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Local Briefs

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By FJN Staff

Various local news briefs from our 03/30/07 issue.

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Broward Chabad Centers to conduct community Seder

Residents of North Dade and South Broward, regardless of affiliation or background, are invited to the ‘Taste of Freedom’ Seders a joint project of Chabad Chayil and Chabad of South Broward. The Seders will take place at the Broward Chai Center; 1295 E Hallandale Beach Blvd. in Hallandale on Monday, April 2 at 8:30 pm and Tuesday, April 3 at 8:30 pm. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Dr. Mark Levy, a resident of Highland Lakes and a regular at Chabad Chayil events says the evening will include discussion on how to overcome the limitations prevalent in today’s society.

"Understanding the concept of freedom is needed and relevant in America now more than ever," says Rabbi Moishe Kievman, executive director of Chabad Chayil. "This Seder will focus on being liberated from the daily challenges and tribulations that bind and confine us by encouraging personal growth and self development. We will try to illuminate how to subdue the "Pharaoh" within, i.e. the impulse to live a life that does not conform to who we truly are."

For information, call 305-770-1919 or email Office@ChabadChayil.org. Reservations can be made via: http://www.ChabadChayil.org.

Palm Beach Federation to offer Haggadah online

Jews around the world will soon be asking, "Why is this night different from all other nights?" There will be an additional difference this year on account of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County providing a simple, easy-to-use and free Haggadah that can be downloaded from its website: JewishPalmBeach.org. The 19-page Haggadah will include all Hebrew passages with English transliterations and website resources from the major streams of Judaism. It will be available as a .pdf file that requires Adobe’s Acrobat Reader, and as a Microsoft Word document that can be customized and personalized by the user. An e-mail address is required to access the Haggadah. The downloadable Haggadah is made available to Federation by United Jewish Communities (UJC), which represents and serves 155 Jewish federations and 400 independent Jewish communities across North America.

‘The Kid From Brooklyn--

The Danny Kaye Story’ now playing

‘The Kid From Brooklyn--The Danny Kaye Story’ is now enjoying a return, extended engagement through April 29th and playing to sold-out audiences at the Broward Stage Door Theatre in Coral Springs. This intimate portrayal chronicles Kaye’s career and his relationships on and off stage. The musical follows his rise from an undisciplined improvisational comic to his success under the guidance of Sylvia Fine, mentor, wife, and manager, as well as composer of his most famous songs. Favorite songs of the period are used to recreate the highlights of Kaye’s career from stage to film to television. For tickets, dates, times and show information, call 954-344-7765 or visit: http://www.stagedoortheatre.com or http://www.kidfrombrooklynthemusical.com.

Local leaders attend Union for Reform Judaism membership program

Debbie Bloomfield of Temple Sinai in Miami, Linda Rosenberg of Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach and Susan Warech of Temple Sinai in Miami attended the Union for Reform Judaism’s second annual Fellows Program for Membership Certification in Cleveland, OH. Working hand in hand with Reform congregations to help them sustain membership has been a major focus of the Union since Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union, focused on it during his 2005 Biennial address. "Approximately one million North American Jews once belonged to a synagogue but no longer do. If we could put an end to this exodus, Jewish life would be immeasurably strengthened." While nearly 80 percent of North American Jews will join a synagogue at some point in their lives, almost 50 percent end their congregational affiliation within five years," Yoffie said.

"It happens all too often, that individuals with no training in membership are placed in charge of recruitment, integration and retention of members; some of the most important responsibilities in synagogue life," said Kathy Kahn, the Union’s director of Outreach and Membership. "This program is designed to place the proper tools into the hands of these dedicated volunteers and professionals." For information about the Fellows Program, visit: http://www.urj.org/membership.

North Dade students help rebuild hurricane-ravaged communities

Thirteen eleventh-grade students from the Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School traveled to Louisiana and Mississippi in March to spend four days cleaning up and rebuilding communities along the hurricane-torn Gulf Coast. The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School is the largest Jewish day school in the Southeast. Their participation was coordinated by the Jewish Volunteer Center of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. The highlight of the teens’ trip was joining 250 other volunteers in a one-day project to build a new playground at West Railroad Park in Long Beach, Mississippi. The students also prepared meals at Congregation Gates of Prayer in Metairie, Louisiana and delivered them to a women’s homeless shelter.

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation donated $55,000 to cover most of the costs of the project, which is part of Operation Playground, a program organized by KaBOOM!, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to build playgrounds in Gulf Coast communities affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In 2006, Miami’s federation raised $1.9 million for the specific purpose of rebuilding hurricane-torn communities on the Gulf Coast. Nationally, the UJC and Jewish Federations of North America raised more than $28.5 million for post-Katrina relief. The West Railroad Park playground will provide nearly 800 local children with a safe place to play.

"This entire project reflects an important concept these students have learned in day school– that part of being Jewish is working to repair the world," said Jacob Solomon, executive vice president of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.

Levis JCC Thrift Shop Launches Website

The Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Thrift Shop has launched its first website at http://www.jccthriftshop.org. The site highlights a fabulous selections of furniture, vintage treasures, antiques, housewares, artwork, clothing for the entire family – including famous designer collections – as well as directions, hours, and answers to frequently asked questions about donations and tax deductions.

Proceeds from the Levis JCC Thrift Shop directly support families in crisis, older adult programs, scholarships for individuals with special needs, and many other programs and services of the Levis JCC. Donations of items in good, clean condition are welcome and the shop, which is located in the Boca Raton Thrift Center at Plum Park, 141 NW 20th Street, off Dixie Highway just north of Glades Road in Boca Raton, offers free pick-up for furniture. For information, call 561-368-3665 or visit: http://www.jccthriftshop.org.

Palm Beach Federation to offer Haggadah online

Jews around the world will soon be asking, "Why is this night different from all other nights?" There will be an additional difference this year on account of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County providing a simple, easy-to-use and free Haggadah that can be downloaded from its website: JewishPalmBeach.org. The 19-page Haggadah will include all Hebrew passages with English transliterations and website resources from the major streams of Judaism. It will be available as a .pdf file that requires Adobe’s Acrobat Reader, and as a Microsoft Word document that can be customized and personalized by the user. An e-mail address is required to access the Haggadah. The downloadable Haggadah is made available to Federation by United Jewish Communities (UJC), which represents and serves 155 Jewish federations and 400 independent Jewish communities across North America.

Applications being accepted for Alzheimer and Adult Day Care Center

Do you have a family member who wants to remain independent but needs some assistance with daily activities? Do you need a break from caring for a loved one? Applications for enrollment are now being accepted for the Adolph & Rose Levis Alzheimer and Adult Day Care Center, a licensed and nonsectarian facility that provides therapeutic programs for the body and spirit of older adults with disabilities, as well as respite for caregivers. The center is located at 21050 95th Avenue South, off Glades Road between Lyons Road and U.S.441 in Boca Raton.

A cost-effective alternative to home and institutional care expenses, the Levis Alzheimer and Adult Day Center offers intergenerational activities, discussion groups, chair aerobics, lectures, musical performances, and reminiscence programs, many of which are designed to minimize the losses associated with the aging process and chronic health problems. Unique to the Center is a daily Glatt Kosher meal and separate therapy suite for occupational speech and physical rehabilitation provided by a licensed comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation therapy agency. The low client-to-staff ratio ensures individualized levels of care and nurse health monitoring. For information, call Lynne Weinstein at 561-558-2510 for a confidential discussion about care for a family member.

Taste of Israel Tour Designed for Active Seniors

Kenes International, a leader in Israeli tourism, announces a new initiative for the active lifestyle senior traveler. The first two-week program designed for the vibrant 50-plus market--‘A Taste of Israel’—is scheduled for May 29 to June 13. The itinerary is geared to the active senior and reflects the true spirit of Israel of Israel through its cuisine, wine and crafts, as well as visits to historical sites, hikes and generous portions of warm hospitality of the people of Israel. The trip balances visits to exciting sites, special meals and leisurely hike with free time and the opportunity to make new friends. First timers and seasoned veterans alike can enjoy ‘A Taste of Israel.’ Participants will explore the country from the Golan in the north to the Negev in the south.

"Israel is rich in archaeology and history, and steeped in culture. Plus spring is a beautiful time to visit Israel," says Avi Kenet, General Manager of Kenes Tours in Israel. "We will visit many of these sites, but we will also focus on the foods and wines of Israel. Today, Israel produces a wide range of fine wines in quality boutique wineries. We are also proud of our unique cuisine, based on the traditions and cultures of immigrants from all over the world."

Kenes Tours has 40 years of corporate experience in organizing tours in Israel and understands the growing senior sector. Each group is staffed by a professional guide and operator experienced with the senior market. For information, call 800-945-4461 or visit: http://www.tasteisrael.com.



Posted by FJN Staff on 03/30 at 02:00 AM • Hits: 134



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