Early Super Sunday generates more bang for the bucks



A change in Super Sunday dates for volunteers to seek donations to the Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties’ Annual Campaign brought in a big increase in funds, Federation officials say. Traditionally, federations around the country have held the phone-a-thon the week after the Super Bowl. Thus the name, Super Sunday. This time, instead of waiting until next February, […]

Jews, Muslims ramp up alliances in wake of election



For years, whenever Jews and Muslims engaged in dialogue and activism, it usually concerned one issue: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With Donald Trump’s ascent to the presidency, that appears to be changing. Regardless of what’s happening across the ocean, Jews and Muslims in the United States are joining together to fight for shared domestic concerns. “It is a perhaps growing recognition […]

Popular a capella group, the Maccabeats, adds second free show here



A free community Hanukkah celebration Sunday, Dec. 11 will feature two performances of the popular a cappella group, the Maccabeats. The Maccabeats are an all-male a cappella group based at Yeshiva University. Performing an eclectic array of Jewish, American and Israeli songs, the group has recently emerged as both Jewish music and a cappella phenomena, with a large fanbase, more […]

Just a nosh…



Top Jewish donors prominent on Trump inauguration committee WASHINGTON – A number of top Jewish Republican donors including St. Petersburg’s Mel Sembler, are on President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration committee. Nine out of the 20 names listed on the transition team’s announcement released Nov. 14 are Jewish, and several of them are on the Republican Jewish Coalition board. The committee plans […]

You’re invited



Add kids plus stuffed animals and mix in grandparents (or other special friends) and what do you get? A new community holiday event, the Teddy Bear Tea. The PJ Library Family Council, chaired by Melanie Bowman, and the Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties are hosting the Teddy Bear Tea on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. in the […]

Vodka Latke: The place to be




Earlier this month I attended the Jewish Federation of North America’s General Assembly, the annual convening of 3,000 or so Jewish leaders and caring community members in Washington D.C. Dozens of sessions fill the three-day agenda, ranging from how to raise more money to how to be more welcoming and inclusive, from the worldwide work that the Federation does to […]

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times



Temple Ahavat Shalom Palm Harbor



Family Hanukkah party: On Sunday, Dec. 4 at 11:30 a.m. there will be a family Hanukkah party that includes a children’s choir performance, food, holiday treats and kid’s crafts and activities. Consecration: A special ceremony will be held for the temple’s pre-kindergarten students on Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. The ceremony will mark the beginning of these children’s formal […]

Chabad of Pinellas Palm Harbor



Survivor’s tale: Local resident Eugene Davis will give a talk titled “From Sighet to Sunshine: A Story of Hope and Survival,” at Chabad of Pinellas County on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. A native of Sighet, Romania (the hometown of Elie Wiesel), he spent the war years in slave labor camps, as a POW, on the run, and in […]

Cong. Beth Shalom Clearwater



Evening Talmud class: A new Talmud class for people with workday commitments will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. in the synagogue library. The class will be taught by Dr. Priscilla Nathanson. Call the office for additional future dates. Torah Study: Take part in an interactive conversation about the weekly Torah portion, incorporating both historical and contemporary […]