Chairman’s Message

Dear Friends,

It’s been 30 years since the Giller family first became involved with MOSAIC, the traveling exhibit, and then the Jewish Museum of Florida! During that time, there have been two constants: change itself and Giller support of the Museum.

In last year’s message, I wrote about our coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the Museum managed to successfully maintain a presence in the community. A year later, much has changed. Normalcy returned to our lives as well as JMOF-FIU! In fact, we had a very successful year with “in person” programs and exhibits.

The Marcia Jo Zerivitz exhibition reflected on the accomplishments of our Founding Executive Director and her dream of collecting the wonderful history of Florida Jews. Marcia created our core exhibit which spans from 1763 through the early 21st century and documented it in her book Jews of Florida: Century of Stories. Much has changed in 250 years and continues to change today. This year, we begin the updating of our core exhibit through the generous support of Elliot Stone, past Chair. The 21st century technology and interactivity will make more of our collection accessible to visitors, especially the younger generations.

Change has come, once again, to our Board as two new directors have joined. Michael Kosnitzky, a prominent attorney and civic leader, has immediately engaged in bringing new Jewish Floridians into the Museum orbit. Reggie FeldmanGoldstein a seasonal resident of Miami Beach, docent and philanthropist, has generously brought new technology to our exhibition system so we can tell a better story.

At my request, each board member has “owned a piece of the Museum” by engaging in a leadership role on a Museum project. Reggie Feldman-Goldstein and Judith Wurtman (another generous supporter) are leading the development of the new core exhibit with our staff and exhibit consultant. Stephen Fain is developing outreach to all of Florida. Dan Weiss provides insights to the future art exhibits under consideration and recommends potential new board members. Elliot Stone liaises with the FIU Foundation and senior university staff.

Sadly, change also came with the passing of our past Chair Norman Levine. Norman was the largest single fundraiser for the Museum, part of the original Museum board, and the longtime sponsor of the Klezmer concerts.

Through all this change, the Giller family support of the Museum has been constant. The support began with my father, Norman Giller, as the Museum’s first president. I have continued as the next generation leadership role in 2006-2008 and since 2018. The Museum’s facilities have been my “baby” since I first put pencil to paper in its design in 1993. I invite you to join me in the adding to the support of JMOF-FIU as I continue the Giller family’s leadership and financial support.

Engage your passion!

Ira D. Giller Advisory Board Chair