‘So what’s next?’ 99-year-old becomes Bat Mitzvah in Tampa
By AMY SCHERZER
Jewish Press | March 18, 2024
Learning to read Hebrew, chanting Torah, becoming a Bat Mitzvah – none of those achievements were on Ruth Kline’s bucket list by her 100th birthday on Feb. 27. Not until last summer when her daughter, Judith Rosenblatt, attended an adult b’nai mitzvah planning session at Conservative Congregation Kol Ami in...
Religious freedom group finds none, leaves Saudi Arabia
By LUKE TRESS
JTA News Service | March 18, 2024
A U.S. government delegation tasked with monitoring religious freedom around the world cut a visit to Saudi Arabia short after Saudi officials demanded that a prominent rabbi on the trip remove his kippah. Saudi officials told Rabbi Abraham Cooper, co-chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, to...
Experience a day of culture and creativity at the JCC
March 18, 2024
The Tampa JCCs & Federation Arts & Culture Department invites the community to its Spring Marketplace. a day of artistic expression and exploration on Sunday, April 7 at the Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC. The event includes an eclectic poetry coffee house featuring local poet Larry Jaffe, wine glass painting,...
2 authors to be on hand for spring book convos
March 18, 2024
Two nationally recognized authors will be featured at the Tampa JCCs & Federation’s spring Jewish Books & Conversations author events. The programs are open to the community and promise engaging discussions, book signings and more. On Thursday, April 4, Liel Leibovitz, editor-at-large of Tablet Magazine, will be the guest speaker...
Schumer calls for elections in Israel, says Netanyahu has ‘lost his way’
March 18, 2024
(JTA) – In a major speech, Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “lost his way,” urged new elections in Israel, called for a two-state solution and said the United States should use its “leverage” to push for its goals in the region if Netanyahu...
‘Uncommitted’ protest of Biden’s Israel support nets 100,000+ votes in Michigan
By RON KAMPEAS
JTA news service | March 4, 2024
A campaign to protest President Joe Biden’s support of Israel by voting “Uncommitted” in the Michigan Democratic presidential primary declared victory on Tuesday night, Feb....
‘The freest person in Russia’: Natan Sharansky on his letters with Alexei Navalny
By NORA BERMAN The Forward | March 4, 2024
Editor’s note: The KGB, referred to throughout, is now known as the FSB. Natan Sharansky – the Russian-Israeli refusenik, author and human rights activist who...
Jewish heavy metal musician raises thousands to provide security for Matisyahu after protests
By JACKIE HAJDENBERG
JTA news service | March 4, 2024
David Draiman, the Jewish frontman of heavy metal band Disturbed, is raising money to provide private security for Matisyahu after the Jewish reggae singer had...
Tampa to host musical staged by recovering addicts that asks Fifth Question: ‘What are you a slave to?’
March 18, 2024
The local Jewish community is invited to a free performance of a musical about the struggle with addiction performed by recovering addicts on Thursday, April...
Film Festival produces memorable moments
March 18, 2024
There was plenty to applaud for at the 28th Annual Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival held Feb. 22-25 at two exclusive venues: the Jaeb Theater...
Bay area cantorial voices to perform songs from the heart at April 7 concert in Palm Harbor
March 18, 2024
Cantors, cantorial soloists and musicians from the Bay Area Cantorial Association (BACA) will present their 20th annual on Sunday, April 7, at 3 p.m. at...
We still must plant seeds
March 18, 2024
The horrific events of Oct 7 have left all of us reeling. Those who were directly affected – the family and close friends of the...
Joshua M. Harris
December 5, 2023
Joshua M. Harris, son of Staci and Garrison Harris of Land O Lakes, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday,...
Ethan Frenden
October 9, 2023
Ethan Frenden, son of Lori and Dan Frenden of New Port Richey, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct....
James Edmond Shoemaker
September 25, 2023
James Edmond Shoemaker, son of Dr. Adam Shoemaker and Dr. Amy Rothman of Tampa, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on...
OBITUARIES
March 18, 2024
ROBERT BERG, 78, of Wimauma, died March 9. Born in New Jersey, after high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving during Vietnam. He married...
Just a nosh..
March 18, 2024
Missing American-Israeli soldier died on Oct. 7, IDF confirms The Israel Defense Forces announced the death of American-Israeli soldier, Itay Chen, missing since Oct. 7,...