PJ Library grows rapidly across North America
Never underestimate the power of a good book to transform a life. In PJ Library’s case, 95,000 children across North America open their mailboxes each month to discover new Jewish children’s books that they read nightly with their families, opening them up to Judaism’s rich stories and culture.
Started seven years ago by Jewish philanthropist Harold Grinspoon, PJ Library is growing Continue reading
Students from Temple Bat Yam Religious School in Fort Lauderdale
Sharing an experience dating back to the second century BCE – the Chanukah story – kids from a South Florida Jewish school and an Israeli day school used 21st Century technology – the Internet and Skype – to discuss Chanukah. As part of their exchange, the students in Nesher, Israel, sent Chanukiot – the candelabra used during the Jewish festival of lights to the students of Broward County, Florida.
The effort was part of a “twinning” program between children at Temple Bat Yam Religious School in Fort Lauderdale and students more than 6,600 miles away at Glilot, a day school in Continue reading
Thirty adults and 10 children enjoyed a full weekend of worship, study and socializing at Natchez Trace State Park this November.
Kabbalat Shabbat services, led by Ron Holzer, were followed with a wonderful meal and “Ice Breaker” activities led by Judy Bookman.
Shabbat morning services, led by Rabbi Aaron Rubinstein, were especially intimate and Continue reading
All families interested in “needs-based” scholarships for their children to attend non-profit, Jewish, overnight camp for the summer of 2012 should submit those applications to the Jewish Children’s Regional Service before the February 1 deadline. Applications received after the deadline date will be considered for funds, but applicants will not receive the same award consideration as those received by the deadline. Continue reading
Randy Gold Receives the 2011 Jewish Community Hero Award
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) awarded Randy Gold, from Atlanta, GA, the 2011 Jewish Community Hero of the Year Award and a $25,000 grant to support his efforts to screen and prevent Jewish genetic diseases. The award marked the culmination of the third annual Jewish Community Heroes campaign, in which 240,000 votes were cast online to recognize the selflessness and courage of those who are helping their Continue reading
Rabbi Micah Greenstein and wife Sheril visit The White House on Dec. 8, 2011. President Barak Obama, the First Lady, Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and his wife Dr. Jill Biden were all a part of the Chanukah reception.
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Contemporary Torah cover by Barbara Barron
Torah Covers, Sacred Textiles features 24 covers that are used to protect a Torah, a scroll with Judaism’s most important text—the Five Books of Moses, the 613 commandments (mitzvot), and the Ten Commandments.
These covers are on loan from synagogues from Florida to New York Chattanooga’s three local congregations— Beth Sholom (Orthodox), B’nai Zion (Conservative) and Mizpah (Reform)—and from various artists.
Torah covers are commonly made Continue reading
Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Miss., celebrated it’s 150th Anniversary with a weekend full of entertainment, prayer, food and fun. Saturday evening festivities included a dinner before Joshua Nelson along with the congregation’s Shirim choir and the Mississippi Mass Choir filled the Jackson Convention Complex. Continue reading
Nineteen Atlanta members of America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) traveled to Washington, DC, to discuss with their senators and representatives the issues facing Israel today.
Their visit was preceded by a series of tutorials in Atlanta about the challenges facing Israel Continue reading
Basket Stuffers Front: Jane Levine, Jill Bauman, Annie Bauman, Dina Epstein, Helen Benes, Ann Storthz, Ilyssa Fox, Back: Kathy Grundfest, Marilyn Sorrells, Rabbi Gene Levy, Bobbye Levy, Becky Marks, Anna Marks, Phyllis Storthz, Curt Foxx
The Social Action Committee at Temple B’nai Israel in Little Rock, Arkansas, has their hands in quite a few local community projects, “and I feel we are making a difference,” said chairperson Becky Marks, who coordinates the projects and purchases supplies.
The Thanksgiving Basket Project, which kick-started the Social Action Committee’s work in 2007 with about a dozen baskets, provides a holiday meal to needy high school students and their families. With funds solicited from the congregation, Becky buys everything for the annual volunteer Basket Stuffing at the Temple. Continue reading
