Press Releases

Two fun-filled days. Two world-class performers. Downtown Boca's first Jewish festival. The Mizner Park Amphitheater will be overflowing with love and nachas on December 18 and 19, in pulsating concerts with Matisyahu and Dudu Fisher, and at a spirited Jewish festival - all in the beautiful outdoor setting. Fedstock, the largest, community-wide, multigenerational event ever hosted by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, will have something for everyone.

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County is delighted to welcome Steven Schauder as Director of Jewish Education. The position was created as a result of the Federation's recent strategic planning process, which gathered information from local synagogues, schools and agencies to evaluate the community's Jewish education needs. Schauder most recently served as Executive Director of the Friedman Commission for Jewish Education of the Palm Beaches.

The following statement has been signed by Jose Maria Aznar, David Trimble, John R. Bolton, Alejandro Toledo, Marcello Pera, Andrew Roberts, Fiamma Nirenstein, George Weigel, Robert F. Agostinelli and Carlos Bustelo: Israel is a Western democracy and a normal country. Nonetheless, Israel has faced abnormal circumstances since its inception. In fact, Israel is the only Western democracy whose existence has been questioned by force, and whose legitimacy is still being questioned independently of its actions. The recent flotilla crisis in the Mediterranean provided yet another occasion for Israel's detractors to renew their frenzied campaign.

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, its partner organizations and friends appeal to all to join us in fighting efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel. With One Voice for Israel, we're telling our community and our government leaders to  (1) Support (2) Denounce and (3) Decry the efforts of the Palestinian-sponsored Global BDS Movement aimed at boycotting, divesting from and placing sanctions against Israel.

Monday's flotilla incident has commanded great attention and concern. When people care deeply and are exposed to extensive media coverage, it is far too easy to come to judgment quickly. The situation has generated frustration for those who truly desire progress toward peaceful coexistence among Israel and her neighbors, as well as those who understand Israel's ongoing commitment to transferring essential supplies to Gaza amid Israel's essential responsibility to maintain the security of her population.

The power and joy of community were unmistakable as leaders and supporters gathered in Zinman Hall for the Federation's recent 2010 Annual Meeting, "No One Stands Alone."  Robin and Warren Struhl chaired the aptly titled evening, which celebrated the year's accomplishments, including raising funds to meet increasing vital human needs. Guests also paid tribute to outgoing Federation Chair Stewart G. Harris's extraordinary three years of leadership, enthusiastically welcomed new Chair Cindy Orbach Nimhauser, and cheered award recipients.

The 100 women at the Women’s Philanthropy Board Installation were clearly united and deeply moved by the power of their shared values, history and efforts. Their compassion and generosity, sisterhood and rededication suffused Zinman Hall as they celebrated their successes, welcomed their new leadership and honored their own. The spring-themed brunch was chaired by Kinnie Gorelick and Ellen Flank. Honored were Anne Jacobson, on completing three extraordinary years as Women’s Philanthropy Chair, as well as Susan Rahn and Ellen Sarnoff. Meryl Gallatin will now lead the board into 2010-11.

Once again, local estate planning professionals looked to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Professional Advisory Committee for state of the art expert programming and networking. Nearly 175 of them gathered at Woodfield Country Club on May 11 for the 26th PAC Annual Seminar for Professionals. They heard from Richard W. Nenno, Esq. of Wilmington Trust Company, on Benefits of Domestic Asset-Protection Trusts. David Katzman was honored for his two years of service as PAC Chair.

This year, the Jewish Education Commission of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County worked with school directors to provide hundreds of local early childhood, congregational and day school educators with conferences, workshops and other professional development opportunities. Eve Garvey and Rabbi Mordechai Yachnes received the prestigious annual congregational and day school awards.