‘So what’s next?’ 99-year-old becomes Bat Mitzvah in Tampa
By AMY SCHERZER
Jewish Press | March 18, 2024
Learning to read Hebrew, chanting Torah, becoming a Bat Mitzvah – none of those achievements were on Ruth Kline’s bucket list by her 100th birthday on Feb. 27. Not until last summer when her daughter, Judith Rosenblatt, attended an adult b’nai mitzvah planning session at Conservative Congregation Kol Ami in...
Religious freedom group finds none, leaves Saudi Arabia
By LUKE TRESS
JTA News Service | March 18, 2024
A U.S. government delegation tasked with monitoring religious freedom around the world cut a visit to Saudi Arabia short after Saudi officials demanded that a prominent rabbi on the trip remove his kippah. Saudi officials told Rabbi Abraham Cooper, co-chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, to...
Experience a day of culture and creativity at the JCC
March 18, 2024
The Tampa JCCs & Federation Arts & Culture Department invites the community to its Spring Marketplace. a day of artistic expression and exploration on Sunday, April 7 at the Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC. The event includes an eclectic poetry coffee house featuring local poet Larry Jaffe, wine glass painting,...
2 authors to be on hand for spring book convos
March 18, 2024
Two nationally recognized authors will be featured at the Tampa JCCs & Federation’s spring Jewish Books & Conversations author events. The programs are open to the community and promise engaging discussions, book signings and more. On Thursday, April 4, Liel Leibovitz, editor-at-large of Tablet Magazine, will be the guest speaker...
‘Boat Mitzvah’ to mark clean beginning for vessel
By BOB FRYER
Jewish Press | March 4, 2024
Just as a surgeon can make repairs to a human body but leave behind scar tissue, the St. Petersburg based Jewish organization Tikkum HaYam (Hebrew for Repair the Seas) was in a small way contributing to pollution each time members went out on their boat to remove debris from the...
Schumer says Netanyahu has ‘lost his way’ in Gaza war
March 18, 2024
(JTA) – In a major speech, Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “lost his way,” urged new elections in...
Hamas offers hostage deal and truce; Netanyahu says demands ‘still absurd’
By PHILISSA CRAMER
JTA news service | March 18, 2024
Hamas has issued a formal counter proposal in ongoing talks over a temporary ceasefire and hostage deal in its war with Israel, giving hope for...
U.S. airman dies in Gaza war protest
March 4, 2024
WASHINGTON – A U.S. airman has died after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., where he shouted “Free Palestine!” in...
Hamantashen bake
March 18, 2024
At left, Jane Grossman of Clearwater Beach rolls out some dough at Chabad of Clearwater’s annual hamantashen baking event. Led by Rebbetzin Miriam Hodekov, on...
Musical staged by recovering addicts to ask 5th Question: ‘What are you a slave to?’
March 18, 2024
The local Jewish community is invited to a free performance of a musical about the struggle with addiction performed by recovering addicts on Thursday, April...
Film Festival produces memorable moments
March 18, 2024
There was plenty to applaud for at the 28th Annual Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival held Feb. 22-25 at two exclusive venues: the Jaeb Theater...
Daniella Alpert
March 18, 2024
Daniella Alpert, daughter of Jason and Devani Alpert of Seminole, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, April 6 at...
Mateo Zamoff
March 4, 2024
Mateo Zamoff, son of Bennett and Virginia Zamoff of St. Petersburg, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 16,...
Worth a read, or listen
March 18, 2024
My retirement from my position as rabbinic leader of Temple Ahavat Shalom, has provided me the time to do more reading, more listening to podcasts...
Just a nosh..
March 18, 2024
Missing American-Israeli soldier died on Oct. 7, IDF confirms The Israel Defense Forces announced the death of American-Israeli soldier, Itay Chen, missing since Oct. 7,...