JACKSONVILLE JEWISH CENTER

The Bible Players

The Jacksonville Jewish Center hosted The Bible Players (a Jewish improv duo) as artists-in-residence on January 20-22. Students participated in playshops both during school and throughout Shabbat. The “mitz-prov” games explored Jewish values & mitzvot through improv. The Bible Players led our Mini/Mighty Minyan Youth Services on Shabbat morning and entertained the adults at an “Unkosher” Comedy Show on Saturday night. Students and families came together for a Chesed Family Comedy Show where a fun time was had by all. Thank you to The Bible Players for a fantastic weekend of Jewish Improv at the Center!

LATKES & VODKAS 2022

The Jacksonville Jewish Center Hosted their Annual Latkes & Vodkas event. There was a lot of casino games, drinks, food, and fun throughout the evening.

Mitzvah Day

The Jacksonville Jewish Center and Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple partnered together to help the larger community by serving meals as well as cooked & delivered meals for Aging True, and packaged & delivered baked goods to local fire stations. Special thanks to Michelle Branly, Rhoda Goldstein, and Wiatt Bowers for coordinating.

The Bernard & Alice Selevan Religious School celebrated Hanukkah with school families at the Hanukkah Happening at Jacksonville Jewish Center.

MAZEL TOV TO HAYDEN FUNK (RIGHT), WINNER, AND ELIJAH SEREBOFF (LEFT), 2ND PLACE IN THE MAJOR LEAGUE DREIDEL TOURNAMENT, THE WINNER OF OUR MAJOR LEAGUE DREIDEL.

30th RIVER GARDEN FOUNDATION GALA: A Time to Shine

A night of spectacular celebration on December 10, 2022 at the Sawgrass Marriott.

CHABAD OF St. JOHNS

9th Annual MENORAH BUILDING WORKSHOP at Home Depot

Dozens of children from around St. Johns County prepare for Chanukah by building their very own Menorahs at Chabad of St. Johns 9th Annual Menorah Building Workshop this year at Home Depot. Kids built their own menorahs, sampled festive foods like sufganiyot/doughnots, as Mrs. Dini Sharfstein enthusiastically shared the Chanukah story, history and traditions, and what it means in these contemporary times. Chabad of St. Johns children’s workshops have become a mainstay for many families, who appreciate the chance to engage Jewishly around the Jewish holidays. For all our Chanukah programs and events, visit www.JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call (904) 701-4422 or email info@JewishSJohnsCounty.com

Helicopter Gelt Drop

Hundreds of families joined Chabad of St. Johns Chanukah celebration and Helicopter Gelt Drop in Nocatee, Ponte Vedra. 11,000 shiny chocolate Chanukah coins rained down as the kids rushed in to collect their chocolate. The evening opened with a special performance by the Grow After School children, which takes place in two locations - St. Johns and Nocatee. Our bright giant Menorah and the Chanukah light show surely sweetened, brightened, and warmed up our hearts this Chanukah! Participants sang, dance and enjoyed Chanukah foods. For more info, visit www.JewishSJohnsCounty.com, phone: (904) 701-4422, email info@JewishSJohnsCounty.com

GROW After School Program

Chabad of S. John’s GROW After School Program is where kids dive deep into their Jewishness, get creative, and discover their Jewish pride. GROW is about how much kids love their Jewish holidays and learn about their strong heritage using STEM skills, art mediums, and Kosher cooking. GROW is where kids are proud and love being Jewish. Grow is conveniently located in TWO locations - St. Johns and Nocatee, Ponte Vedra. To find out more, visit www.JewishSJohnsCounty/GROW, email Dini@JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call (904) 701-4422.

CHILDREN AT CHABAD OF ST. JOHNS GROW AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

CRAFTED

CHOCOLATE TREE BARK IN HONOR OF TU B’SHVAT

Kids MEGA CHALLAH BAKE & BUBBLE SHOW 2023

So much cuteness, flour, and bubbles at the Kids Mega Challah Bake & Bubble Show 2023! There’s nothing like seeing the joyful faces of 75 children celebrating Judaism and the tradition of challah. Thank you PartyHarddy.com for the magnificent& magical bubbles! Chabad of St. Johns Children’s workshops have become a mainstay for many families, who appreciate the chance to engage Jewishly in a fun and creative atmosphere. For more info, visit www.JewishSJohnsCounty.com or call (904) 701-4422, or email info@ChabadSJohnsCounty.com

Kosher Food Club

Each month, Chabad of St. Johns sponsors a Kosher Food Club at local High Schools. This month, it was Fresh Matzoh Ball soup. We delved into Shabbat, and how it helps us live a healthy lifestyle. We all need time to stop, unwind, and focus inward. Shabbat is our anchor. A time to calm our frenzied minds and refocus on our meaning and purpose here in this world. For more information about Kosher Food Club & our Jewish Teen events, visit www. JewishSJohnsCounty.com, or www.facebook.com/JewishStJohnsCounty, phone: (904) 701-4422, or email info@JewishSJohnsCounty.com

MENORAH LIGHTING at the World of Golf Hall of Fame

Dozens of families joined Chabad of St. Johns fabulous Menorah lighting & Chanukah celebration at World Golf Village. Mendel Sharfstein, Rabbi at Chabad of St. Johns, sang the blessings and lit the 9 foot Menorah. Once the Menorah was lit, everyone sang & danced to Chanukah music & enjoyed a delectable buffet of Chanukah treats: latkes, donuts, & plenty of chocolate gelt. For more information about Kosher Food Club & our Jewish Teen events, visit www.JewishSJohnsCounty.com, or www.facebook.com/JewishStJohnsCounty, phone: (904) 701-4422, or email info@JewishSJohnsCounty.com

MENORAH & MARTINIS

Menorah & Martinis is where women made new friendships and connections, created the most gorgeous granite Menorahs to light with their families on Chanukah, discovered their inner flame and the connection between women and Chanukah. To join the upcoming Womens Circle event, visit JewishSJohnsCounty.com/JWC. For more information visit www.JewishSJohnsCounty.com or www.facebook.com/JewishStJohnsCounty, phone: (904) 701-4422, or email Info@JewishSJohnsCounty.com. The Jewish Women’s Circle (JWC) is a place to connect with Jewish women from diverse backgrounds and affiliations in a warm and lighthearted atmosphere. Join us and bring a friend!

Worth The Schlep

March 1, 2023

Discover Israel Film Series @ 6:30 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville, FL

For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel.sandler@jcajax.org.

March 3, 2023

Congregation Ahavath Chesed Shabbat Shireinu @ 5:45 p.m.

Congregation Ahavath Chesed

- The Temple

8727 San Jose Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32217

5:45 p.m. - Tot Shabbat (in-person inside), 6:15 p.m. - Community Dinner, 7 p.m. - Services

$6/child, $12/Member Adult, $15/ Non-Member (Venmo/Cash/ Check at the door) http://thetemplejax.org

March 4, 2023

Congregation Ahavath

Cehsed Adult Purim Extravaganza @ 7 p.m.

Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple

8727 San Jose Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32217 http://thetemplejax.org

March 5, 2023

Jacksonville Jewish Center Purim Carnival

Jacksonville Jewish Center

3662 Crown Point Road

Come enjoy the games, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, dunk tank, cotton candy, popcorn, and more. Individual wristband - $18; Family wristband pack - $54; Food available for purchase from Margo’s Catering www.jaxjewishcenter.org/ purimcarnival

March 6, 2023

Purim in the Wild Safari @6:30 p.m.

Chabad of St. Johns

Join us for Purim in the WIld Safari: Animal Show, Hear the Megilah, Great food & drinks, Come dressed up and win a prize, Loads of fun for the whole family info@JewishSJohnsCounty.com

Kollel Purim Party @ 8:30 p.m.

March 8, 2023

River Garden Auxiliary Donor

Lunch @ 11:30 a.m.

River Garden Senior Services

11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Annual donor appreciation event for the River Garden Auxiliary. Celebrating 100 years! Contact Ellen Rubens (904) 651-6007 or Barb Safer (904) 268-1329

March 9, 2023

Women’s Philanthropy

Connections! @ 10 a.m. Home of Risa Herman

Join us for an introduction to mahjong. Learn the history, why it’s popular among Jewish women, and receive a brief lesson. No previous experience required. For more information, please contact Lauren Rickoff at laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org

March 19, 2023

The Berman Family JCA

Concert Series @ 3 p.m. Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) 8500 San Jose Blvd

March 21, 2023

Jewish National Fund’s Legacy Luncheon @ 11:30 a.m. Jewish National Fund invites you to our Legacy Luncheon: Preserving the Past, Ensuring the Present & Securing our Future. Featuring: Ambassador Dennis Ross, American Diplomat and Author; Robin Dermer, Esq. Director of Planned Giving, Florida; No cost to attend; Dietary laws observed. RSVP Required by March 13, 2023 at jnf. org/LegacyJacksonville

For more information contact Suzie Bassoff: sbassoff@jnf.org

March 22, 2023

JCA - Israeli Technology @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

Israel is considered one of the leading countries in the field of high-tech. Come and hear from Tal about the growing development of Israeli hi-tech and the special partnership with the Jewish Agency and Israeli hi-tech companies. Free to the community. For more information please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel.sandler@ jcajax.org

March 25, 2023

Night of Generosity @ 8:30 p.m.

Home of Haley & Jason Trager

A signature evening for young leaders & philanthropists featuring Mentalist David Jaison. A minimum gift of $118 to the 2023 Annual Campaign is required to attend. For more information, please contact Faye Hedrick at fayeh@jewishjacksonville.org

March 26, 2023

JCA - Model Matzah Bakery @ 1:30 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

Learn first-hand how to make home-made Shmurah Matzah! Kids will go all the way from a grain of wheat to finished matzah. They will take stalks of grain, they “thresh” it to break off the wheat berries, then they winnow, separate the chaff from the grain, and finally collect the grain into a hand-driven wheat mill and grind it into flour. Then like an actual matzah bakery, kids will get to knead the dough, roll it out, and then bake it into their very own matzah. This is in partnership with Chabad of Jacksonville. Free to the community. Advanced registration is required by March 19. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel.sandler@jcajax.org

River Garden 77th Anniversary Day @ 3 p.m.

River Garden Senior Services

11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Annual community BBQ & afternoon of fun! Annual meeting for RIver Garden Senior Services at 4:30 p.m.

Not Your Grandmother’s Passover Seder @ 5 p.m.

Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

For more information, please contact Beth El - The Beaches.

March 28, 2023

JCA - Israel Time @ 7 p.m. Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

Come hang out with our Shlicha Tal, drink coffee, eat Israeli snacks, and talk about Israel. Free to the community. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel. sandler@jcajax.org

March 26, 2023

JCA - History of the Haggadah @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

Get ready for Passover by hearing all about the Haggadah! Dr. Rebecca J. W. Jefferson, curator of the University of Florida Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica, will join us to share the history of this guide to the Passover seder. Free to the community. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel.sandler@ jcajax.org

March 30, 2023

JFCS Annual Event 2023: Wrapping Ourselves Around the Communinity @ 6 p.m. VENUE 841 841 Prudential Drive

More details coming soon Contact Susie Menaged at smenaged@JFCSJax.org

Beth El Sisterhood Miriam’s Seder @ 6 p.m.

Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

For more information, please contact Beth El - The Beaches.

April 6, 2023

Beth El’s Congregational Seder @ 5:30 p.m.

Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

For more information, please contact Beth El - The Beaches.

YPF 2nd Night Seder: Brisket-Off

For details, email fayeh@ jewishjacksonville.org

April 17, 2023

COMMUNITY-WIDE Yom

HaShoah Event

Join the entire Jewish Community for this important event of memory. For more information, please contact Jill Metlin at jillm@jewishjacksonville.org

April 18, 2023

JCA - Mah Jongg Workshop

2023 @ 10 a.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

Get familiar with the new 2023 card during this interactive program with MahjCon’s, Debbie Barnett. Join us for this informational talk about the new card followed by fun activities and time to play with coaching, as requested! The entire community of beginners and veterans are invited to come. A light lunch will be included. Please register by Apr 11. Cost: $68, Valued Member: $45. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel.sandler@ jcajax.org

JCA - Israel National Days:

Zikaron Basalon @ 6 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

Zikaron Basalon in Hebrew means “Remembrances in the Living Room.” This grassroots initiative, based in Israel since 2011, brings together more than 1.5 million people in more than 60 countries to talk with Holocaust survivors or their descendants in intimate, home-based gatherings. This spring, you are invited to join us in Jacksonville at a local home to hear an evening of testimony from a Holocaust survivor. Free to the community. Please register by Apr 14 to receive the address for the program. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel.sandler@ jcajax.org

JCA - Melton School of Adult

Jewish Learning: It’s a Date @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

Whether you look forward to the Passover Seder all year or avoid it like the plague, add “It’s a Date” to your calendars. In this Melton class, we will gain new insight to days that mark profound moments in history, and those that tell us when to harvest the grain or pop open the wine. In this six-week course, we will explore how the Jewish calendar works while learning about our holidays and rituals. We will also share personal experiences and collective memories. $179 - open to the community. Advance registration is required by April 11. To register visit: meltonschool. org/jacksonville. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel. sandler@jcajax.org

April 19, 2023

River Garden Golf Classic @ 12 p.m.

River Garden Senior Services 11401 Old St. Augustine Rd. Registration online

LiterARTure: Art & Literature Series @ 12 p.m.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Building 245 Riverside Ave 2023 series - Girls Gone Rogue. Revenge! Served Cold, painted on canvas or revealed page-bypage, Cindy and Stacey reveal how painters and authors execute the power of revenge. To learn more and register, visit www.searchingforidentity.org/ calendar-literarture

See you soon! Cindy Edelman & Stacey Goldring, Searching for Identity

April 23, 2023

Day of Wisdom with Ruchi Koval @ 11 a.m.

April 24, 2023

COMMUNITY-WIDE Yom

Hazikaron @ 6 p.m.

Join us to remember Israel’s fallen soldiers in defense of their country and democracy. For more information, please contact Jill Metlin at jillm@ jewishjacksonville.org

April 25, 2023

JCA - Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning: It’s a Date @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

See April 18, 2023 for details.

April 27, 2023

Women’s Philanthropy

Connections! @ 10 a.m. St. Augustine, FL

Join us for a Jewish historical walking tour of St. Augustine. Time: 10 a.m. - Noon. Starting point: Mission Nombre. Distance: 1.5 miles. Optional no-host lunch immediately following. Registration required by April 21. For more information, please contact Lauren Rickoff at laurenr@ jewishjacksonville.org

April 28-29, 2023

Rabbi Dyme’s Installation

Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

For more information, please contact Beth El - The Beaches.

April 30, 2023

Mitzvah Day @ 9 a.m.

Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

9 a.m. - Noon. For more information, please contact Beth El - The Beaches.

“Names not Numbers”

Screening

Time and Location TBD

Ha’amatzmut

Join us to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day! For more information, please contact Jill Metlin at jillm@jewishjacksonville.org

May 1, 2023

JCA - Spin through Israel @ 5 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

In honor of Israel’s Independence Day, join an Israel-themed special spin class. Free to JCA valued members. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel. sandler@jcajax.org

May 2, 2023

JCA - Jessica Shorstein“And Again, It’s You” @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel.sandler@jcajax.org

JCA - Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning: It’s a Date @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

See April 18, 2023 for details.

May 3, 2023

JCA - Israeli Dancing @ 6:30 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

All are welcome to join together to experience a variety of simple Jewish line and circle dances. We will learn about their history and tradition while expressing our joy and sharing our connection. No experience is necessary. Free to the community. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel. sandler@jcajax.org

Israel Time with Tal @ 7 p.m. Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

For more information, please

May 4, 2023

JCA - Discover Israel Film Series: Ushpizin @ 6:30 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

PROGRAMS WITH OUR COMMUNITY SHLICHA TAL MOLA. Discover Israel Film Series

Ushpizin 2004, 1h 30min, Drama

An Orthodox Jewish couple’s faith is tested after praying for a child on the Succoth holiday. Free to the entire community. All Community Shlicha programs are fully funded by the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel. sandler@jcajax.org

May 5, 2023

Congregation Ahavath

Chesed Shabbat Shireinu

@ 5:45 p.m.

Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple

8727 San Jose Boulevard

Jacksonville, FL 32217

5:45 p.m. - Tot Shabbat (in-person inside), 6:15 p.m. - Community Dinner, 7 p.m. - Services

$6/child, $12/Member Adult, $15/ Non-Member (Venmo/Cash/ Check at the door) http://thetemplejax.org

May 9, 2023

Sisterhood Lunch & Learn in the Vestibule @ 11 a.m.

Beth El - The Beaches Synagogue

For more information, please contact Beth El - The Beaches.

JCA - Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning: It’s a Date @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

See April 18, 2023 for details.

May 11, 2023

JFCS PJ Library JEWEL

Society Event @ 7:30 pm.

Location TBD

Save the date for this year’s Annual PJ Library JEWEL Society Event. For more information please contact Melissa Williams at mgwilliams@jfcs.org or visit www.jfcsjax.org

May 12, 2023

JCA - Kugel Tasting and Making @ 11:45 a.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

There’s nothing better than the explosion of fruit, custard and noodles in grandma’s kugel. Let’s make and taste kugel, and learn what made our grandma’s kugels the best. Registration is required by May 8. Free to the community. For more information, please contact Rachel Sandler at rachel.sandler@ jcajax.org

May 16, 2023

JCA - Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning: It’s a Date @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

See April 18, 2023 for details.

May 17, 2023

JCA - Jewish Film: 100 Voices: A Journey Home @ 12 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

Jewish Film: 100 Voices: A Journey Home 2010, Documentary, 1h 31m

In June 2009, an assembly of the world’s finest cantors returned to Warsaw, Poland. Chronicling the musical voyage, including performances at the Polish National Opera Chorus the film features old footage of cantors from the Golden Age. Light lunch will be served by host Sandy Oasis. Advance registration is required by May 12. Free to the community. For more information, please contact Rachel

May 20, 2023

Congregation Ahavath

Chesed 140th Anniversary Gala @ 6:30 p.m.

May 21, 2023

Family Shavuot Program @ 3 p.m.

Etz Chaim Synagogue

10167 San Jose Blvd

Jacksonville, FL 32257

Family Shavuot Celebration: Come together to celebrate the festival of Shavuot! Join us for activities, crafts, and a takeaway surprise that honor the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai to Moses. This is a partnership program with the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida and ALL of your local synagogues. Free to the community. RSVP info coming soon. Advance registration required by May 17

May 23, 2023

JCA - Melton School of Adult

Jewish Learning: It’s a Date @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

See April 18, 2023 for details.

May 24, 2023

LiterARTure: Art & Literature Series @ 12 p.m.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Building 245 Riverside Ave

2023 series: Girls Gone Rogue. Her Voice: In recognition of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Cindy and Stacey explore the fascinating lives of writer Hannah Arendt and artist Vardi Kahana. To learn more and register, visit www.searchingforidentity.org/calendar-literarture

See you soon! Cindy Edelman & Stacey Goldring, Searching for Identity

May 23, 2023

JCA - Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning: It’s a Date @ 7 p.m.

Jewish Community Alliance (JCA)

8500 San Jose Blvd

See April 18, 2023 for details.