More Culture Coming to the JCC a Homecoming for Congregation
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Editorials ..................................... 4A Op-Ed .......................................... 5A Calendar ...................................... 6A Scene Around ............................. 9A Synagogue Directory ................ 11A JTA News Briefs ........................ 13A WWW.HERITAGEFL.COM YEAR 42, NO. 18 JANUARY 5, 2018 18 TEVET, 5778 ORLANDO, FLORIDA SINGLE COPY 75¢ URJ not opposed to Jerusalem decision By Rafael Medoff a shift by the Reform move- JNS ment from its Dec. 6 position, spokespeople for the URJ The Reform movement declined to comment. has started to retreat from Criticism of the URJ’s its opposition to the Trump opposition to the U.S. rec- administration’s recognition ognition has been bubbling of Jerusalem as the capital up from within the Reform of Israel. movement’s ranks. The URJ’s Following President Donald former president, Rabbi Eric Trump’s recognition an- Yoffie, wrote in the Israeli nouncement, Union for Re- daily newspaper Haaretz on form Judaism President Rabbi Dec. 19, “Jerusalem is and will Rick Jacobs issued a statement remain the capital of Israel… on Dec. 6 expressing “serious it is comforting and gratify- concern” that the president’s ing when President Trump action “may well undercut finally states what I know to the Administration’s peace be eternal and true.” process efforts and risk de- In addition, Yoffie pointed stabilizing the region.” The out, the Israeli political right The 1926 Congregation Ohev Shalom synagogue on Church Street and Eola Drive. URJ’s opposition broke with was not the only camp to the broad American Jewish praise Trump’s announce- communal support of the ment. “So did the leaders of Jerusalem recognition. the Israeli center and center- A homecoming for Congregation Ohev But on Dec. 22, the URJ left,” he noted. “Knesset op- publicly denounced the United position leader Isaac Herzog, Nations for condemning Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid, Shalom’s Centennial Gala Weekend Trump’s recognition. The Zionist Union chair Avi Gab- statement about the U.N. bay, and former foreign min- As Congregation Ohev Shalom gears Friday Night Traditional Shabbat with a group aliyah. To participate, please repeated some of the general ister Tzipi Livni all applauded up to celebrate its Centennial, the COS Dinner and Service send in your name and the year of your language about Jerusalem the President’s words. When Gala Committee is seeking to reach out Enjoy a traditional, family-style Shab- bar or bat mitzvah to Lisa Schwartz at from the Reform umbrella I am looking for guidance to former members and others who have bat dinner (6 p.m.; $36/adult, $18/child [email protected] group’s previous comments, from Israel’s political leaders, fond memories of the congregation and (5–12 years), free for age 4 and under; Other meaningful tributes and rec- but conspicuously omitted these are the people to whom may wish to join in the celebration of dinner is included at some sponsorship ollections will make this a memorable the earlier language about I turn.” this milestone. levels). Followed by a special Erev Shabbat Shabbat service not to be missed. An “serious concern” and “desta- “I want the Jewish world to The COS Centennial Gala Weekend will service (7:30 p.m.), featuring beautiful enjoyable dairy Kiddush luncheon will bilizing the region.” know that [the URJ’s] position be held Feb. 9–10, 2018. Observances of “throwback” melodies for the customary follow the service Asked by JNS whether the its 100th anniversary will be included in prayers to help recall the past, as well Saturday Night Centennial Gala change in language indicated URJ on page 15A Shabbat services on those days, and the as other special Centennial tributes. A The evening begins at 7 p.m. with cock- weekend celebration will culminate in a delicious Oneg Shabbat dessert buffet tails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a look truly special gala on Saturday evening. will follow the service. at all the fabulous silent auction items. There are many ways to celebrate with Saturday Morning Shabbat Ser- New this year: Handheld mobile bid- More culture members during this special weekend vice and Kiddush Luncheon ding will let you bid on special packages —members and friends are invited to The day begins with a special Centen- and exciting items while you chat with come to one or all of the Gala Weekend nial Shabbat morning service (9:30 a.m.). friends or enjoy dinner! Directions will activities. Here’s an overview of just some Everyone who has become a bar or bat coming to the JCC of the memorable moments in store: mitzvah at Ohev Shalom will be honored COS on page 15A The Roth Family JCC of help bring our community to- Greater Orlando is proud to gether and stimulate dialogue announce the appointment through thought-provoking of Leah Sandler as Cultural programming. In addition, Five key moments in Arts coordinator. Sandler is no I want to help increase our stranger to the JCC or the lo- Jewish community’s engage- cal Jewish community having ment in local arts and culture attended the Richard S. Adler while helping amplify the US-Israel relations in 2017 Early Childhood Learning voices of contemporary Jewish By Sean Savage stranger to that, ranging from Center and the Hebrew Day creatives too.” JNS.org Trump’s visit to the Jewish School (now Jewish Academy Sandler won’t be tackling state in May to his historic of Orlando). Sandler remained this program expansion by Love him or hate him, decision on Jerusalem in De- connected to the Jewish com- herself. She will be guiding 2017 was a year dominated by cember. At the same time, munity as a teen, participating the JCC’s Cultural Arts Com- President Donald Trump. The some of this year’s other major in Beit Ha’midrash, the com- mittee along with program- US-Israel relationship was no stories in the Israeli-American munity’s once-per-week Jew- focused sub-committees to arena had little or nothing to ish high school experience. work on specific programs do with Trump. In addition, Sandler attended and events. JNS takes a look back at the services at Congregation Ohev Sandler added, “I would following five key moments in Shalom with her mom and got love to speak with anyone in US-Israel relations during the her first job at the Heritage the Jewish community, as well past year: Florida Jewish News at 16 as the greater Orlando com- Trump’s policy changes years old. Sandler’s education munity, about the kind of arts on Jerusalem Old City of Jerusalem illuminated with Israeli and US flags. has prepared her for her new and culture events they would On Dec. 6, Trump rec- position as she holds a Bach- like to see happen at the J, and ognized Jerusalem as the Netanyahu said Trump’s The visit did not come elor of Arts in Studio Art from what they have enjoyed about Israeli capital and declared decision reflects the “com- without controversy. A US offi- Rollins College, and a Master JCC programming and events plans to eventually move the mitment to an ancient but cial’s remark that the Western of Fine Arts from the Univer- in the past! I am also very US Embassy in Israel to that enduring truth, to fulfilling Wall is part of the West Bank sity of the Arts (Philadelphia). interested in getting to know city. The president called the his promises and to advanc- and not Israel stirred Israeli- The goal of Sandler’s posi- artists, musicians, actors, policy changes “long overdue” ing peace.” American tension before the tion is to bring exciting and writers and other creatives and said recognition of Jeru- Trump’s Israel trip White House disavowed the engaging arts-related events from within the community.” salem as the capital is “obvi- Trump made Israel one comments. to the Orlando Jewish com- Sandler can be reached ous” given that all of Israel’s of his first visits abroad as The Western Wall prayer munity. She will be not only at LeahS@orlandojcc. government functions—from president when he touched controversy managing and growing the org<mailto:LeahS@orlando- the Knesset to the prime down in the Jewish state The Israeli cabinet in June J’s current, successful arts jcc.org> or (407) 645-5933 minister’s residence—are in late May to much decided to freeze an agree- programs such as the Jewish X282. located there. pomp and circumstance. ment for a permanent egali- Film Festival and Jewish Book “This is nothing more or Trump’s trip included the tarian prayer section, jointly Festival, she will also be grow- less than a recognition of first visit to the Western overseen by non-Orthodox ing new and exciting cultural reality,” said Trump. “It is also Wall—one of Judaism’s Jewish groups, at the Western programs and opportunities the right thing to do.” holiest sites—by a sitting for adults and teens too. Prime Minister Benjamin American president. 2017 on page 13A Sandler said, “I want to PAGE 2A HERITAGE FLORIDA JEWISH NEWS, JANUARY 5, 2018 Chanukah lights up seniors’ faces What joy it was to play dreidel, sing songs, and eat latkes with seniors who may not have any other opportu- nity to this year. “Chanukah has always been one of my favorite holidays. This past month my love for Chanukah was solidified. Seeing seniors’ faces literally ‘light’ up when the familiar tunes they sang so many years ago were heard, brought such feelings of pleasure,” stated Julie Levitt, program direc- tor for the Jewish Pavilion. Levitt planned over eight Kindergartners from the Jewish Academy of Orlando at Savannah Court in Maitland.