounded by his adoring family. Cliff was born on Aug. 18, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Morris and Nelle (nee Weiner) Reback. He is survived by his beloved wife, Denise (nee Bitton) Reback; his loving children, Karen Reback and Steven Reback; son-in-law, Dr. Scott Howard; daughter-in-law, Lynne Reback; and grandchildren - Danielle, David, Veronica, Nicole, and Jacob. He is also survived by his sister, Michele (nee Reback) Becker.
Miriam Cohen, 95, of Lake Mary, Fla., passed away July 19, 2021, at the age of 95. She was born Jan. 28, 1926, in New York. She married Albert Cohen, of blessed memory, in December 1948. She is survived by her three children, Gwen Sloan, Cindy Diebel, and David Cohen; their spouses; and her two grandchildren, David and Benjamin Sloan.
A day for corned beef sandwiches and book buying
This past Sunday, Oct. 29, marked Temple Israel’s First Annual Book Fair and Corned Beef Sandwich Day, and whether measuring books, beef, or bucks, the event was a success.
Jews in the Land of Disney: Michelle Anflick - Music is deep in her soul
This is a story about an orthodox wife and mother, a busy Bubbe, a retired schoolteacher and a full-time dental hygienist, who at a moment in her life, or so it seemed at the time, was Divinely inspired to compose music. At first, the lyrics came, and then the melody, resulting in her first composition titled "Please See." Since this time, she hasn't turned back and has written over 20 songs, with three that have been produced into singles.
Social summers with Temple Israel
After being apart, many of us long for reconnection to community. This is exactly what Temple Israel is aiming to achieve this summer with activities for the very young to the young at heart.
Jews in the Land of Disney: The 'human factor' in serving a higher purpose
Like many American Jews, Michael Fineberg, Ph.D.'s paternal grandparents emigrated from Lithuania and Russia, his maternal grandparents from Romania and Austria, arriving by boat to the United States in the early 1900s. His parents were first generation American Jews who assimilated and worked hard to build a life for themselves and their children.
Share elected as Arts Foundation's third president.
Timucua Arts Foundation announced today the welcomed the appointment of philanthropist and community leader Geanne Share as president. Share previously served as Timucua's vice president, is a long-time member of the Orlando Ballet board of directors, as well as a board member of Temple Israel Winter Springs, the Jewish Pavilion, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando.
Temple Israel invites all senior citizens to schmooze together.
Temple Israel has some special senior programs planned for the summer. Senior Schmooze is a short, informal get-together catering to those 65 and older.
Jewish Federation leads the way in 'Unity is Community'
Through Dec. 31, 2020, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando held a Human Services Relief Matching campaign, sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America. The Federation raised $62K, which JFNA matched with $31K (50 percent matching gift), equaling a total of $93K for our community.
Fresh from the garden: A holiday feast
Jewish joy is blooming at Temple Israel, and so are the vegetables in the Gan Chesed: Garden of Kindness. Officially installed in October of last year through the generosity of the Magness Family Children's Play Area Fund and the hard work of the garden committee led by Temple Israel member Lauren Brown, the community garden has been growing beautiful winter produce.
Nosh & Know with Rabbi Neely is back!
Temple Israel invites the entire community to join the discussion and learn something new. Two informal chats are scheduled for May. On Sunday, May 2 at 3 p.m., Rabbi Neely will talk about Jewish comedy. Grab a chair in the outside seating area of Zoës Kitchen at 150 S. SR 434 in Altamonte Springs, and get ready to laugh and learn
Rabbi Neely and Dr. Kahn recognized for efforts in reopening Temple Israel
Temple Israel's Board and Ritual Committee wanted to find a special way to honor Rabbi Joshua Neely and the congregation's president, Dr. Bernie Kahn, for all of their work this past year in reopening the synagogue safely for in-person services and limited face-to-face learning at MAGAL, the Meitin Alliance for Growth and Learning religious school. Rabbi Neely and Dr. Kahn worked very hard to keep the community safe and engaged while resolving the many issues faced during the pandemic.
Course in Orlando explores life, death, and the afterlife
This winter, Chabad Centers throughout Orlando will offer Journey of the Soul, a new six-session course by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish Learning Institute that will answer a question which has occurred to every self-reflective person: What happens when we die?
Ms. Sandra M. Vogin, 85, Longwood, Florida passed away Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at Advent Health Hospice Care following a brief illness. Ms. Vogin was born June 6, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Edward and Bertha (Donolow) Macks. She moved to the Winter Springs, Florida area from Broomall, Pennsylvania with the late husband of 49 years Stanton L. Vogin of blessed memory.
Jews in the Land of Disney: The Share family volunteerism passed down l'dor v'dor
Adrian and Geanne Share came to the Orlando area in 1998. "My husband's an engineer whose passion is to see high-speed rail built in the U.S., and we came to Florida for that purpose.
Jews in the Land of Disney: Dr. Joseph Berrios' long road to self-discovery
This is the fourth article in a four-part series about the Puerto Rican Jews living in Central Florida and their history.
Martin Scott Cohn, age 55, of Winter Park, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020, at AdventHealth—Winter Park. Martin was born in Miami, Fla., on Feb. 6, 1965, to Norman L. Cohn and the late Charlotte Rosenbleeth Cohn. Martin grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., graduating from Choctawhatchee High School in 1982. Following graduation, Martin worked in radio and was known as “Scotty Martin” on air for WNUE and WYZB in Fort Walton Beach and as “Martin Ellesar” at WQUH in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., in the late 1980s. Martin made his living in the hospitality industry, managing hotels in Destin, Fla., and North Carolina during his career.
The temple of Zoom (Video Conferencing) is upon us
The new coronavirus, aka COVID 19, is upon the world. It happened so quickly that our Jewish leaders had to react: No coming to temple. Adhere to the guidelines limiting gatherings to 10 people or less. Exercise social distancing.
Dr. Ken Hanson's dose of history at Temple Israel
Back by popular demand, Dr. Ken Hanson returns to Temple Israel on Saturday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. to bring the Dead Sea Scrolls to life. and Dr. Hanson's entertaining presentation, followed by dessert, refreshments, and a book signing will be held in the Roth Social Hall for Havdalah. Tickets are $10 for individuals and $18 for couples, with a $5 cash donation for wine and beer.
Jews in the Land of Disney: Spotlight: FOJA-Future Old Jews of America
The window is opened in the room... some believe that opening a window allows the soul to depart. A candle lit, a prayer said, “Blessed are you, Lord our God, Master of the Universe, the True Judge.” Psalm 51 is read...
Stanley Shevitz, age 74, of Altamonte Springs, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at AdventHealth-Altamonte. A Brooklyn native, he was born on Jan. 17,1946, the son of the late Milton and Celia Dorf Shevitz. Stanley was a high school graduate and worked, among other places, in his family’s floor-covering business.
Never, ever forget... "Atrocious" isn't a harsh enough word to describe the Holocaust! I read the following recently and pass it along to you:
Combating hate?... I read this recently in the World Jewish Congress digest and pass it along:
Celebrate Tu Bishvat the Israeli way
Join the Orlando Israeli American Council in partnership with Temple Israel, the Jewish National Fund, Alexander Muss High School in Israel, and Friends of Israel Scouts, Inc. Tzofim, for a Shishi Israeli Tu Bishvat Seder on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Temple Israel, 50 South Moss Road in Winter Springs.
MORNING AND EVENING MINYANS (Call synagogue to confirm time.) Chabad of South Orlando—Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. and 10 minutes before sunset; Saturday, 9:30 a.m .; Sunday, 8:15 a.m., 407-354-3660. Congregation...
Federation helps community cope through virtual programming
When our community and society were faced with the life-changing challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando stepped up to fill the void brought on by the loss of our normal active lives.
MORNING AND EVENING MINYANS (Please note, because of the coronavirus, all minyans have been canceled.) Chabad of South Orlando—Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. and 10 minutes before sunset; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday, 8:15 a.m., 407-354-3660. Congregation…
Spotlight on local author Joni Okun
“I have written all my life,” said Joni Okun, Maitland resident and author of the historical fiction “To Hold the Throne.” I’ve written several children’s books that are currently off the market, but I’ve considered publishing them.””You have to step into the river,” she replied. “You have to think to the best of your imaginational ability what Miriamne would have thought under the circumstances. I had to find my voice, which is her voice, after hours upon hours of research and study. I wrote Miriamne in first person past tense, I combined that with writing King Herod in third person past tense. King Herod was a little more challenging because he was a man and so complex. As an author, you have to find a way to let yourself go in order to put your mind into King Herod’s.”
A Constructive Way to Disagree
In partnership with the Pardes Institute of Judaic Studies, Temple Israel is offering a five-week course open to the entire community and led by Rabbi Joshua Neely called “Mahloket Matters: How to Disagree Constructively—The Beit Midrash Way.” The first of the hour-long weekly session starts on Thursday, Feb. 6 and runs from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Temple Israel Library at 50 S. Moss Road in Winter Springs. The final session is Thursday, March 5.
Congratulations to this year’s ‘8 Over 80’ honorees
Kinneret’s 10th annual 8 Over 80 Gala honors eight remarkable people in our community, each over 80. Shown here are (top row, left to right): Barney Chepenik, Jes Baru, Henry Schilowitz, Harry Lowenstein, and (bottom row, left to right): Joan Forino, Harriet Weiss, Elaine Gamson and Sandi Solomon.
Jews in the Land of Disney
“My passion is teaching,” Rabbi Joshua Neely told me as we talked about why he chose his career path. “Becoming a rabbi for me seemed to be a logical choice. I’ve always been very inquisitive. Still am. At a young age, eight, nine years old, I was asking questions about life and Judaism. I’ve always been this way,” Neely said. “Perhaps, my mother’s questioning nature… led us to this point. In this regard, I’m very much like her,” he shared, adding, “You may be surprised that my mother was raised in a nominally Christian environment.”
Jewish Pavilion volunteer Susan Bernstein engages seniors with music
After more than three years of leading services and offering Jewish holiday programming at various senior living facilities around town, Bernstein knows how to engage her audiences and quickly win them over. The services she leads incorporate musical instruments and include insights into the prayers and traditions, delivered with warmth and humor.
A special dual-language Shabbat service at Temple Israel
As for the goal of the community presentation, Garcés summed it up, saying “We hope to shed light on how the Jewish and Latino communities can and should collaborate to defeat anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias, and we look forward to developing a lasting relationship with our new friends in the Orlando area.”
MAGAL students celebrate Mitzvah Day and support community
Kindergarten through second-grade students in the Meitin Alliance for Growth and Learning (MAGAL), Temple Israel and Temple Shir Shalom’s collaborative religious school, participated in their first annual Mitzvah Day on Sunday, April 8.
Artists-in-Residence event at Temple Israel
Sam Glaser, one of America’s foremost composers, performers and interpreters of Jewish music will be visiting Central Florida Jan. 19-21 as the Artist-in-Residence at Temple Israel and Temple Shir Shalom in Winter Springs.
Time for the annual Temple Israel Sisterhood bus trip
On Sunday, Nov. 5, Temple Israel Sisterhood, together with friends and community members, will head south to Pompano Beach for a day of adventure and camaraderie.
Kehillah: A History of Jewish life in Greater Orlando opening November 12
Thematically based on the citrus industry-one of the early businesses that attracted Jews to the area-the exhibit will include more than 500 historical photographs, interactive displays, important artifacts that hearken back to past pioneers, and examples of current generations’ contributions and extraordinary accomplishments.
Inez ‘Teddy’ and Myron Snyder honored at Jewish Pavilion’s Music Fest
The Share family will pass on the Snyder’s love and cultivation of the arts by honoring them at the Jewish Pavilion’s Annual Fall Festival, “Music Fest 2017.”
Eagle Scout project rebuilds Temple Israel fire pit
The Scouts of Troop 641 showed their support of Eagle Scout candidate [and Temple Israel member] Steven Kluger [on Sunday, July 30].
A day in the life of MAGAL
The Meitin Alliance for Growth and Learning (MAGAL) is a collaborative religious school between Temple Israel and Temple Shir Shalom. MAGAL, the name by which the school is known, is the Hebrew word for “circle” and a symbol of oneness. Classes are held at the synagogue located at 50 S. Moss Road in Winter Springs
These gals put the ‘8 Over 80’ event together
The 8 Over 80 Honorary Dinner on March 5, sponsored by Kinneret Council on Aging, is to be a lovely affair, with eight octogenarians showing the community what it is to create a legacy of activism, philanthropy, and leadership.
Congratulations to 2017’s ‘8 over 80’ honorees
Plans are well underway for The Kinneret Council on Aging’s (KCOA) seventh annual 8 over 80 Honorary Dinner that will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2017. The 8 over 80 event recognizes individuals over the age of 80 who continue to contribute to our community through their volunteer and philanthropy efforts. This year’s honorees are a dedicated and dynamic group of individuals [that includes one of Temple Israel’s longstanding members, Edie Fenster].
OJO hosts discussion for interfaith couples
Our Jewish Orlando, the young adult division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, hosted a conversation about interfaith relationships, “Celebrating Traditions,” on Dec. 8 at Infusion Tea in College Park. The discussion was led by Rabbi Joshua Neely of Temple Israel in Winter Springs.
Federation honors new class of Bornstein grads
Members of the 2015-16 Bornstein class were honored in a graduation ceremony at Central Florida Hillel last month. Federation officers and Board members, along with several Bornstein alumni, were on hand to celebrate with the graduates [one of whom is Temple Israel’s own Mollie Savage].
JP Gala honors community gem, Geanne Share
While Jewish Pavilion Gala honoree, Geanne Share, first began volunteering with Orlando’s seniors, almost 20 years ago, she noted that she began her charitable work “while practically still in the womb.”
Federation awards JTEN grants
JFGO’s Jewish Teen Education Network (JTEN), now in its third year, awards the grants to support ongoing academic Jewish teen educational programming in the Central Florida community. For the 2016-17 academic year, six Central Florida congregations received awards: Temple Shir Shalom/Temple Israel, Congregation of Reform Judaism, Congregation Ohev Shalom, Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation (SOJC) and Congregation Beth Am.
Two separate congregations create klal Israel under one roof
The two synagogues [have] agreed to join forces to create a collaborative religious school they named The Meitin Alliance for Growth And Learning, or MAGAL, which is the Hebrew word for circle.
Eagle Scout honors Jewish War Veterans
Working closely with Laurence Morrell, an officer of the cemetery corporation and chair of the grounds committee, Daniel [Brown] designed flagpoles in the center of a stone path and garden in the pattern of a Star of David [named the Jewish War Veterans of America Memorial Flagpole Garden Path].
New Religious School knows no boundaries
There is a new, one-of-a-kind religious school in Winter Springs to provide your children with a strong Jewish education and identity whether you consider yourself Conservative or Reform. Temple Israel and Temple Shir Shalom have joined forces to create a collaborative religious school called the Meitin Alliance for Growth And Learning.
Tree of Life T-shirt honors Pulse victims and families
To honor the victims and families of the tragic Pulse Club massacre in Orlando on June 12, Temple Israel has produced, and is offering for sale, a custom-designed commemorative T-shirt which shows the Jewish community’s support and love for all who were affected by this event.
Remembering my mother, Lena Sami (by Renee Sami)
Born in New York on a cold winter’s night by candlelight, Lena Sami was a beaut extraordinaire. She was the ideal.
Passover happenings courtesy of the Jewish Pavilion
While many Jews were shopping, cleaning, preparing a guest list and shopping list, several senior living communities in town were doing just the same for their Jewish community.
Duo represents Federation at national PJ Library conference
[Temple Israel member] Jennifer Cohen, JFGO’s director of Outreach and Engagement, and Aleah Mathews, volunteer co-chair of JFGO’s Shalom Families committee, represented Greater Orlando at the [8th Annual PJ Library ] conference.
First Owl Award goes to Alex Kahn
When Alex Kahn, son of [Temple Israel members] Valerie and Dr. Bernard (Bernie) Kahn of Maitland, joined Startup Institute Chicago’s web development course in fall 2014, he’d already been a technologist at heart and was ready to take this passion to the main stage.
Bat mitzvah project entertaining and beneficial to the IDF
Got talent, drive and a strong desire to help the IDF? Miriam Crane does! As her bat mitzvah project Crane produced, directed and served as MC for a talent show held on March 6, 2016 at Temple Israel to benefit the Friends of the IDF (FIDF).
Explaining cancer: The risks, misconceptions, prevention and research
On Feb. 25, an appreciative audience gathered to hear medical experts from UF-Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health discuss cancer risks, clarify misconceptions, explain the latest research, and give a primer on various prevention and treatment options. [The evening was moderated by cancer activist and longtime community member Sheryl Kashuk Schwartz]
Educators learn about Arab-Israeli conflict at UCF
At the International Society for the Social Studies (ISSS) conference held at UCF on Feb. 25, Professor Terri Susan Fine led a session on “Teaching the Arab-Israeli Peace Process and Conflict.”
Purim plays the Jewish Pavilion way
Purim festivities abound at the Jewish Pavilion and parties are planned in facilities all over town. Jewish and gentile residents revel in the festivities. A Purim skit, written by [Temple Israel’s] Cathy Swerdlow, is performed in more than 30 senior communities.
Temple Israel partners with Share the Care
Debra Markowitz, TI congregant and extraordinary baker, demonstrated how to mix, bake and, of course, eat a challah at the first STC program, which began on Feb. 4.
Acting out history at Temple Israel
The characters portrayed by students in Eliana Gershon’s third through fifth grade class at the Meitin Religious School at Temple Israel, whether admired or feared, were key players in transitioning our people out of Hellenistic Judaism into the early stages of what would become modern day Rabbinic Judaism.
Havdalah for the animals
On Saturday night, Feb. 13, Temple Israel held a Havdalah service in honor of the members’ four-legged friends.
Scouts from all over attend Scout Shabbat at Temple Israel
Scouts from the Central Florida Council area took part in the annual Scout Shabbat. The event was co-hosted by Troop 641/Children of Abraham Foundation and Temple Israel in Winter Springs.
HMREC reflects on its 30 years
Throughout 2016 the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. During the year they will present special programming that honors both the past and the future of the Center.
Pearls of the Pavilion ‘Share’ Luncheon with Orlando Ballet
The Jewish Pavilion’s *Pearls of the Pavilion luncheon will take on a whole new spin when it is held at the Orlando Ballet on Tuesday, Jan.12. The event is generously sponsored by Geanne Share of Orlando who has served on the board of both organizations.
Students visit with senior citizens
Each month of the school year, students from Temple Israel’s Meitin Religious School visit the residents at Brookdale Island Lake Assisted Living Facility in Longwood bringing songs, stories, celebration and good cheer.
Shalom Families enjoy a butterfly encounter
More than 40 moms, dads and children turned out on Sunday, Aug. 30, to celebrate Rosh Hashanah at Lukas Nursery and Butterfly Encounter in Oviedo. The event was organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando’s Shalom Families program.The families were joined by Rabbi Joshua Neely of Temple Israel, who helped make the day special by reading “A Very Hungry Caterpillar,” leading the families in blessings, and blowing the shofar.
The value of mitzvot
Temple Israel, along with several other groups from the Orlando area, spent two hours on July 15 bagging potatoes for the Second Harvest Food Bank, a private, nonprofit organization that collects and distributes donated food to more than 550 nonprofit partner agencies in six Central Florida counties.
Summer Sunday fun, food and friendship
Temple Israel, in partnership with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando, co-sponsored a day of fun, food and swimming on July 12th.
Kinneret introduces new officers
The Board of Directors for the Kinneret Council on Aging (KCOA) and Kinneret I and II Apartments have announced their new Executive Board for 2015-2016, and we are proud to have several members of Temple Israel among them.
Many awards and recognitions given at JCC annual meeting
RAISE employee Cameron Rohme spoke to the audience about the positive impact the JCC has had on him this year as part of the collaboration between the JCC and Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando’s RAISE program, developed and implemented by community leader Loren London. RAISE is an employment inclusion program for adults with special needs.
Pavilion Golf Society Tees up to Honor Pavilion Founders
“Thanks to the generosity and the persistence of the Meitin family, Jewish residents in long-term care can now feel at home in over 50 facilities throughout Greater Orlando,” – Jewish Pavilion Executive Director Nancy Ludin
Runway Pets: Canine Couture for a Cause
… when Aubrey [Stern] was told one of the requirements of becoming bat mitzvah is to perform community service, she chose to support a local no-kill animal rescue organization.
New Youth Director at Temple Israel
Eliana Gershon is Temple Israel’s new youth director. Raised in Dallas, Texas, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan.
Tu B’Shevat springs up at Brookdale and the Jewish Pavilion
On Friday, Jan. 31 a Tu B’Shevat seder sprung up at Brookdale Island Lake in Longwood with the help of the Jewish Pavilion. Longtime volunteer and president of the Jewish National Fund Board, Debbie Meitin, led the 30-minute service and celebration.
Ways to help Kinneret and honor the 8 over 80 honorees
New this year is Kinneret Council on Aging’s Giving Auction. A Giving Auction is much like a traditional Silent Auction, except instead of donating funds to receive an auction gift; you will be making a contribution to fund Kinneret Council on Aging’s year-round resident programming
Mitzvah day at Temple Israel
On Dec. 25, 2014, members of Temple Israel gathered for their second annual mitzvah day. In-house projects were started and finished as well as community projects, and it all ended with dinner prepared by congregant Julia Fineberg.
Meet the 2015 KCOA ‘8 over 80’ honorees
The 8 over 80 event recognizes individuals over the age of 80 who continue to contribute to our community through their volunteer and philanthropy efforts.
Meitin president of JNF Board
Jewish National Fund (JNF) is proud to announce the appointment of Debbie Meitin as president of JNF’s Board of Directors in Orlando.
One last hurrah-with pizzaz
Laurence Morrell wasn’t looking for fame or shiny trophies. He signed up for the Golden Age Games in Sanford for “one last hurrah,” as he put it, after a 12-year hiatus, and he got more than he bargained for.
The work must continue to bring about racial equality
Hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, the event was a featured part of the community’s 50th anniversary commemoration of the Civil Rights Act.
Pavilion seniors experience shared history at Lunch and Learn
While the Pavilion has been breaking bread with seniors in long-term care since 1998, there is much more to the organization beyond the challah.
Gloria Titen – a gracious, caring woman, mom and grandma
You so rarely hear of anyone these days described as a “lady,” but indeed, Gloria Titen was just that. Uncomplicated and welcoming, she cared deeply for her family and her friends, of which she had many. She loved big and she was loved big in return.
JFGO awards synagogue grants for Jewish teen education
Earlier this summer, JFGO announced the formation of the Jewish Teen Education Network (JTEN). Temple Israel is one of six recipients of the Fall 2014 JTEN Grant Awards.
A walk to remember Bunny Rosen
Although she has been gone for more than a year, Rosen’s legacy lives on throughout Jewish Orlando.
PJ Library, Shalom Families learn about Rosh HaShanah
PJ Library Families were treated to story time led by Susan Bernstein. Later in the morning, Rabbi Neely blew the shofar and explained the meaning of the different blasts to the children.
Bernstein new Congregational Life Coordinator at Temple Israel
Susan Bernstein has been hired as Temple Israel’s Congregational Life Coordinator.
Passport to Hebrew at Temple Israel
Passport to Hebrew is Temple Israel’s summer children’s program for Hebrew enrichment
Light up Havdalah at Temple Israel
A camera was set up with a long exposure that enabled everyone to create light art.
Our community mourns with the Jewish world
On Wednesday July 2nd, the Jewish community came together to mourn the loss of the three Israeli teens who had been kidnapped on June 12th.
Boy Scout Troop 641 Goes To Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico
The members have trained since August 2013 for their 80-plus mile hike through the mountains, where they will live in tents, backpacking up mountains, and into valleys.
Brown’s Deli celebrates first anniversary
According to owner, Lauren Brown, “The first year of a restaurant is the most challenging. We have been very pleased with the reviews and responses to our product and service.”
Woman of The Year & Sisterhood Board for 2014-2015 Announced
Sunday, June 8, Fabienne Kaplan was chosen Woman of the Year at the closing luncheon of Temple Israel Sisterhood for the year 2013-14. The luncheon was held in the Roth Social Hall at the synagogue, and new officers for 2014-15 also were announced.
A new perspective on Jewish history through Lag B’Omer games at Temple Israel
Wearing T-shirts emblazoned with 10 symbols of Jewish historic periods the students traveled through time to experience a piece of life from each era.
Jewish Pavilion helps families find support groups
The work that the Jewish Pavilion of Central Florida does to help families cope with the challenges of our aging loved ones is important and essential, however we cannot overlook the role that an organized support group plays in alleviating the stress placed on families trying to care for their family members.
Boy Scouts ‘shine’ Jewish cemetery
If you saw a group of boys cleaning the headstones in Temple Israel’s cemetery in Gotha recently they were Scouts from Troop 641.
Temple Israel members bring Torah scroll home to German synagogue
Temple Israel members bring Torah scroll home to German synagogue. A delegation of members from Temple Israel will accompanied Temple Israel’s “Goold Torah” to Berkach, Germany, for the 160th anniversary of the opening of the building that housed the then-newly-built Berkacher Synagogue (1854).
A Temple Israel bar mitzvah project
A Temple Israel bar mitzvah project. Children from the Meitin Religious School at Temple Israel together with members of the Temple Israel congregation were proud to participate in Steven Kluger’s bar mitzvah project: Feeding Children Everywhere.
Orlando Sentinel Articles
Temple Israel to host Corned Beef Sandwich Day Oct. 29
Kosher corned beef is a rarity in Central Florida, and if you’re a literate lover of overstuffed deli sandos, Temple Israel in Winter Springs has the perfect event for you.
Orlando doubles its federal terrorism funding, three Jewish organizations also receive aid
Orlando has more than doubled its anti-terrorism funding to $3.25 million, just two years after the region was shut out entirely of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security program, the area’s congressional delegation announced.