May 5777 usher in a peaceful year for you, Israel and the world



First class of Fed Fellows selected to serve, travel



The Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties has selected five young adults to participate in its inaugural year of the “Fed Fellows” program. These individuals will complete 10 hours of volunteer work for the Federation between now and next July and their experience will culminate in their attendance on the National Young Leadership mission to Israel in July 2017. […]

National Geographic introduces kids to High Holidays



Can a children’s book about the Jewish High Holidays help advance world peace? A new edition of an award-winning children’s book author thinks so – and National Geographic agrees. Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – first published in 2007 and reissued this year with a new cover – is one of the volumes included in National Geographic’s series, “Holidays […]

Netanyahu-Obama embrace aid deal, if not each other



The United States and Israel made history on Wednesday, Sept. 14, signing the largest ever military assistance package between the two allies. Many hailed the agreement as a means to ensure the Jewish state will securely meet the challenges of a dangerous and unstable Middle East over the next decade. However, after years of strained relations between Israeli Prime Minister […]

This is my last column




As we say goodbye to 5776 and welcome 5777, I realized that this is my last column of my first full year in the role of executive director of our Federation. During this year, I’ve written a sum total of 20,900 words for this column (including this edition), I’ve had cups of coffee and lunches and emails and texts and […]

Shabbat & High Holiday Candle Lighting Times



High Holidays 5777



EDITOR’S NOTE: The Jewish Press gave community rabbis the opportunity to submit their holiday messages. The following were received as of deadline: As we enter into the New Year of 5777, we are filled, as always, with a great sense of possibility and hope about all that the New Year can bring into our lives. Embracing the hope for blessing […]

Religious Directory



PINELLAS COUNTYReformTemple AHAVAT SHALOM — 1575 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor, 34683 • RabbiGary Klein • Services: Friday: 7:30 p.m., Saturday: traditional servicethird week of the month. 9 a.m., call for other service times • Telephone:(727) 785-8811 • Website: www.ahavatshalom.org • Affiliated with Unionfor Reform JudaismTemple BETH CHAI DAVID — 39330 U.S. 19 N., Bradley Plaza, TarponSprings• Mailing Address: P.O. Box […]

Cong. Beth Shalom Clearwater



Sukkah builders needed: The Men’s Club is seeking “builders” to help put up the congregation’s sukkah on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 9 a.m. Breakfast will be served and everyone is welcome. Pizza in the Hut: Celebrate Sukkot on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. with a pizza party in the Sukkah for religious school families and friends. The cost is […]

Temple B’nai Israel Clearwater



Study the kings: Learn the stories of Israel’s Kings, Saul and David, with Rabbi Daniel Treiser on Wednesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m., beginning Wednesday, Oct. 26. The class is free for members, $30 for non-members. Reserve your seat by Friday, Oct 14. Adult b’nai mitzvah: New adult b’nai mitzvah cohort is forming. Those interested should contact the temple office. New & […]