CANDLE LIGHTING - MIAMI BEACH SEPT 13 /
CANDLE LIGHTING: 7:07 PM
SHABBOS ENDS: 8:01 PM
DOING FOR FLORIDA
A BRIGHTER DAY IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
RABBI MOSHE MATZ DIRECTOR OF FLORIDA OFFICE
When her seven-month-old baby was born with a severe heart condition, Mrs. Levine*, a South Florida mother, found herself in a relentless state of anxiety. Despite having private insurance, she watched the medical bills mounting, threatening the care her fragile child desperately needed. The looming cost of yet another surgery, coupled with gaps in their insurance coverage, left her wondering how she would keep her baby alive. Enter Mrs. Tellis and Ms. Cohen from the Florida Ozer Center, a division of Agudath Israel’s Florida office. Hearing the situation, they knew they had to act quickly. They reviewed the family’s financials and discovered they were eligible for Medicaid—a lifeline the overwhelmed mother hadn’t even considered.
Through a Zoom call, Mrs. Tellis compassionately guided Mrs. Levine through the labyrinthine Medicaid
5.5 FOR THE 305
“First Day of School! Thank You!” —A happy Florida parent, Sep. 2024
application process, easing her fears with each step.
But she didn’t stop there. Mrs. Tellis penned an urgent email to Florida’s Medicaid office, leveraging Agudah’s community partner status to emphasize the gravity of this life-ordeath situation. By Thursday evening, Medicaid had approved the life-saving surgery. Even more, the approval was retroactive, covering a previous surgery that had pushed the family to the brink.
Now, with the third surgery on the horizon, Mrs. Levine and her family can breathe a little easier, knowing their baby’s fragile heart is receiving the tender love and care it needs.
This is one of many stories of quiet dedication that unfold regularly at The Agudah’s Florida office and across the country.
Your support directly impacts our ability to to keep our finger on the pulse of the community, and ensure that no mother faces these challenges alone.
*Name changed to protect privacy
Baruch Hashem, we scored a huge win for our community with a $5.5 million appropriation for Jewish day school transportation.
We’re rolling out a pilot program this year to select partnering schools that will benefit from this support, making it easier for families and ensuring students get to class safely and without a hitch. It’s a big win for our community, and we can’t wait to see the positive changes it brings to our schools and families.
RABBI AVROHOM LUBAN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF FLORIDA OFFICE
Rabbi Moshe Matz Director of Florida Office
Agudath Israel of America
It is a great privilege to present the South Florida Community Voice. This weekly publication features updates, articles, and advertisements from local businesses. We are proudly affiliated with the finest and most reputable business owners and service providers of South Florida’s thriving Jewish communities.
This widely-read Community Voice stands out as South Florida’s largest direct-mail publication, uniting the Jewish communities of:
Orlando (Pesach/Sukkot)
Palm Beach
Boynton Beach
Delray Beach
Boca Raton
Deerfield Beach
Parkland
Coral Springs
Coconut
Pompano Beach
Sunrise Lauderdale
Plantation
Cooper City Pembroke Pines
Hallandale Beach
Aventura
North Miami Beach
Sunny Isles
Bal
Surfside
Miami Beach
CONTACT US TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY RATES.
Rabbi Eliyahu Segal
Publisher, CEO
Phone: 954.662.5054
Email: info@tsfcommunityvoice.com
For inquiries or to submit articles, kindly contact the editor via email at: editor@tsfcommunityvoice.com.
© The South Florida Community Voice Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in printed or digital form in whole or in part in any form without prior written permission is prohibited. The publisher reserves all right to edit all articles for clarity, space and editorial sensitivities. Submissions cannot be returned to sender. The South Florida Weekly Magazine is not responsible for the cash flow of any advertised product or service that appears in these pages. The South Florida Community Voice Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements in this publication, nor for the content of books that are referred to or excerpted herein.
An Act of Chesed And Kiddish Hashem That Changed Multiple Lives
Note: The names have been changed in this story.
Like most people I have a daily routine. My routine is rather simple, wake up get ready for the morning minyan, go home and change for my three mile walk at the mall. Yes, I am a mall walker with my wife. The mall we like to walk in is one mile in circumference on the main floor and slightly less on the lower floor. There are many people that walk the mall because it’s climate controlled all year, has music and the surface is smooth.
One morning my routine changed slightly, when a WhatsApp message form the shul house committee was broadcast for assistance. The WhatsApp asked if anyone was around at 8:30AM to meet an air condition technician and a township inspector. I responded that I could meet them and was thinking no big deal, I’ll walk later. At precisely 8:30AM I pulled into the shul parking lot and saw a service truck from the central air condition company, which we have used since the inception of the shul. I approached the van and introduce myself to the tech sitting in the cab of the truck.
By Leslie Srolovits
The gentleman responded his name is Ramon. We started chatting about how long he’s been with company and I told him I remember Tommy, who was the shuls tech for over 15 years. I asked Ramon where he was from originally, he tells me he’s from the Dominican Republic. Since the inspector we were supposed to meet was late, I had an opportunity to question Ramon about an air conditioner I had recently replaced in our home. Ramon answered all my questions and I learned a great deal about the proper care of our new central air unit.
While speaking with Ramon, he tells me that his son converted and is now an Orthodox Jew. The look on my face must have told Ramon that I was surprised and wanted to hear more. Ramon proceeds to tell me he had cancer for over two years and was out of work
while getting chemotherapy. Ramon’s son Juan was in Columbia University and had a friend that was an Orthodox Jew. One day, Juan was telling his friend Yaakov that his father has cancer and is weighing different options where to get treatment. Yaakov immediately told Juan that there is only one place his father should consider, Sloan Kettering in Manhattan. Yaakov told Juan he knew a doctor and would make a call for an introduction, if he allowed him to. Ramon continues by saying “if not for my son’s friend at Columbia I might not be here talking to you”. Ramon got into Sloan Kettering for treatment, went into remission, and ultimately went back to work.
During the two years of treatments and recovery, Ramon’s son started asking probing questions about the Jewish faith and at some point, Juan converted. Ramon, told me that his son lives in Texas and observes Shabbos. When the family visits Texas they are not allowed in the kitchen out of fear they might use the wrong dishes or utensils. Ramon also stated that no one in his family is permitted to call
after sundown on Friday’s or any other Jewish holiday.
The one act of chesed to
reach out to a doctor in order help a friend’s father changed many lives. Whatever Juan,
Ramon and his family’s impressions were about Jews prior to this medical event, I am quite certain it is vastly different today. I’ve tried to teach our children if they hear or see an opportunity to help someone, Jew or non-Jew, they should always lean into it with alacrity. I can only imagine how Yaakov feels by making that simple phone call.
Keep doing chesed because that is what God expects from all of his children. Have a Gibbenched year.
Leslie Srolovits is a retired Banker / Technology Officer of various international banks. He could be reached at LeslieSrolovits@gmail.com.
Hebrew Academy Miami Welcomes Mrs. Lisa Stroll as First Female Head of School
Hebrew Academy of Miami Beach proudly announces the appointment of Mrs. Lisa Stroll as its new Head of School, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to lead the institution in its 77 year history. Mrs. Stroll brings with her a wealth of experience in educational leadership, a deep commitment to Jewish education, and a vision for academic excellence that aligns with Hebrew Academy’s values and mission.
Mrs. Stroll holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Concordia University. She began her teaching career in Canada before moving to Atlanta in 1997, where she made significant contributions as a middle school English teacher at Torah Day School of Atlanta. Her dedication to professional growth led her to study with Nancy Atwell at the Center for Teaching and Learning in Maine, where she advanced into a teacher leader role for reading and writing instruction. She also expanded her expertise by attending Teacher’s College Reading and
Writing Project at Columbia University, extending her leadership in literacy education to grades K-5.
After receiving her graduate degree, Mrs. Stroll served as Assistant Principal at Torah Day School of Atlanta for three years. In 2016, she and her family relocated to Denver, where she took on the role of Lower School Principal at Denver Academy of Torah, eventually becoming Head of School in 2018. Her tenure in Denver was marked by a commitment to academic innovation and fostering a strong, vibrant community.
Mrs. Stroll’s leadership journey is further distinguished by her participation in both of
Harvard’s Graduate School of Education Principal Center programs and in Yeshiva University’s YU Lead program. She is also a fellow of the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI) and has engaged in the Head of School Professional Excellence Program (HOSPEP) through Prizmah, further solidifying her expertise and dedication to Jewish day school leadership.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Stroll to Hebrew Academy Miami,” said Jean Kim-Lehmann, HA Board of Directors. “Her extensive background in educational leadership, combined with her passion for achieving academic excellence and a nurturing school environment, makes her the ideal leader for our community.”
As the new Head of School, Mrs. Stroll is set to guide Hebrew Academy Miami in its mission to inspire students to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. Her arrival coincides with a renewed focus on enhancing the school's already rigorous academic curriculum and expanding opportunities for student engagement in both Judaic and general studies.
`Mrs. Stroll is joined in Miami by her husband and their youngest child, who attends Hebrew Academy. The couple also have three other children living out of state and are proud grandparents to four grandchildren.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Mrs. Stroll expressed her excitement for her new role: “I am deeply honored to join Hebrew Academy, a school with a rich history and a bright future. I look forward to working with our dedicated faculty, staff, and families to continue building a strong, inclusive, and inspiring Jewish educational experience for all our students.”
Hebrew Academy Miami is a premier Jewish day school committed to providing a rigorous academic program combined with a deep dedication to Jewish values and community. Serving students from early childhood through high school, Hebrew Academy Miami is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Website: www.hebrewacademymiami.org
Candid Conversations about Dating and Relationships
Listen to 80 engaging podcast episodes packed with practical insights and wisdom
The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation, Inc.
Bringing the art of the Kosher Culinary World to your table
At Kitchen to Table, we’re passionate about bringing the art of the kosher culinary world to your table. Our kosher private chef service is all about you – your preferences, your location, your cherished moments. Chef Michelle Soussan is committed to crafting an unforgettable culinary experience that reflects your unique tastes. Every menu is a work of art, designed exclusively for you and your guests.
With a background in both traditional and contemporary Middle-Eastern kosher cuisine, Chef Michelle brings a creative touch to every dish, ensuring each one is a masterpiece of taste. Let us elevate your next gathering, big or small, with delicious kosher culinary creations.
“SORRY, THAT’S NOT INCLUDED!”
The last thing you want to hear at your special event is “Sorry, that’s not included.” That’s why we provide everything you need to make your event a huge success - from exquisite food to exquisite wines, beautiful linens, professional waiters and bartenders & much more. Sit back and enjoy while we take care of every aspect of your special event.
MICHELLE SOUSSAN
(929)290-5859
EMAIL: KITCHENTOTABLEMIAMI@GMAIL.COM
Community Gathers for Florida Ozer Center
NMB Evening of Awareness & Support
Over 110 community members gathered this week in North Miami Beach to learn about and support the Florida Ozer Center's significant impact in helping families and individuals navigate various resources and programs. The event highlighted the Center's achievements and rallied the community around its cause.
Binyamin Herman, the evening's host, introduced the program and spoke about the significant accomplishments and contributions of Agudath Israel of Florida over the past years. He expressed his pride in being both a supporter and a friend of the organization.
Rabbi Aharon Dovid Singer, Rosh Kollel of the North
Miami Beach Kollel, delivered a powerful message about how Jewish communities come together to support one another in times of need. He shared a poignant anecdote about hospital staff recognizing when a Jewish patient is about to arrive because of the influx of gifts and food delivered for them. Rabbi Singer expressed his unwavering support for the Florida Ozer Center, noting that he has personally witnessed countless families and individuals helped, assisted, and impacted by their outstanding work.
Rabbi Moshe Matz, Director of Agudath Israel of America Florida Office, emphasized the organization’s gratitude to the
host committee, who stepped up in an exceptional way and were true partners in every sense of the word. He also thanked the Agudah board members, who have been supportive for years, as well as all the local Shul Rabbonim. Finally, he expressed his deep appreciation for the hardworking staff behind the Florida Ozer Center, praising their dedication to each call, case, and the greater cause of the entire community.
Rabbi Avrohom Luban, Associate Director of Agudath Israel of America Florida Office, provided a glimpse into the incredible day-to-day work of the Florida Ozer Center. He shared a few sample cases, highlighting the profound
impact the Center has had. Rabbi Luban offered an inside perspective, revealing that even the Ozer staff have been amazed by the magnitude of the impact they’ve been able to achieve.
To date, the Florida Ozer Center has assisted 756 cases and facilitated over $4,157,153 in savings for local families and individuals. However, Rabbi Luban emphasized that it’s not just about the savings or the hours of frustration and aggravation avoided. It’s about
people knowing that when they have a need, the Florida Ozer Center is there for them.
"Whether big or small, if it's important to you, it's important to us," he said.
After a powerful video showcasing the Center’s incredible work and touching testimonials from community Rabbonim and individuals who have benefited from the services, Avrohom Liberman brought the evening to a close with an emotional touch. He shared,
"I didn’t tell this to anyone, but I was actually supposed to be traveling tonight. However, I changed my plans to be here. I feel this organization is so important, and I wanted to show my support and be here." He urged the community to support the Center, partner with it, and ensure it has the funding needed to continue serving the growing needs of the Florida community.
All in all, the event was a resounding success, filled with unity, purpose, and a shared commitment to supporting the critical work of the Florida Ozer Center.
To learn more about The Florida Ozer Center visit
Boca Raton Synagogue
Community Hebrew After school Program
Mitzva Market and Pre-Chag Pop up at Boca Raton Synagogue
Operation Inspiration: A Dollar and A Dream
For years, the New York Lottery had a slogan: “All it takes is a dollar and a dream.” If you bought a ticket for a dollar, all your dreams might come true. Of course, the odds of that happening are so remote that R’ Moshe Feinstein considered winning the lottery an open miracle, and people trying to win often spend many more dollars. It’s not even just a dollar anymore, but that’s beside the point.
I think, in the past, I’ve written about a friend who would buy scratch-off lottery tickets and carry them around for days. When I asked him why, he explained that as long as he didn’t scratch them off, he could keep the dream of winning going. Once he scratched them, it was all over. Either he won or he didn’t, and since the odds were that he hadn’t, why hurry the disappointment? It’s definitely an interesting approach.
There’s another expression that seems lottery-related, but really isn’t. It’s an American one I believe, and it’s, “That’s the ticket!”
The phrase "the ticket" is an informal term that has multiple meanings, including "the correct or most desirable thing" or "the thing that is needed or wanted". For example, “Compromise, now
By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
that's the ticket.”
It is thought to come from the French, similar to the word, “etiquette,” which is the proper form or behavior, which, by the way, means, “the ticket!” The point when using it, is that you’ve hit upon the solution to your problem, or chosen precisely the best course of action to take.
Now, the “dollar and a dream” concept is rather weak, because you obviously need more than a dollar and a dream to make things happen. You have to actually WIN the lottery in order to do the things you wanted. But what if I told you there was a way to get things done simply by having that (two) dollars and a dream? You’d be shocked, but when I explain it,
you’ll see just how simple it is. My friend walked around with unscratched lottery tickets because then he could imagine he’d won and enjoy the daydreams of what he might do with the money. But he never did anything with it. I’m going to show you how to make your dreams come true with that simple piece of paper even if your numbers never come up.
In life, we all want things. Well, most of us do. I’m sure there are some tzaddikim who don’t want things, like R’ Ahron Leib Steinman z”l who’d said, “Why do we need to paint the apartment? It was painted when we moved in fifty years ago!”
But even R’ Ahron Leib wanted certain things. He wanted to serve Hashem and do what was right. As far as I know, that’s what he did, but some of us need a little more motivation. That’s where the ticket comes in.
Serving Hashem simply because it’s the right thing to do is challenging. When we realize that we will be greatly rewarded for it, that may help a bit, because we use our Yetzer Hara to desire that reward, and we trick him into giving us the motivation to do what we ought to. We are supposed to use him like that, you see, and leverage his own
strength against him. Sort of like Jew Jitsu.
So, you go buy a lottery ticket, and the jackpot is a lot of money. It’s enough to buy a home in Eretz Yisrael, airline tickets whenever you want, and all the eggs you can eat. (The recent bird flu has made prices skyrocket.) You dream of the things that money can buy; of course, remaining cognizant of the things it can’t.
Here’s where the magic happens. Let’s say you buy the ticket on Sunday, and the drawing isn’t until Wednesday. Or, you buy a scratcher and don’t scratch it. While you’re dreaming about what you will do with the money, convince yourself that you will be able to better the odds. Let’s
say someone makes you angry. Tell yourself, “Maybe Hashem is testing me to see if I can control myself, and show Him I’m worthy of winning, that it won’t make me arrogant.” The draw of the money will help you keep your cool.
If you’re thinking of snoozing the alarm again, but you’ll be late to shul or a chavrusa, remind yourself that perhaps Hashem is seeing if you are lazy or wish to serve Him. You want him to give you millions of reasons to serve Him, so you get up and do what you’re supposed to.
What you’ve done now, is turned those dreams of controlling yourself or getting up promptly, into reality, by leveraging the potential lottery
win. Even if it never happens, you’re a winner because you’ve gained immeasurably by the mitzvos you’ve done.
As we approach Rosh HaShana, when we will really be judged on how much money we will have next year, plus so much more, why not use this strategy to become a better person, fueled by your desire for wealth? Trust me. For this journey, that’s absolutely the ticket.
© 2024 – All Rights Reserved
Did you enjoy this column? Feedback is welcome and appreciated. E-mail info@ JewishSpeechWriter.com to share your thoughts. You never know when you may be the lamp that enlightens someone else.
Dovid Hamelech’s Legacy Lives on Like Never Before!
Global Elul 5784 Inspiration - Chizuk
Tehillim on Klaf Tefilah will have Twenty speakers over Twenty days of Elul to give chizuk and inspiration to Klal Yisroel.
Speakers to include Rabbi Eliezar Wolf, Beit David Highland Lakes Shul; Rabbi Yonatan Magazzinich noted speaker Hollywood, Florida; Rabbi Yona Reiss, Av Beis Din CRC, Chicago; Rabbi Yehoshua Perlow, Novominsk Rebbe; Rabbi Aron Glick, Khal Kaminetz, Boro Park; Rabbi Baruch Gradon, Merkaz HaTorah Kollel, Los Angeles; Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon, Chief Rabbi Gush Etzion; Rabbi Dovid Gross, Kehilas Beis Doniel, Cleveland; Rabbi Levi Wolf, Central Synagogue, Sydney; Rabbi Dr Hillel Fox, Chaplin North Shore Hospital; Rabbi Elazar Muskin, Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles; Rabbi David Aaron, Isralight, Yerushalayim; Rabbi Avrohom Weinrib, Cong Zichron Eliezer, Cincinnati; Rabbi Avrohom Karnowsky, Aish Kodesh, Denver; Rabbi Simcha Silverman, Chaplin, Lenox Hill Hospital; Rabbi Daniel Reich,
Cong Adas Yeshurun, La Jolla, CA; Rabbi Tzvi Selengut, Ohab Zedek, Belle Harbor; Rabbi Hershel Billet, Young Israel Woodmere; Rabbi Binyamin Silver, Young Israel Long Beach; Rabbi Jonathan Muskat, Young Israel Oceanside.
It will take place during the month of Elul by LiveStream.
Tehillim on Klaf Tefilah has
created awareness for more powerful Tehillim Tefilah. Klal Yisroel needs so many Yeshuos and Refuah now, more than ever before. What could be more beneficial in these times than uniting to join a Tehillim Tefilah being read daily, being read from a hand-written Sefer Tehillim on Klaf, written by a Sofer Mumche, and possesses the authentic powers as Dovid Hamelech wrote it.
The Steipler Gaon zt"l, in Karyana De Igarta, discusses the significance of reciting Tehillim from a Klaf, (Parchment), written by an expert Sofer following all dinim of sta"m. The Steipler Gaon zt"l is stating that such a tefilah is "retzuya umekubeles beyoser", it is on a higher level and meriting "greater acceptance" above.
Tehillim on Klaf Tefilah serves as a source of Tefilah, Yeshuos and hope for Klal Yisroel globally.
Rabbi David Aaron
Rabbi Hershel Billet
Rabbi Yonatan Magazzinich
Rabbi Eliezar Wolf
Rabbi Yona Reiss
Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon
An Interview with Luis Rimoli: Candidate for Dania Beach City Commission
WHY ARE YOU CURRENTLY RUNNING?
I have lived in Dania Beach for 24 years. Over the past 20 years, I choose to volunteer on many city boards including, Affordable Housing, Airport Advisory, Creative Art Counsel, Charter Review and Employee Pension. I feel that by serving in public office, I can make an impact on issues that really matter to our residents. It’s about giving voice to my neighbors and the community I love – and standing up with an unwavering commitment to the values we hold dear and that make our community great.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE
THE TOP THREE CHALLENGES FACING OUR DISTRICT TODAY, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ADDRESS THEM?
1. More single-family home ownership opportunities. We need to seek and work with developers that can develop affordable single-family homes and condos.
within the school such as a culture of instructional excellence, effective and efficient operational systems and trusting relationships with teachers, staff, students, families, and community members. In addition, we need to make our schools safer for students, teachers and staff, and develop processes for identifying and stopping threats before they occur.
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CITY GOVERNMENT, AND RESIDENTS?
3. City infrastructure –Continue to support our city’s current master plan to solicit state and federal aid to assist with our drainage master plan for the entire city.
4. School improvement and education – Effective school leadership is demonstrated by the ability of our school leaders to envision and develop conditions
2. Traffic Congestion – Work with local, county and state representatives on a transportation master plan for our city.
I will continue to do what I do now and that is attend as many community association meetings as possible. At meetings, I listen and learn of issues and concerns that affect each neighborhood within the city of Dania Beach. I would also encourage our residents to either come to our city commission meetings monthly or listen in on-line to stay up to date and informed on city government
decisions that are being made on their behalf.
HOW
DO YOU PLAN TO ADDRESS OUR CURRENT ECONOMY, UNEMPLOYMENT AND CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS?
I will continue to support our city’s efforts to attract new business to relocate to Dania Beach. I would also encourage those new business to hold job fairs for our residences first before opening those opportunities to the public. The Dania Pointe shopping and dining venue and Spirit Airlines which opened its new
corporate headquarters here are examples of good corporate citizens who are committed to providing continued local job opportunities.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON SCHOOL CHOICE?
I believe that parents should have more control and opportunity to provide their child with the most appropriate learning environment. This could be a public school, private school, charter school, home school, or any other learning environment.
WITH THE CURRENT ONGOING STATE OF WAR IN ISRAEL,
WHAT IN YOUR OPINION, IS THE RIGHT APPROACH TO HAMAS, AND THE U.S. FOREIGN POLICY?
Iranian-back Hamas and Hezbollah are terrorist organizations whose stated goals are the destruction of Israel. The slaughter of innocents, which sparked the war, was a form of genocide. Now, a year into the war, the hostages are still captive, and Israel continues to bring the fight to Hamas. Extreme pressure needs to be exerted on Iran in order make Hamas and Hezbollah serious negotiators and to bring about a peaceful solution.
Deep Slumber Mattress Pad
Deep Slumber Pillow
Fun Things To Do in South Florida
BEDNERS FARM
Fruit Picking! Petting Zoo! Hay Rides! Fun for the whole family! 10066 Lee Rd Boynton Beach Florida 33473 561-733-5490 www.bedners.com
I FLY INDOOR SKYDIVING
There’s no other feeling in the world quite like indoor skydiving. iFLY’s state-of-the-art wind tunnels are designed to provide a safe flight experience, memories that will last a lifetime, and a unique story to tell. 11690 W State Rd 84 Davie Florida 33325 954-280-4359 www.iflyworld.com
ARCADE ODYSSEY
This arcade with a retro vibe offers a sizable selection of new & classic games. Pine Lake Shopping Center 12045 SW 117th Ave, Miami, FL 33186 305- 253-2722 www.arcadeodyssey.com
CANDLE LAND MIAMI
Land of Candles! Offering the Unique Experience of Crafting Your Perfect Candle, From Start to Finish. Cost: $50.00 per person 2311 NW 2nd Ave Miami Florida 33127 United States 786-953-6123 www.candlelandmiami.com
ZOO MIAMI
It seems to be the perfect day to visit the Zoo!
Purchase tickets here: shop.zoomiami.org
SKYZONE!
Jump, spin, flip, play and a whole lot more! www.skyzone.com
BOCA ICE
The “coolest” place to skate, play, and have fun! Hockey, ice-skating, bumper cars on ice and more. See you on the ice! BOCA ICE! 561-21-SKATE bocaice.com
ART CAFÉ
Art Café is open in Bay Harbor Island’s Offering Open Studio, Classes, and more! 305-982-7511 Info@artcafebh.com
We launched this publication so that you can enjoy community news, local school photos and updates, restaurant updates, recipes, sales and other timely content.
We’d love to hear what types of content you would like to see.
Please email your feedback & thoughts to info@tsfcommunityvoice.com
South Florida Gemach Directory
HELP WANTED
Work from home
Easy fun and tons of potential!
No computer necessary! Great opportunity! For more info call: 845-729-013
Restaurant Entrepreneur
Former practicing business transactions attorney is looking for a restaurant entrepreneur to be partners in a unique, fast casual, potentially huge restaurant chain concept centered around an old Jewish favorite food, starting in Dade or Broward County. No financial investment required. Please inform of your experience to KMB3KMB@YAHOO.COM
North Miami Beach Restaurant looking for a manager full time or part time please call must have experience 786-553-5028.
Looking to hire: Full time (9-5) secretary/ office manager based out of office in Miami Beach. Must have basic computer skills, emails, spreadsheet organizing, quickbooks, and most importantly be a team player with good energy. Pay based upon experience with room for growth. Requirements: must have a vehicle and speak Spanish. Send resume and inquiries to Moshe@ cmgtgroup.com to schedule an interview.
The cave is now hiring servers hostess & kitchen staff 954-888-8112.
Currently looking for self driven individuals to join our financial firm. We can train & develop you to own your own practice or grow into management positions. Call or WhatsApp 806-290-6618.
Aventura/North Miami Beach full-time and part-time security positions available Monday - Friday as well as on the weekends. Morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight shifts available. Must have an active D license and speak English. Bilingual a plus! Please call 239-379-1764.
A local Hollywood preschool is looking for a full time bookkeeper. Please reach out to 954625-4580 or email office@baismordechai.com
SUPPORT GROUPS AND HOTLINES
Chizuk
Support group for women struggling with infertility
Call Sharona at 917-673-6123
Sharsheret Cancer Support
Call: 954-416-0087
Shalom Task Force Domestic Abuse Hotline
Call: 888-883-2323
Yacholet-Ikann
Non-profit organization in Hollywood, FL offering financial assistance for
mental health services and 100% Kosher therapeutic housing for young Jewish women with trauma and mental health struggles. (786) 992-5036
office@yacholet-ikann.org acholet-ikann.org
People available for support, Advice & Resource Guidance over the phone or in person
Seniors Support
For seniors looking for someone to talk to. Call or text: 347-324-4039
Free Private Counseling for Women with Breast Cancer
Strictly confidential, MSW with 20 years experience.
Call: 845-721-7062
Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services
Free counseling & help for couples struggling w/ infertility.
Jaclyn at jaclynt@ralesjfs.org
FOOD
Challah Gemach
Free Challah for needy families for Shabbos.
Call or text: 347-324-4039
Shifra & Puah Meals/Assistance for Postpartum Women
Call Esther: 310-866-8261 or Rabbi Benitah: 718-213-1811
Yetiv Lev Food Assistance
Emergency assistance, visits and meals for new mothers and others that are sick.
Contact 786-202-3344
Tomchei Shabbos Miami Kosher Supermarket
Contact Rabbi Mendy Cheruty at 305-219-3353
Tomchei Shabbos of Florida
Contact Dovie Katz at 786-248-1690
The Cupboard, Jewish Family Services: The Dorit & Ben J. Genet (Broward residents only by appointment)
Contact 954-530-7555
Jewish Community Services Food Bank
305-947-8093
Craig’s Pantry
954-648-6359
*The South Florida Community Voice is not responsible for hechsher at pantries. Please verify all food items.
CLOTHING
The Closet
1840 NE 183rd St. North Miami Beach, FL Next to the Skylake Shul
305-4671928
Goodman Jewish Family Services
954-909-0810
JEWISH BURIAL AND SHIVA SERVICES
Freshly prepared meals for families sitting Shiva
Call or text: 347-324-4039
Neshama Foundation
Financial assistance, end-of-life education, and personalized guidance to prevent cremation and grant each Jew their final respects.
Call: 833-469-7685
info@neshama.org
Chesed Shel Emes
Helps families cope with all matters related to the care of the deceased: burial, transport, shiva chairs, tables etc. Call: 305-359-5700 or 305-590-8005
MONEY
Free Loan Gemach
No interest small loans
Contact Rina at 347-628-0394
Hebrew Free Loan Association of South Florida
Contact 305-933-1187 or 954-706-6236
Jewish Educational Loan Fund
0% Interest Loans for Higher Education (college, graduate vocational school) www.jelf.org
Loan Gemach North Miami Beach Florida 33162 305-332-3572
The Helping HandsLending G’mach. Contact Aharon Greenberg: 305-534-7050 or 768-268-9883 HHLendingGmach@gmail.com.
HOUSEHOLD
Mezuzah Gemach
Mezuzahs available to borrow
Contact Rabbi Yochanan Klein at 305-450-8287
Free Mezuzahs
Mezuzahs available free of charge www.myzuzah.org/me/
MISCELLANEOUS
Everything Virtual Gemach for Jewish Families with Financial Difficulties
Helps people find an item you need from someone who is donating it. This includes clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, furniture placement, Judaica, Sefarim, sheitels, houseware items and more (everything except medical supplies, coats and gowns).
Does not resell anything that is donated*
Contact Orit Sabo at 917-359-5818 to request an item or to donate an item to someone else.
For the full Gemach list, please visit: tsfcommunityvoice.com/gemach
LinkedIn: A Waste of Time? Part II
By Shalom Markman
LinkedIn doesn’t do it for me. What’s in it for me, anyways?
I used to wonder the same. Sometimes I’ll admit I still do. However, the personal opportunities I’ve created for myself because of LinkedIn is surprising. Much has to do with how I approach this largest social networking platform in the world, LinkedIn, close to one billion active users.
Although the algorithm undoubtedly has an impact, I believe creating a realistic approach based on time tested experience is more important and ultimately more effective. As to the algorithm, I don’t know it nor do many LinkedIn “influencers” either. Keep in mind that the sacred algorithm is continually adapting as well. Number two, by the time the algorithm code is cracked, a new one undoubtedly shifts into place. My approach for LinkedIn therefore is to focus on what I can control. I sum this up into the seven P’s.
Purposeful presence
Purposeful content
Purposeful value
Purposeful branding
Purposeful consistency
Purposeful engagement
Purposeful connections
Notice I put purposeful connections last. That’s because when jumping on a social
media platform, one of the first objectives would be to naturally be seen by as many people or bots these days, as possible. Naturally with LinkedIn, it’s easy to want to do the same. However, I believe that with this platform, being seen by as many people as possible is actually the least important step in using the platform for your advantage.
Instead, value and consistency will actually impact these numbers by default. When actively connecting with a user, understand that they may or may not be interested in your specific brand. (My definition of a brand when it comes to LinkedIn is complex yet simple. Brand is how you decide to offer
value on the platform. More in a later conversation) Instead, connecting is just another way for them to expand their own network. When you decide to put out valuable and consistent content, your new connections are instead reaching out to follow or connect with you because they actually see value in your LinkedIn brand. In return, you can be more assured that your connections are not only active, but your content is curated for your audience. Not on purpose but by default.
I’ll often find myself intrigued by those with a large LinkedIn following and I use this curiosity to learn more about how to approach the subject. I see two polar differences in profiles that
BUSINESS
have large LinkedIn profiles. I’d like to break this down and call one, profile A and the other, profile B.
Profile A has a sizable engagement for their size. To illustrate, it would look to be a profile with about 15K followers and have an average of 70 - 120 reactions per post. Profile B might have 25K followers but 50 or less reactions to a post. Profile B has underperforming metrics based on their supposed popularity.
Putting profile A into perspective, that reaction metric translates into a decent active engagement ratio of 0.0047% - 0.008%. Profile B on the other hand has an engagement ratio of just 0.002% or less.
To even digest these metrics can take some wind out of our sails. So, having one hundred, often different followers engage with your daily content takes this much effort even if your profile A? The years designated to consistent LinkedIn activity in order to have fifteen thousand followers takes what seemingly is a lot of time. This much dedication for such a lack of active engagement?
Keep in mind, a post also has active impressions, which can reach in the 100K+ for someone with even fifteen thousand followers, although it will take another article to fully go through the impact of impressions. Suffice it to say,
impressions impact the amount of active post engagement.
Going back to profile A and B, it’s crucial to delve into the reason for this obvious discrepancy between the attention each account is receiving. I’d like to suggest two, overlapping ideas.
Although profile A, with all these followers is considerably active, there are two realities taking place. One, being, your LinkedIn brand. This, is how dedicated the account is to staying confined to specific messaging. The second, is consistency. These combined have an enormous impact on creating grassroots interst in this LinkedIn profile. When there’s no coherent branding, although the consistency may be present, branded messaging is invisible. Mixed engagement levels are then reflected in this accounts’ content. The results speak volumes. Over time, loss of engagement even with all new consistent content, simply expends effort on just bringing new followers and user engagement to replace the now disinterested ones.
My main point in all this is thar small accounts can actually be extremely impactful. Take for example my profile. I only have four thousand followers. To translate, if I had that decent active engagement ratio for fifteen thousand followers, based on my suggested metrics, I would be batting
0.0047% on the engagement scale with four thousand, and that’s good. Instead, I average an engagement ratio of 1.8%. That’s like a 15K profile having 270 consistent engagements per post or 150 active engagements higher than optimal. In simple terms, I’m highly effective for my profile size.
So, secret number one is to understand that your LinkedIn brand can bring engagement in by default. The folks with organic interst in your profile have a higher level of engagement. Those new connections are now that much more likely to engage with your content thereby doing the work for you and growing your audience. I’d even argue to not waste your bandwidth in manually connecting but rather waiting for them. The result will translate. More meaningful connections on the platform which equals businesses from LinkedIn. Yes, the impossible is not just possible but probable.
(To note, although “purposeful presence” is listed first, I felt it imperative to talk about the bright shiny object of posting.)
Looking forward to continuing this conversation together.
Shalom Markman started selling merchant services by door knocking in NYC. He currently lives in Norfolk VA with his family and visits Florida when he gets hungry or brings on a new client. You can find him on LinkedIn.
Kosher Recipes Made Easy
By Jamie Geller
• 80MIN DURATION • 75MIN COOK TIME • 5MIN PREP TIME • 8 SERVINGS
BROCCOLI KUGEL
The word "kugel" is German for "ball" and probably refers to the small round pot in which kugels used to be cooked. The pot would be placed inside the chulent pot and left there to cook until served on Shabbos. Eventually kugels were baked separately in larger pans, in the same form that we now know them.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 (2-pound) bag frozen chopped broccoli cuts, thawed and drained
• 1 cup light mayonnaise
• 4 eggs
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
PREPARATION
1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Liberally coat a 9-inch round baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, place broccoli, mayonnaise, eggs, salt, black, and cayenne peppers, and mix well.
4. Pour broccoli mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake at 375°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until set with golden edges.
Jamie Geller is the Chief Media and Marketing Officer at Aish. She is also a best-selling cookbook author, celebrity chef, television producer and businesswoman. She is an author of 8 cookbooks and the founder of Kosher Media Network.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SOUTH FLORIDA ADVENTURE PASS
When: Now through Sept. 30
Where: Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Sawgrass Recreation Center.
Web: southfloridaadventurepass. com/ Tickets start at $45
JOURNEY TO SPACE – INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.
When: Now through Oct. 6
Where: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami Web: frostscience.org/exhibition/journey-to-space/g
BALLOON WORLD’S LET’S FLY
When: Now through Oct. 6
Where: Mana Wynwood Convention Center, Miami
Web: BalloonMuseum.world
Mordechai
KID’S ZONE KID’S ZONE
Create a drawing or a piece of art to show your favorite part of Rosh Hashanah!
First place: $30 gift card | Second place: $20 gift card | Third place: $10 gift card WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF ROSH HASHANAH?
Email your artwork to info@tsfcommunityvoice.com
Make sure to include your name, age, and city. Entries must be received by September 24, 2024
This type of contest encourages creativity, education, and community engagement while celebrating important Jewish themes. It allows kids to express themselves through their art and writing, and it also provides an opportunity for their work to be showcased in the magazine.
Sponsored by: SMASH HOUSE BURGERS smashhouseburgers.com (305) 351-9545
