Apr 18, 2016
Our Federation and its JCRC welcomed hundreds of distinguished guests to Zinman Hall on April 6, 2016 for Governor Rick Scott’s ceremonial signing of SB 86, which prohibits the state from contracting with or investing in companies that boycott Israel. The bill received nearly unanimous bipartisan support in the legislature, and Governor Scott was aptly joined by bill sponsor, Senate President-Designate Joe Negron, State Senators Maria Sachs and Joseph Abruzzo, and Representatives Ritch Workman and Jared Moskowitz. Also flanking the governor during the signing were Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera and Consul General of Israel Lior Haiat. Matthew C. Levin, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County welcomed all the dignitaries to the Federation campus and called for continued action to ensure that “if you do business with companies that won’t do business in Israel, you can’t do business in Florida and you can’t do business in South Palm Beach County."
Apr 15, 2016
In support, celebration and sisterhood, 101 caring, dedicated women came together on April 7, 2016 for the annual installation of the Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Led by Women’s Philanthropy Board Member Elyssa Kupferberg, the “Stepping into the Future” brunch program in Zinman Hall on the Federation campus drew a continual chorus of laughter, tears and cheers. An inspiring D’var Torah by Rabbi David Steinhardt charted an inspiring course for the morning. Together the women celebrated the past two-year term of Women’s Philanthropy Chair, Judi Schuman and rededicated themselves to the future as new officers were installed and Judi passed the gavel to new Chair, April Leavy.
Apr 12, 2016
All women in the Jewish community are invited to attend a spring education event, hosted by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County on Tuesday, May 10, at 9:30 a.m. The breakfast program will feature author Sima Goel, whose book, Fleeing the Hijab: A Jewish Woman’s Escape from Iran, chronicles her journey to achieve personal freedom.
Mar 31, 2016
With the utmost sadness and deepest respect we share the news of the passing of Mildred Levine. Mildred’s funeral will take place in New York on Sunday, April 3. Mildred, along with Abner “Abby,” her late husband of nearly 70 years, was a leading figure in developing the South Palm Beach County Jewish community, and a dedicated philanthropist to numerous local and overseas organizations. Together, they formed a stalwart force in creating a strong foundation for one of the fastest-growing, most vibrant Jewish communities in the world.
Mar 31, 2016
The Jewish Women’s Foundation (JWF) of South Palm Beach County announced their 2016 grant awards at their annual Granting Wishes Cocktail Reception on March 16, 2016 at Boca Rio Golf Club. Nearly 200 guests from throughout the local Jewish community gathered for the inspiring announcement, and to share an interactive evening with Marci Shimoff, #1 New York Times bestselling author, PBS host, and one of the nation's leading experts on happiness, success, and unconditional love.
Mar 21, 2016
With so many reasons to celebrate, PJ Library® in South Palm Beach County is ordering a gigantic birthday cake for their third birthday party. Everyone is invited for tons of free family fun, and more than 1,000 guests are expected on April 17, between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. at the Sunset Pavilion in South County Regional Park, Boca Raton. Children of all ages will be treated to a whirlwind of free activities including Petting Zoo, Singing with Miss Susan, a photo booth, sports, crafts, face painting, PJ Library stories and much more. Guest story readers from local synagogues will include Rabbi Marci Bloch of Congregation B’nai Israel, Rabbi Dan Levin of Temple Beth El and Karen Deerwester from Family Time at B’nai Torah. Each PJ Library Partner organization will have its own interactive booth with engaging hands-on activities as well. Kosher snacks will be available for purchase.
Mar 14, 2016
We at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County are horrified and outraged by the brutal terror attacks in Israel that left more than ten Israelis injured and a young U.S. tourist dead. This brings casualties in such attacks since October to well over 200 Israelis as well as Americans, Russians and others, of whom 30 have died. We condemn in the strongest possible terms these continued barbarous attacks by Palestinians, and the relentless incitement that encourages them. As we mourn the loss of life and pray for those injured, we call on our government officials and global leaders to join in condemnation of this reprehensible bloodshed.
Mar 9, 2016
For a fourth year, our Jewish community came together in all its vibrant diversity with one purpose at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s THE EVENT: to celebrate all the good we do together and get inspired to do even more for those who depend on us. From our synagogues, our Federation partner agencies and schools; from longtime leaders and donors to newcomers; and from multiple generations - a crowd of more than 600 filled the rooms at B’nai Torah Congregation with ruach on February 23, and enjoyed a program with Henry Winkler.
Mar 8, 2016
Local estate planning professionals committed to philanthropic giving, the community and the Jewish future will once again honor their own at the Irving Eckhardt Mitzvah Society Cocktail Reception at 6:00 pm, Monday, April 18, 2016 at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton. The Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) of the Jacobson Jewish Community Foundation (JJCF) of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, and event Co-Chairs Marjorie A. Horwin and David Pratt invite colleagues, friends and others to join them for cocktails and dinner in tribute to 2016 Mitzvah Society Honoree Elyssa Kupferberg. They’ll also pay tribute to the memory of Irving Eckhardt, for whom the Mitzvah Society was recently named.
Mar 7, 2016
South Palm Beach county residents are invited to “A Conversation with Alan Dershowitz” on Israel, on Thursday evening, March 24, 2016 at 7:30 pm. The program is presented free of charge by the Jewish Community Relations Council of South Palm Beach County, and will be hosted by Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton. Doors will open at 6:45 pm and RSVP is required. The “Conversation” will focus on high-interest topics related to the State of Israel, including: Understanding and Addressing the Anti-Israel Movement, Prospects for Peace in the Middle East, and Preparing for BDS Rhetoric on the College Campus.
Mar 3, 2016
This Super Sunday, with the theme of “Everyone Counts,” the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is not only relying on the Jewish community to once again answer the call on April 3. They’re also building on last year’s phenomenally successful hands-on helping project by inviting volunteers to be part of this year’s international “Good Deeds Day.” In addition to the hundreds making calls throughout the community, volunteers of all ages will be assembling 30,000 kosher meals for donation to the Jacobson Family Food Pantry at Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services.
Mar 3, 2016
Launched on February 24, this year’s “60 Days of Impact” initiative encourages members from throughout our vibrant, diverse Jewish community to join in making a powerful impact every day by helping to meet vital human needs for Jews everywhere – Caring and Comforting, Educating and Engaging, Honoring and Empowering, Investing and Inspiring, Feeding and Rescuing and more - from our local neighborhoods to Israel to our Jewish family worldwide. Everyone is invited to put their values into action by getting engaged in the wide array of opportunities offered in our Jewish community.
Mar 1, 2016
More than 200 people from across the local Jewish community spent an evening riveted to Middle East expert Laura Blumenfeld’s presentation on “What is Next for Israel and America? Assessing the Past to Secure Our Future.” Speaking on February 17 in Zinman Hall on the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County campus, Blumenfeld, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic Studies at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies and a best-selling author, gave a 40-minute presentation followed by nearly half an hour of in-depth, challenging questions from the audience. The program was hosted by the Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC).
Feb 29, 2016
As new neighbors began moving into Sinai Residences of Boca Raton on the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County campus, a true highlight of the early weeks was the joyous 102nd birthday celebration for Sam Iselin. Sam and Beverly, his wife of 46 years, were joined by about 75 friends old and new, from far and near, along with Sinai residents and staff. Together, they enjoyed music and great conversation, drinks and elegant hot hors d¹oeuvres catered by the Sinai Executive Chef and, of course, a huge, delicious cake full of candles.
Feb 18, 2016
Nine incredible women who lead our Jewish community took the stage on February 9 at Olympic Heights High School Performing Arts Theater before a crowd of 700 from a full cross section of Jewish South Palm Beach County. To cheers, tears and ardent applause, they shared their insights and inspirations, their passion for Jewish life, their pride in our community and their journeys to Jewish leadership. Together they raised the ruach of our one-of-a-kind Jewish community to new levels. The unforgettable evening was organized under the auspices of the Deborah and Larry D. Silver Center for Jewish Engagement (CJE) a new division of our Federation. At the start of the program, the Silvers were lauded for their vision and generosity in making the groundbreaking Center and the Night of Inspiration possible.
Feb 10, 2016
As the anti-Israel climate increases on college campuses, more than 200 high school juniors and seniors from public, private and day schools throughout South Palm Beach County gathered for College Prep: A Slice of Israel on January 13. Together, in Zinman Hall on the Federation campus, they learned from student and professional advocates as well as multimedia about addressing the challenges they are likely to encounter ahead.
Feb 8, 2016
This year’s Lion of Judah Luncheon drew nearly 400 women to the Polo Club on February 3, to enjoy an elegant lunch reception honoring their commitment to philanthropy. The theme of the afternoon was the power of kindness, which truly resonated with all the women as they celebrated with their sister Lions the impact of their generosity in helping those in need. Guest speaker, human rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali, shared her incredible story and detailed her courageous crusade to achieve basic rights after growing up as a Muslim woman in Somalia. The luncheon was co-chaired by Amy Ross and Robin Rubin, with Honorary Chair Phyllis Sandler.
Feb 2, 2016
The Jewish Women’s Foundation (JWF) of South Palm Beach County is hosting its 2016 Granting Wishes cocktail reception on Wednesday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton. Guests will be the first to learn about JWF’s 2016 grant awards and will have the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Marci Shimoff. The event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and wine, with dietary laws observed.
Jan 25, 2016
The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is pleased to present a free informative program featuring Laura Blumenfeld, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic Studies at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies, and a best-selling author. Her topic will be “What is Next for Israel and America? Assessing the Past to Secure Our Future.” Blumenfeld will speak on Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. in Zinman Hall, on the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County campus, 9901 Donna Klein Blvd., in Boca Raton.
Jan 25, 2016
Each year, our March of the Living takes more than 80 local high school students from the depths of the Holocaust in Poland, to the jubilance of the modern State of Israel. And every year, our group carries a Torah scroll throughout their journey, including on the March from the Auschwitz to Birkenau camps with more than 10,000 peers from throughout the world. But, on this year’s trip, the Torah they carry was recently rescued after being stolen by Nazis 70 years ago. And the students will also experience the completion of its restoration and ceremonial return to use in Poland. A ceremony at 2:30 p.m. in the Entin Holocaust Pavilion on the Federation campus on January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, will announce this project as well as opportunities for others to participate locally in restoring Holocaust Torahs.
