News From the Greater Miami Jewish Federation

PJ Library Story Squad is seeking volunteer readers to help bring Chanukah to Miami-Dade elementary school students. Share the joy of the Festival of Lights with children in their classrooms through story time and Chanukah traditions such as lighting the menorah, playing dreidel with Chanukah gelt (chocolate “money”) and eating sufganiyot (jelly donuts).

After more than four decades with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, President & CEO Jacob Solomon has announced his plans to retire, effective June 30, 2024.

One of Federation’s longtime priorities has been helping Israelis exercise choice around their Jewish identity and practice. With a rise in interest in civil marriages in Israel, our participation in iRep, the Israel Religious Expression Platform, is more important than ever.

What began as a program where third-grade educators from three Miami Jewish day schools received robotics training and mentoring from Science Center professionals in Miami’s partnership city of Yerucham, Israel, has flourished into an annual activity involving 13 local schools for the 2023-2024 year.

Mazal tov to Igor Shteyrenberg, Executive Director of the Miami Jewish Film Festival (MJFF), who was recently honored by Mayor Dan Gelber and the City of Miami Beach with a proclamation dedicating August 23 as “Igor Shteyrenberg Day.”

Steve and Shelly Brodie are carrying on a legacy of leading philanthropic efforts that benefit South Florida’s diverse community. “We proudly support a number of important Jewish and non-Jewish charities with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation at the center of our giving — it’s in our DNA,” said Steve.

This summer, more than 100 Israeli youngsters ages six to 16 living near the Gaza Strip experienced the joy and relief of summer camp far from the violence and bombings that have become a frequent part of their lives.

Applications are being accepted for Mishkan Miami’s Refuat Ha-Nefesh, a unique volunteer experience that provides training for Jews ages 21 and older in the art of Jewish spiritual care.

Immediately following the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Morocco on Saturday, September 9, Federation established an emergency relief fund to bring critical aid to all those affected by the disaster.

As we prepare for the start of the High Holy Days this evening, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is sharing with our Jewish family our deepest gratitude for 85 years of building community, as well as our hope for a strong Jewish future.

There’s still time to register for Honeymoon Israel Miami (HMI), now that the deadline has been extended to September 28! Don’t miss this opportunity to travel with your partner May 30-June 9, 2024, through the magical, historical and inspiring land of Israel and experience ancient Jewish traditions and modern sights together.

Federation’s BeWell Miami has partnered with The Wellness Institute to offer our community a collection of virtual seminars focused on youth mental health and wellness free of charge.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake has devastated Morocco, killing more than 1,000 people and causing massive damage throughout the area. As part of the Jewish response to this disaster, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is collecting emergency funds to provide immediate support and relief to earthquake victims and their families.

About 200 people of all ages, including local clients, recently gathered for Family Day to raise awareness and funds for Beit Issie Shapiro, a Greater Miami Jewish Federation-funded, Israel-based nonprofit that benefits people with disabilities.

If you are an unaffiliated member of our Jewish community, it’s not too late to register for free seats to High Holiday services through the High Holiday Welcome Program being offered by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami and participating synagogues.

It’s back-to-school time in Israel, too, and Federation’s longtime overseas partner, The Jewish Agency for Israel, is ensuring Israel’s newest citizens are prepared to learn on their first day of school.

Miami-Dade County’s 2023 Municipal Elections are fast approaching! Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) has compiled a resource page and toolkit to help educate, engage and inform voters about voter registration and voter accessibility.

Through the High Holiday Welcome Program, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami, together with participating synagogues, are offering free High Holiday seats to unaffiliated members of our community.