After 41 years at one and only shul, Rabbi Luski bows out



As a young man, Jacob Luski had no desire to follow his father into the real estate business. Nor did he plan on a rabbinical career. He enrolled at Georgia Tech. “When I finished high school I thought I wanted to be an engineer,” he said. “So, I became a rabbinic engineer instead of a mechanical or different type of […]

‘Terror kites’ shake residents in Israel, but not their resolve



NAHAL OZ, Israel – Dani Ben David fiddles with his radio, switching between it and his cellphone as he drives through the Beeri Forest, a nature reserve located on the border of Israel and the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. As his Jeep jolts over the dirt road, he quickly and calmly jumps between multiple conversations, coordinating efforts to extinguish the multiple […]

New local grant program for special needs community



Tikvah Suncoast Inc. a milliondollar plus Jewish-inspired nonprofit, began issuing its first grants early this month and is seeking more grant applications from individuals and families to help enhance the quality of life for the special needs population throughout Tampa Bay and West Central Florida. The organization, founded by Beatrice Mehl, has a mission to “Open Doors to Special Lives,” […]

Just a nosh..



New York City councilman to provide day of gender-segregated beach A New York City councilman is renting a city beach on Coney Island in order to host gender-segregated swim days for his Jewish and Muslim constituents. Brooklyn Democrat Chaim Deutsch announced on his Facebook page: “For many New Yorkers, including religious Jews and Muslims who observe modesty laws, there isn’t […]

Can ‘Bad Jews’ be good for our community?



“And so now, when it’s easier to be Jewish than it has ever been in the history of the world, now when it’s safest, now we should all stop?” Daphna (nee Diana Feygelbaum) bursts forth with this morsel of truth that has played on all of our lips in the play, Bad Jews, set to open at American Stage in […]

Temple B’nai Israel Clearwater



Havdalah on the Beach: Join Rabbi Daniel Treiser and Cantorial Soloist Laura Berkson for a Havdalah service on Saturday, July 14 at 7 p.m. at Sand Key Park. Come early and bring your own picnic.

Cong. Beth Shalom Clearwater



Spiritual workshop: A combination of guided meditation, Torah study and personal reflection are included in a Summer series of workshops with Rabbi Danielle Upbin. The next sessions are on Thursdays, July 5, 12 and 19 at 12:30 p.m. These sessions offer the Jewish tools to nurture self-growth and spiritual awareness. New participants are welcome! Call the CBS office to RSVP. […]

Chabad of Clearwater



Torah and tea: Rebbetzin Miriam Hodakov leads a “Torah and Tea” exclusively for women on Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. There is no charge to attend. RSVP to MiriamHodakov@gmail.com or (727) 265-2770.

Chabad of St. Petersburg



Lunch and Learn: Women are invited to share an hour of camaraderie, inspiration and lunch at a Lunch and Learn session at the Chabad Jewish Center on Tuesday, July 17 at noon. There is no charge for the event. RSVP’s are appreciated but not necessary. To RSVP email Chaya@ ChabadSP.com or call (727) 344-4900.

Temple Ahavat Shalom Palm Harbor



Annual meeting: The congregation will hold its annual meeting and Shabbat dinner on Friday, June 29. Congregants are invited to join in a light dinner at 6 p.m., which is free to all temple members. The annual meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a special “Shabbat Live” musical worship service. While there is no need […]