Editorials ..................................... 4A Op-Ed .......................................... 5A Calendar ...................................... 6A Scene Around ............................. 9A Synagogue Directory ................ 11A JTA News Briefs ........................ 13A WWW.HERITAGEFL.COM YEAR 42, NO. 31 MARCH 6, 2018 21 NISAN, 5778 ORLANDO, FLORIDA SINGLE COPY 75¢ Sam Friedman as Hillel director tral Florida Hillel, Sam will be well positioned to support the development of Stetson’s aspirations to be among the highest quality Hillel pro- grams in the country.” The Hillel director is re- sponsible for ensuring the strategy and execution of engagement and program development, and helping the Office of Spiritual Life in creating meaningful and diverse opportunities for Jewish expression, cultivating student leaders and consis- tently promoting a welcoming and lively pluralistic Jewish Sam Friedman community. “I am honored to have been DELAND—Sam Friedman selected for this position and has been selected to be Stetson excited to start working at University’s first Hillel direc- Stetson,” said Friedman. tor. In this position, Friedman “I look forward to working will help shape Hillel as the with Stetson students, staff center of Jewish student life and faculty to nurture and Annual Yom HaShoah commemoration at CRJ this Sunday on campus and engage stu- build Jewish engagement and The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center in Maitland invites the community to its annual com- dents in Jewish life, learning community on campus, and to memoration of Yom HaShoah, A Day of Remembrance on April 8, at 2 p.m. at the Congregation of Reform Judaism. and Israel. turn Stetson into the premier The event commemorates the millions of Jews who suffered during the Holocaust and honors the liberators who “We are thrilled to have private school for Jewish life fought to defeat Nazi Germany. Sam join us at Stetson Uni- in the south. Each year, the Holocaust Center hosts Yom HaShoah, A Day of Remembrance, to remember the six million Jews versity,” said Joel Bauman, Prior to coming to Stetson, who perished during the Holocaust. On this special day, we stand with our local survivors and remember the families vice president of Enrollment Friedman worked as director they lost. We also honor the brave liberators whose heroism continues to inspire us today. Management and Interim of Community Relations and This year’s program will feature a moving performance of songs that were once performed by the Women’s Hillel adviser. “He is a na- then as assistant director Orchestra at Auschwitz. Performed by renowned violinist Matitiahu Braun, these songs remind us of our duty to tionally recognized leader at for Central Florida Hillel. In carry the lessons from this tragic history forward. Other program highlights include a survivor-led candle lighting, Hillel International and in the that position he oversaw all responsive reading, and presentation of awards for the Creative Arts Contest. wider Jewish community in marketing and branding for This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Florida. Having helped grow CRJ is located at 928 Malone Drive, Orlando. For more information, contact Terrance Hunter at thunter@holo- the national stature of Cen- Friedman on page 14A caustedu.org. Trump honors Remembering Rabbi Menachem Lubavitcher Rebbe Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994) (JNS)—The White House courage in the face of op- published a proclamation by pression. He recognized that JNS is proud to partner Jewish leaders of the 20th Judaism for stubbornly con- U.S. President Donald Trump access to education, paired with the Embassy of Israel century. tinuing to praise Israel and honoring the memory of the with moral and spiritual de- in Washington, D.C., to cel- A talented and charismatic its military, and pray for its Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi velopment, could transform ebrate 70 of the greatest scholar, he was known across continued success. Many Menachem M. Schneerson, the world for good, and he American contributors to the world as simply “The major rabbinic figures of the stating that March 27 is rec- devoted his life to these prin- the U.S.-Israel relationship Rebbe.” As the seventh Rebbe haredi establishment tended ognized as “Education and ciples,” it said. in the 70 days leading up of the Chabad-Lubavitch sect to negatively view any aspect Sharing Day, U.S.A.” “His commitment to invest to the State of Israel’s 70th of Chassidism, he exponen- of Israel connected to its An event was scheduled on in the lives of the next genera- anniversary. tially increased the move- mostly secular government March 27 in the Oval office tion led to the establishment (JNS)—Rabbi Menachem ment’s influence and size. In (more so in the early years with Chabad-Lubavitch rep- of academic and outreach Mendel Schneerson was with- an unprecedented flurry of than today). In response, the resentatives. The date marks centers to help grow and out question a great Jewish Jewish outreach campaigns, Rebbe occasionally suggested the Jewish calendar birthday engage young minds and pro- figure, and one of the greatest he sent emissaries around the that God acts through the of the Rebbe on 11 Nissan, vide them with spiritual and world, establishing thousands courageous soldiers of the which fell on Tuesday. material assistance. Thanks of Chabad centers in cities, Israel Defense Forces, as in Israeli Prime Minister Ben- to his drive and dedication, remote locales and on col- the case of the 1967 Six-Day jamin Netanyahu also marked these educational and social lege campuses that continue War and “Operation Entebbe” the day, posting on Facebook a service centers can be found to serve the spiritual and in July 1976. link to a Hebrew article (Eng- in every state and throughout physical needs of Jews of all Rabbi Menachem Mendel Through his steadfast lead- lish version here) describing the world.” backgrounds. Schneerson, “The Rebbe” ership, the Rebbe steered the his relationship and interac- It continued: “The Even in an era before the In- Chabad movement into em- tions with the Rebbe. Lubavitcher Rebbe believed ternet, the Rebbe had a global were captured on camera and bracing a pro-Israel attitude, “Today, we honor the life that even in the darkest reach, with followers all over can today be viewed online. writing to David Ben-Gurion and legacy of Rabbi Men- place, ‘the light of a single the world. In addition to guid- For example, in one record- “that Eretz Israel in all as- achem Mendel Schneerson. candle can be seen far and ing his own immediate flock ing from 1988, Benjamin pects, both present and future, The Lubavitcher Rebbe was a wide.’ His life is an example of Lubavitcher Chassidim, he Netanyahu approaches the should constitute a factor widely respected scholar and of the power of one person to expressed great concerns for Rebbe for a blessing, and the uniting Jews everywhere, both leader of faith who believed influence the lives of many. the status of global Jewry. As Rebbe offers him a fascinat- Orthodox and non-Orthodox in the potential of all persons May we strive to be that such, he took a special interest ing combination of religious of all trends.” and sought to empower young light for future generations, in the success and welfare of guidance, along with practical Not surprisingly, many of people through education, instilling in them the value of the State of Israel. Given his political opinions and insight. his emissaries are among the character development and education and the virtues of myriad of lectures and writ- Similarly, when Ariel Sharon most fervent supporters of Is- civic pride,” said Trump’s courage and compassion that ings about Israel, many are was considering retiring from rael in their communities. The statement released by the can impact our communities surprised to discover that the the military, he consulted Rebbe continues to serve as a White House. and the world for the better.” Rebbe never personally visited with the Rebbe, who con- light of inspiration for Jews “Throughout his long and the country. Nevertheless, vinced him to remain as one around the world, with his distinguished life, Rabbi Israeli leaders of all stripes of Israel’s top generals. heartfelt dedication to Israel Schneerson inspired millions continually sought out his Rabbi Schneerson often remembered and cherished of people, across multiple gen- advice and blessing. faced disdain and derision by all who encounter his erations, through his example Many of these moments from “mainstream” haredi teachings. of compassion, wisdom and PAGE 2A HERITAGE FLORIDA JEWISH NEWS, APRIL 6, 2018 Last call for tickets to the Citrus Club’s Toast of The Jewish Pavilion tendees to this exciting happy given to The Jewish Pavilion. start at $10 for Club members, this fun evening, visit https:// residents since 2001. You hour have the opportunity to A big credit for last year’s $15 for non-members and jpav.ticketspice.com/2018- can personally make a differ- enjoy fabulous food, beautiful success belongs to Jewish Pa- $20 at the door. The price of cocktails-for-a-cause. ence. Become a fan at Face- sunset views and enhanced vilion board member Carina admission provides attendees The Jewish Pavilion has book.com/jewishpavilion. networking opportunities, all Gerscovich. While serving as with food and one drink. To been bringing community to Make a donation or learn more while learning more about the both a volunteer last year with purchase your tickets for the doorsteps of elder-care by visiting JewishPavilion.org. important community work of The Jewish Pavilion and also The Jewish Pavilion. a member of the Club’s Lead- This is the second year in ership Alliance, Gerscovich a row the Club is hosting The worked with both groups to COS Youth Players present Jewish Pavilion.