Press Releases

Once again, the local Jewish Women’s Foundation’s cutting-edge, hands-on philanthropists have planned a most fitting, innovative program for Granting Wishes, their annual evening of grant award announcements. Women of all ages are invited from throughout the community for a screening of The Tribe, a powerful and provocative 16-minute film exploration of American Jewish identity through the history of the Barbie doll, at 5:30 pm on March 17 at Boca Rio Country Club.

Imagine a day when hundreds of individuals and families from our community gather together to improve countless lives for their neighbors, in Israel and around the world. On March 14, hundreds of volunteers of all ages will do just that at the 2010 Super Sunday phone-a-thon – and you’re welcome to share this extraordinary experience. This year there are even more ways to help on Super Sunday. Volunteers will help raise urgently needed funds and also be able to contribute through hands-on projects.

On January 25th, Federation’s philanthropic men again enjoyed the most exclusive local golf experience while helping meet vital community needs, at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s 2nd Invitational Men’s Golf Classic at Boca Rio Golf Club. Some morning drizzles could not dampen the golfers’ spirits, which soared as the sun came through to shine on an extraordinary day on Boca Rio’s lush, serene course.

The aromas of Passover will arrive a little early for women looking to bring delicious innovations into their traditional holiday meals. Women of all ages are invited to learn and taste how to spice up their Passover tables at Bloomingdale’s Boca Raton in Town Center on Tuesday, March 23rd at 6:00 pm. Chef Lauren Bakst will tantalize the taste buds, demonstrating creative twists to traditional recipes as well as new dishes for memorable seders and a delicious holiday week. The couvert is $36.

As leaders of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and its Jewish Community Relations Council, we are outraged at the vandalism that occurred at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton on Monday night.  Our hearts go out to our Beth El friends and neighbors who have had their sacred space defaced by vile images and racial slurs.  The incident has served as a painful reminder that anti-Semitism exists even in our own community where Judaism is well-woven into the fabric of daily life.

For thirteen years the Jewish Education Commission (JEC) of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County (JFSPBC) has been the central address for local Jewish education, strengthening Jewish life and learning among all ages. On March 2 at 6:30 pm, the JEC will observe its Bar Mitzvah year with an anniversary gala "Honoring Our Community Heroes in Jewish Education” at B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton. The honorees serve in Jewish preschools, day schools and congregational schools, Holocaust and adult education, and as teen leaders of Jewish Forums at local high schools.

Seventy years ago the steamship St. Louis arrived at the port of Miami with more than 900 Jewish refugees seeking a safe haven from the growing persecution in Europe. The St. Louis became a “ship of destiny,” carrying the fate of millions of others with a clear message to Adolf Hitler: Jewish people were expendable. On December 14, joined by 34 surviving SS St. Louis passengers from across the globe, and by local neighbors who bear personal witness to the Holocaust, 400 guests of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County gathered at the Federation’s west Boca Raton campus to commemorate this watershed historical moment.

South Palm Beach County’s Jewish community should be in good hands for some time to come, as 24 of the most caring and dedicated young local leaders have embarked on a new and unique leadership journey. The Federation's NextGen is designed to cultivate emerging leaders—providing the resources, insights, inspiration and relationships they will need to take the reins of Jewish community governance. Together, they are preparing to meet our Jewish community’s challenges over the next five to ten years.

The first woman and the youngest person to serve as White House Press Secretary, Dee Dee Myers, will keynote the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s annual Lion of Judah Luncheon at 10:30 am on February 11, 2010 at the Polo Club of Boca Raton. And ensuring this powerful event’s top distinction for years to come, Marleen Forkas has become the first to endow a Chair which will generously underwrite the cost of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s top caliber Lion Luncheon speakers in perpetuity.

The Federation’s most philanthropic women will be thanked on January 28^th at the first Crown of Judah Luncheon just for women. Clarice Pressner, who founded the Crown of Judah Division 20 years ago, is being honored. Luncheon Chair Lisa Mintz is hosting the event in her lovely home. The keynote speaker will be Alan Dershowitz, a most distinuished Harvard law professor, defender of individual liberties and Jewish causes, author and media personality.

Neighbors from throughout the community will join together this Martin Luther King Day to make a powerful statement of caring and a difference in thousands of vulnerable lives. All are invited to answer the National Call to Volunteer on Monday, January 18 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, as 500 volunteers reach out into 35 area nonprofits. Clearly the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s largest and most exciting volunteer event in its 30-year history, United We Serve South Palm Beach County is an experience not to be missed.

An exceptional night is in store for top Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County donors at the Major Gifts Evening of Valor at Woodfield Country Club on January 10, 2010, at 6:00 pm. This largest and most prestigious fundraising event of the Federation’s 2010 season is sure to inspire as it honors this group’s deep concern and generosity in meeting vital human needs in our community and beyond. Featuring “Morning Joe” Scarborough, the evening also promises provocative, in-depth discussions on topics of utmost concern to those who care about the important issues of our day.

Amid the treasure trove of women’s activities in the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County season is the most awaited event in local Jewish women’s philanthropy. Dee Dee Myers, the first woman and the youngest person to serve as White House Press Secretary, will keynote the Lion of Judah Luncheon at 10:30 am on February 11, 2010 at the Polo Club of Boca Raton. Co-chairs Jill Deutch and Janet Sherr are planning a powerful and inspiring program.

Men are again invited to enjoy the most exclusive local golf experience while helping meet vital community needs, as the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County proudly presents its 2^nd Invitational Men’s Golf Classic at Boca Rio Golf Club. An extraordinary day awaits on Monday, January 25^th beginning at 11:00 am.

Even at the end of the year, it can be difficult to be charitable when you wonder if your own family will need those assets in the future. But you can make a planned gift that allows you to enjoy the benefits of account tax-saving strategies and income producing assets, while making a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of others. Planned gifts can be made now to support immediate needs, or enacted upon your death as a legacy.