Jewish Connection SEPTEMBER 2026
DEDICATED TO ENGAGING, INFORMING, & INSPIRING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
Bondi Beach Terror Attack Survivor Shared Story Of Survival And Jewish Resilience
.NEWS
On December 14 on Sydney’s Bondi Beach terrorists opened fire on the crowd, killing 15 people and injuring dozens. Leibel Lazaroff, a 20-year-old survivor of the deadly December 2025 terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, shared his story of survival, faith and Jewish resilience with members of the South Florida Jewish community during a Labor Day gathering hosted by Boca Beach Chabad. The Monday, September 7th, 2026 event brought the community together for breakfast, Lazaroff’s firsthand account of the attack and his recovery, and High Holiday songs as participants prepared for Rosh Hashanah and the start of a new Jewish year. Lazaroff had been helping organize Chabad of Bondi’s large “Chanukah by the Sea” celebra-
tion on December 14, 2025, when terrorists opened fire on the crowd. Fifteen people were killed and dozens more were injured in the attack. Lazaroff was shot in the abdomen and leg. He waited approximately 45 minutes for an ambulance as the violence unfolded around him.
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During the attack, Lazaroff also tried to help a critically wounded police officer before he himself was struck by gunfire. His survival and recovery later became the foundation of a message he began sharing with Jewish communities across the United States. At the Boca Raton gathering, Lazaroff spoke
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not only about the terror of that day, but also about the decisions that followed. His message centered on responding to hatred not with retreat, but with greater Jewish pride, faith and purpose. Continued On Page 6
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Run With Purpose: Join JCS Team Blue Card For The 2027 Miami Marathon On Sunday, January 31st, 2027, runners from across South Florida and beyond will take to the streets for the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon. Among them will be a team running for something bigger than a finish time: JCS Team Blue Card, a group of runners committed to supporting Holocaust Survivors in the Miami-Dade community. Organized by Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS), Team Blue Card gives runners the opportunity to turn every mile into meaningful support. By participating in the Miami Marathon or Half Marathon, team members help raise critical funds for Holocaust Survivors who are facing the growing challenges of everyday life. Last year, JCS Team Blue Card raised nearly $50,000. Those funds helped provide essential services and assistance to Survivors throughout the community. This year, the team is aiming to make an even greater impact—and every runner can play a part. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner, a dedicated halfmarathon runner, or someone looking to take on your first major race, Team Blue Card welcomes you. The goal is not simply to cross the finish line. It is to help ensure that Holocaust Survivors can continue to live with dignity, security and independence in their own homes.
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Making Every Mile Count For many Holocaust Survivors living in Florida, rising inflation and the increasing cost of housing, utilities, food and medications have made it more difficult to make ends meet. Expenses that once seemed manageable can become overwhelming when they are living on fixed or limited incomes. JCS and The Blue Card work together to help address these needs by providing financial assistance and essential services to Holocaust Survivors. That support can make the difference between having to make an impossible choice and having the resources to meet basic needs. A donation raised through Team Blue Card can help a Survivor avoid having to choose between paying an electric or airconditioning bill and paying rent, or between buying food and purchasing necessary medications. These are not abstract needs. They are the everyday realities facing members of a generation whose lives were forever changed by the Holocaust. By joining the team and fundraising, runners become part of a community effort to make sure Survivors are not left to face those
challenges alone. A Team With a Mission Team members who participate in the Half Marathon commit to raising a minimum of $500. Full Marathon participants commit to raising at least $1,000. In return, runners receive fundraising support from JCS, a JCS Team Blue Card race shirt and the chance to participate in one of South Florida’s signature running
The finish line is only one part of the journey. The real measure of success is knowing that your effort helped someone in need live with greater dignity and peace. Registration for the Miami Full Marathon with JCS Team Blue Card is open, and runners are encouraged to reserve their spots. To learn more about joining JCS Team Blue Card and participating in the 2027 Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon, contact Jake Rider at: jrider@JCSFL.org to learn more and reserve your spot. Run for the team. Run for the community. Run for the Survivors. About Bluecardfund.org The Blue Card was founded to respond to urgent need. Since its earliest beginnings in Germany and its reestablishment in the United States in 1939, the organization has remained focused on helping victims of Nazi persecution rebuild their lives and access essential support. Antisemitism intensified in the years before World War II. Jewish families faced growing discrimination across daily life, including employment, commerce, and access to opportunity. In 1934, The Blue Card was established by the Jewish community in Germany to help those already suffering under Nazi restrictions, business closures, and forced loss of livelihood. In 1939, the organization was reestablished in the United States to continue aiding refugees of Nazi persecution as they sought safety and a new beginning in America.
events while supporting an extraordinarily meaningful mission. For those who have ever wanted their miles to have a greater purpose, this is an opportunity to lace up and make a difference. Be Part of the 2027 Team The race may only last a few hours, but the impact of the funds raised can extend far beyond race day. Every training run, every fundraising conversation and every mile on Sunday, January 31st, 2027 can help provide vital assistance to Holocaust Survivors living in the Miami-Dade area.
How The Blue Card Got Its Name The organization’s name comes from the original blue paper cards issued to Jewish donors who contributed funds for individuals harmed by rising antisemitism before the war. Each contribution was marked with a stamp on the card, creating a visible record of generosity and shared responsibility. After the Holocaust, The Blue Card’s mission expanded to help survivors of the Shoah establish stable new lives in the United States. As the survivor population continues to age and shrink, the need for financial support grows more urgent. Since its inception, The Blue Card has remained committed to improving daily life for survivors and helping create a more secure future. Credit: bluecardfund.org
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Pressuring Ally Israel To Implement Never-Agreed-To 15-Point Gaza “Roadmap” And To Prematurely Cease Necessary Operations Against Muslim Terrorist Hamas Won’t Bring Peace Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) National President Morton A. Klein released the following statement: Yesterday, while Muslim Hamas continues operations in Gaza, eight Arab nations (Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Qatar and the UAE) posted an outrageous, despicable statement calling for a Palestinian (terror) state on suicidal pre-1967 lines and accusing Israel of “direct and full responsibility for any consequences resulting from its continued rejection, obstruction, delay or non-compliance” with the socalled Board of Peace’s(BoP) 15-point “roadmap.” As ZOA previously explained, the “roadmap” rewrites, reverses and contorts the already insufficient requirements of President Trump’s 20-point plan. The roadmap that the BoP (including Hamas supporters Qatar and Turkey) is attempting to impose turns the requirement that Hamas must totally demilitarize into a fictitious process that allows Hamas to keep “personal” arms; allows Hamas to conveniently store, not destroy, its heavy arms from where they can be easily retrieved; eliminates the requirement to deradicalize Hamas; eliminates the security perimeter essential for Israeli civilians’ safety; deletes humanitarian emigration for Gazans; adds a new requirement to clearly
commit to creating a Palestinian (terror) state; and unilaterally ties Israel’s hands by calling for Israel to “completely, without delay” cease military operations – without such a “without delay” requirement on Hamas and other Gazan terror groups. (See “New 15-Point Plan Rewrites Trump’s Already Concerning October 2025 20-Point Plan to Further Endanger Israel and to Assist Hamas and Other Palestinian Terror Groups,” by Morton Klein, Jerusalem Post, August 5th, 2026.) Not surprisingly, Israel and its Cabinet never agreed to the BoP’s disastrous “roadmap.” As ZOA explained regarding the Iran-U.S. MOU’s attempt to restrict Israel’s actions against Lebanon without Israel’s consent, one of the most fundamental principles of international law is that documents cannot impose obligations on a state that has not consented to be bound. Moreover, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rightfully rejected the “roadmap,” saying that “the IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed. It needs to be genuine disarmament, not fictitious disarmament. When I say Hamas is disarmed, that means the heavy weapons, the less heavy weapons, all the weapons.” The eight Arab nations’ vicious statement is unconscionable.
Particularly when, during the past week, there were more than 65 incidents of Hamas infiltrating into the yellow zone in Gaza, including an incident in which Hamas stole Israeli engineering equipment, and the IDF opened fire in none of these serious cases. ZOA also is deeply concerned that, at a meeting yesterday in Cairo (which included Muslim Hamas-supporting BoP members Muslim Qatar and Muslim Turkey, and unfriendly-to-Israel senior envoys Nickolay Mladenov and Tony Blair), Jared Kushner reportedly “sought to reassure [Hamas leader Khalil al-] Hayya that the US-controlled Board of Peace would press Israel to stop strikes in Gaza and gradually withdraw from the Strip once Hamas begins turning over its weapons.” In addition, President Trump reportedly told Fox News’ Trey Yingst during a phone interview that Israel shouldn’t be striking Hamas, because “ultimately, they [Hamas] are giving up their guns.” ZOA appreciates Kushner’s efforts to pressure the murderous Nazi-like Islamic Terrorist group Hamas to disarm. However, pressuring Israel to cease needed strikes on Hamas Terrorists who continue to attack Israelis, or pressuring Israel to prematurely withdraw from its current security zones in Gaza prior to Hamas’ complete disarmament, deradicalization and cessation of operations, is a recipe for disaster and will not bring peace.
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From Front Page “Leibel’s story is extraordinarily powerful because ultimately it is not only a story about terror — it is a story about what we choose to do after terror,” Rabbi Ruvi New, Director of Boca Beach Chabad, said before the event. “As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and a new Jewish year, his message challenges us not to retreat in fear, but to respond with greater faith, greater Jewish pride and a deeper commitment to Jewish life.” Lazaroff had previously shared his experience with Jewish communities around the country. During a recent appearance in Wisconsin, he reflected on the connection between his own experience and his family’s history. He recalled the chilling realization that his grandmother had once been hunted for being Jewish during the Holocaust, while generations later he had also been targeted simply for being a Jew. That connection between generations gave his story an added significance as he spoke about the responsibilities that come with surviving antisemitic violence. The Boca Raton program was part of Boca Beach Chabad’s Souls of Sydney initiative, which was launched following the Bondi Beach attack with the goal of transforming tragedy into positive Jewish action.
The timing of the Labor Day gathering, just days before Rosh Hashanah, provided an especially meaningful setting for Lazaroff’s message. After his presentation, attendees joined in familiar High Holiday songs and melodies, moving from a story of violence and survival toward themes of renewal, hope and spiritual awakening. “Rosh Hashanah reminds us that no matter what the past year has brought, we are never prisoners of yesterday,” New said. “We can choose how we enter the year ahead. Leibel embodies that idea in an extraordinary way.” For those gathered at the Boca Beach Chabad Jewish Center, the morning offered an opportunity to hear directly from someone whose life had been changed by one of the year’s most devastating attacks against a Jewish community — and to consider how tragedy could be met with renewed commitment to Jewish life. The event took place at the Boca Beach Chabad Jewish Center, 490 East Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, Florida 33432. The program included breakfast, Lazaroff’s testimony and High Holiday music. The Souls of Sydney Mitzvah Project The Souls of Sydney Mitzvah Project offered by the Boca
Beach Chabad Jewish Center honors the memories of the lives tragically taken in the Bondi attack, by committing to increase light into the world through Mitzvahs. You can honor the Souls of Sydney by committing to put on Tefillin daily, or to lighting Shabbat candles at sunset on Friday. If you already do, you can be a Souls of Sydney Mitzvah Project Ambassador by engaging another Jew to commit to put on Tefillin each weekday, or to lighting Shabbat candles on Friday. The Souls of Sydney Mitzvah Project will provide you with a new pair of Tefillin at no charge to put on daily or to share with another, and with Shabbat candle packages to light personally or distribute to others. Kindly fill out this form and we will follow up with you. About Boca Beach Chabad: Boca Beach Chabad Jewish Center, led by Rabbi Ruvi and Ahuva New, serves the greater East Boca Raton Jewish community through educational, spiritual, social and holiday programming. Its mission is grounded in the belief that every Jew belongs and that Jewish connection and growth can begin “As You Are.” For more info, visit: www.bocabeachchabad.com
Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation Presents Annual Moral Courage Awards, Honors Ousmane Diallo’s Legacy At Yankee Stadium
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The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF) presented cation, digital literacy and civic responsibility. Teacher-led its annual Moral Courage Awards at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, advance and follow-up lessons accompany interactive workshops recognizing five individuals for confronting antisemitism and hate conducted by trained AJCF facilitators, helping students identify and posthumously honoring Ousmane Diallo, the 24-year-old Harlem Legislative Director whose Photo courtesy of the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation brief life was marked by public service and bridgebuilding. The honorees were Rachel Amar, Co-Founder of MODA; Gil Cygler, Board Member of AJCF; Moshe Kinderlehrer, Co-Founder and Co-Publisher of The Jewish Link; Rebecca Sassouni, Of Counsel at Wisselman Harounian Family Law; and Lisa “Malkie” Vider, Operator and Administrator of Oceanview Manor Home for Adults. Diallo served as Legislative Director for New York State Assembly Member Al Taylor (D-Harlem) and died on July 18. His family accepted the posthumous award. A lifelong Harlemite and longtime youth leader with the National Action Network, Diallo devoted himself to public service and youth empowerment. At the time of his death, he was participating in a JCRC-NY Fellowship focused on strengthening relationships between Muslim and Jewish New Yorkers. At the event, Assembly Member Landon Dais (D-Bronx) announced his commitment to allocate a six-figure and confront antisemitism, racism, misinformation and online Capital Grant to support the Infrastructure needed to expand hate. Decode Hate to schools across New York State. “The Holocaust and slavery are among the darkest chapters in During the 2025–2026 academic year, Decode Hate reached human history. Education helps us understand that pain and more than 25,000 New York City public school students across stand together against hatred today,” said Assembly Member all five boroughs through a partnership among AJCF, the New Dais. “Ousmane dedicated his life to serving Harlem and building York City Council and New York City Public Schools. AJCF bridges between Muslim and Jewish communities. We honor his plans to begin expanding the program statewide during the memory by continuing that work.” 2026–2027 academic year due to the support of the NYS “Holocaust memory has meaning only when it changes how Assembly, NYS Senate and Governor Hochul. the living behave,” said Jack Simony, President and Director Decode Hate combines Holocaust and antisemitism edu- General of AJCF. “The people we honored understand that con-
fronting hatred is not someone else’s responsibility. Ousmane Diallo embodied that responsibility in a life cut far too short. Assembly Member Dais’s investment will carry Decode Hate into more classrooms, giving young people the knowledge to recognize hatred and the courage to reject it before it becomes normal.” “After more than 25 years caring for older New Yorkers, I have learned that dignity depends on who shows up when people are most vulnerable,” said Vider. “AJCF teaches young people to recognize hatred early, speak when others are targeted and refuse to stand by. I am honored to receive this award and accept it as a responsibility to continue the work.”
against it.
About the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation transforms Holocaust memory into action through education, leadership development and initiatives confronting antisemitism, hatred and extremism. With operations in New York City and Oswiecim, Poland, AJCF educates students, educators, military officers, diplomats, elected officials and civic leaders to recognize the consequences of hatred and act
The Foundation maintains the Auschwitz Jewish Center in Oswiecim, including the town’s last remaining synagogue, a museum and education center, and preserved Jewish heritage sites. Through programs including Decode Hate, the American Service Academies Program and the RISE Leadership Initiative, AJCF prepares current and future leaders to build a more resilient, pluralistic and democratic society. For more information, visit: www.ajcfus.org.
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As October 7 arrives, the Memorial will offer the community a place to stop, remember and reflect.
Remembering October 7th At The Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach JEWISHCONNECTION.NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2026 • PAGE 8
On Wednesday, October 7th, 2026, the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach will be the site for a day of remembrance, reflection and solidarity marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., community members will gather at the Memorial to honor the lives lost and recognize the profound impact the attacks continue to have on individuals, families and communities. The commemorative program is designed as both a tribute and an opportunity for collective reflection. Throughout the day, visitors will be invited to take part in a series of meaningful activities intended to preserve memory while encouraging resilience and a renewed commitment to confronting hatred. Among the planned activities will be a reading of the names of those whose lives were lost. The solemn recitation will offer participants an opportunity to remember the victims individually, transforming names into personal reminders of the human lives behind the tragedy. Candle-lighting ceremonies will provide another moment of remembrance, inviting members of the community to pause together in honor of those who died and those whose lives were forever changed. The day’s programming will also include opportunities for personal reflection and special educational activities at the Memorial’s Education Center. These programs are intended to provide context and encourage deeper conversations about the
consequences of hatred, antisemitism, violence and intolerance. For the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, remembrance carries particular significance. The Memorial exists to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and to educate future generations about the dangers of hatred and persecution. Its setting offers a powerful space for the community to consider the connections between historical memory and the challenges of the present. Remembering October 7th will extend that mission into a contemporary moment, creating space not only to mourn but also to learn. The organizers emphasize that community members are welcome to participate in any or all of the day’s programs. Whether attending a candle-lighting ceremony, listening to the reading of names, taking part in educational programming or simply spending a few quiet moments at the Memorial, visitors will have opportunities to engage with the day in ways that feel meaningful to them. At its heart, the gathering is about people. It is about honoring those who were killed, acknowledging those who continue to carry the consequences of the attacks and creating a shared space where grief and remembrance can coexist with resilience and hope. The event also serves as an affirmation that memory can be an active responsibility. By coming together, community members can reaffirm their opposition to hatred and violence while
strengthening bonds of compassion and shared humanity. Additional event details and the complete schedule of activities are expected to be announced closer to the event. The program will take place at the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, located at 1933–1945 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Remembering October 7th October 7, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach 1933–1945 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 The event is organized by Lianet Hernandez, who can be contacted at: lianethernandez@gmjf.org As October 7 arrives, the Memorial will offer the community a place to stop, remember and reflect. In gathering to honor the victims and those affected, participants will help ensure that remembrance remains more than an act of looking back—it becomes a commitment to compassion, education and a future in which hatred has no place. For more information about the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach and directions to the memorial visit: https://holocaustmemorialmiamibeach.org/
Jewish Community Services Of South Florida Announces New Board Chair And Board Leadership For 2026-2027 Mitchell Morris Elected Board Chair, Leading New Board of Directors and Executive Committee
JCS also announced its 2026-2027 Executive Committee: Executive Committee • Mitchell Morris, Board Chair • Vanessa Ressler, Immediate Past Chair • John Bussel, Vice Chair • Michael Berman, Treasurer • Yolanda Valencia, Secretary At-Large Members • Michele Burger • Michael Levine • Robert Newman Ex-Officio Members • Dr. Helen Sachs Chaset • Jonathan Raiffe In addition, JCS welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors: • Ilene Kossman • Bruce Libhaber • Jill Swartz • Dennis Kerbel “Our volunteer leaders play a vital role in helping JCS fulfill its mission,” added Singer. “We are grateful for their service and look forward to the leadership and expertise they will bring as we continue strengthening programs that improve the lives of frail and vulnerable residents of all ages and backgrounds, based on Jewish values, across Miami-Dade County.” For more than 106 years, JCS of South Florida has provided critical social services that help individuals and families achieve greater stability, independence, and well-being. Through more than 25 programs and services, JCS supports older adults, Holocaust Survivors, children, families, and individuals facing mental health, food security, and other life challenges throughout the community. For more information about JCS and its programs, visit: www.jcsfl.org.
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Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS), one of Miami-Dade County’s longestserving NonProfit Social Service agencies, today announced the appointment of Mitchell “Mitch” Morris as Chair of its Board of Directors, along with the appointment of its new Executive Committee, Board members, and At-Large representatives. Morris succeeds Vanessa Ressler, who will continue serving the organization as Immediate Past Chair. He brings more than eight years of service on the JCS Board of Directors and a deep commitment to the agency’s mission of improving the quality of life and self-sufficiency of the Jewish and broader communities throughout South Florida in accordance with Jewish values. Throughout his tenure with JCS, Morris has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to bringing the JCS mission to life. He has served in several leadership positions, including Vice Chair, Treasurer, Audit Committee Chair, and as an active member of the Executive Committee. “Mitch’s leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to our mission make him the ideal thought partner in leading the Board during these challenging times for Jewish communal agencies and the non-profit sector,” said Miriam Singer, President and CEO of JCS. “His commitment to service and his extensive experience in finance and risk management will strengthen and amplify our impact.” Professionally, Morris serves as Vice President of Internal Audit for Restaurant Brands International, one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant companies, whose brands include Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. In this role, he oversees global audit and risk management initiatives. He previously held positions at EY and KPMG and brings decades of expertise in accounting, finance, auditing, and corporate governance.
“I am honored to serve as Board Chair of an organization that has continued to make such a profound impact on our community for more than 100 years,” said Morris. “JCS embodies the values of compassion, dignity, and responsibility for others. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure we continue providing high-quality critical services to those who need them most.”
Shishi Shuk Returns To Davie With Israeli Community Market JEWISHCONNECTION.NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2026 • PAGE 10
The Shishi Shuk, a popular Israeli community marketplace, is returning to Davie this fall, bringing together local vendors, artisans, food makers and shoppers for a festive morning of commerce and community. The next Shishi Shuk is scheduled for Friday, October 9th, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center on the Nina & Louis Silverman Campus, 5850 South Pine Island Road, Davie, Florida 33328. Free and open to the community, the Shuk offers visitors an opportunity to browse a wide range of products while enjoying the atmosphere of an Israeli-style marketplace. Organizers say the event is designed to provide something for everyone, whether shoppers are looking for a special gift, a handcrafted item or simply a place to gather with friends and neighbors. Visitors can expect to find Israeli vendors alongside local artisans, with merchandise ranging from Judaica and handcrafted gifts to distinctive specialty items and other unique finds. Food will also be a major part of the experience, giving attendees the chance to enjoy delicious offerings while shopping. More than a traditional market, the Shishi Shuk aims to create
a sense of community. The combination of shopping, food and social interaction provides an inviting setting for people of all ages to spend part of their Friday morning. The October event is the first of several Shishi Shuk dates planned for the coming months. Additional markets are scheduled for Friday, October 9th, 2026; Friday, December 4th, 2026; Friday, January 29th, 2027; Friday, March 12th, 2027; and Friday, April 9th, 2027. Each market will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The series gives shoppers multiple opportunities to support independent vendors and artisans while discovering new products. For those preparing for holidays, celebrations or special occasions, the Shuk can also serve as a source of distinctive gifts and Judaica. The marketplace also offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs and makers to introduce their businesses to the community. Vendors interested in participating in an upcoming Shuk are encouraged to contact Maya Sharon at: msharon@dpjcc.org. Or by phone at: (954) 434-0499, Extension#: 1109. For the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, the event
reflects the center’s broader role as a gathering place for Jewish life and community activities in South Florida. By bringing vendors, shoppers, families and community members together, the Shishi Shuk offers a lively way to connect while celebrating Israeli culture and local creativity. Organizers are inviting residents and visitors to mark their calendars for the Friday, October 9th, 2026 market and come ready to shop, eat and explore. With Israeli vendors, local artisans, Judaica, handcrafted merchandise, food and one-of-a-kind discoveries, the Shuk promises a morning built around both shopping and connection. The Shishi Shuk will take place on Friday, October 9th, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, 5850 South Pine Island Road, Davie, Florida 33328. Admission is free, making the marketplace an accessible opportunity for the community to enjoy a day of shopping, food and fellowship. Credit: https://www.dpjcc.org/events/2026/10/09/ special-events/shishi-shuk-israeli-community-market/
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Moskowitz Helps Lead Bipartisan Jewish American Security Act Florida is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States, and Congressman Moskowitz has long understood the stakes firsthand.
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Today, Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) helped lead the introduction of the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act, legislation to strengthen federal efforts to combat antisemitism, protect Jewish students, secure Jewish institutions, and address the spread of antisemitic content online. The legislation is sponsored by 30 Members of Congress from both parties. The Jewish American Security Act would establish new protections for Jewish students on college campuses, strengthen security programs for synagogues and NonProfit organizations, improve federal tracking of antisemitic incidents, and increase transparency surrounding antisemitic content on large online platforms. “Antisemitism is on the rise across our country, and the federal government has a responsibility to help protect Jewish communities,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “When a man in my district made a plot against my life, I got lucky when authorities prevented it. But unfortunately, not everyone’s story ends the same way. The Jewish American Security Act will strengthen critical security programs for synagogues and NonProfit Organizations while also improving how we address antisemitism online. As more Jewish Americans continue to experience the effects of antisemitic hatred, Congress must act swiftly to pass this bipartisan legislation.” Florida is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States, and Congressman Moskowitz has long understood the stakes firsthand. As Florida’s Director of Emergency Management, he oversaw Security Grant requests from places of worship across the state; and saw repeatedly that there was never enough funding to meet the needs of every institution that applied. The Jewish American Security Act is aimed at closing that gap, helping ensure more houses of worship have the resources they need to stay safe. Among other provisions, the Jewish American Security Act would: • Strengthen protections for Jewish students by requiring enhanced Title VI compliance efforts on college campuses and creating dedicated antisemitism coordinators to address incidents of discrimination.
• Expand and reform the NonProfit Security Grant Program, authorizing $1 Billion annually to help protect synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other at-risk NonProfit Organizations. • Create new Grant opportunities to support local Law Enforcement efforts protecting houses of worship and vulnerable religious institutions. • Improve transparency and accountability surrounding antis-
ing voice in Congress combating antisemitism and supporting Jewish communities at home and abroad. In the most recent election Moskowitz defeated 34-year old Oliver Larkin, who was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Moskowitz won more than two thirds of the vote, the latest election results show.
emitic content online while strengthening federal efforts to understand the connection between online hate and real-world violence.
challenge from the DSA. They threw everything at me and I didn’t change who I am or what I believe, and the voters overwhelmingly chose the independent-minded approach I’ve brought to Congress,” Moskowitz said in a statement. A video of Moskowitz discussing the new legislation can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/RepMoskowitz/videos/ina-perfect-world-the-jewish-american-security-act-wouldnt-benecessary-but-we-/1339858918122415/
Moskowitz is a senior member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Intelligence. He is also a member of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Group and has been a lead-
“Tonight, Democratic voters sent a clear message. I faced a
For more information on the Jewish American Security Act, visit: https://d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/moskowitz.house.gov/uploads/2026/06/JASA.pdf. Also visit: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/4576
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Knead, Braid And Connect: The Braiding Bunch Brings Women Together For Challah Baking JEWISHCONNECTION.NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2026 • PAGE 14
For generations, the process of preparing and braiding challah has been intertwined with Jewish tradition, family gatherings and the anticipation of Shabbath. This fall, women in the community are invited to gather, bake and connect through a new three-part culinary and spiritual experience: The Braiding Bunch, a women-only challah-baking series designed to celebrate tradition, friendship and the joy of preparing for Shabbath. Taking place at Owen’s Place at the DPJCC, the series will meet on Thursday, October 15th, 2026, Thursday, November 19th, 2026 and Thursday, December 17th, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Open to women ages 18 and up and welcoming participants from throughout the community, the program offers an opportunity to learn the art of challah making while exploring the deeper meaning behind one of Judaism’s cherished mitzvot. Challah is more than a loaf of bread. For generations, the process of preparing and braiding challah has been intertwined with Jewish tradition, family gatherings and the anticipation of
Shabbath. The Braiding Bunch aims to bring that tradition to life in a warm, intimate setting where participants can learn, create and share the experience with others. Each session promises plenty of hands-on baking. Participants will make four challahs per session and receive a complete baking kit to help make the experience both enjoyable and accessible. Attendees will also receive a Braiding Bunch tote bag as a keepsake from the series. But organizers say the program is about more than learning how to braid dough. It is an opportunity to build community, nourish the soul and create meaningful connections. The intimate format is designed to encourage conversation and camaraderie, giving participants a chance to meet others while enjoying the simple pleasure of baking together. The series also offers a chance to pause from the pace of everyday life and prepare for Shabbath with intention. Kneading dough, shaping loaves and sharing the results can become a meaningful ritual—one that connects participants to Jewish heritage while creating new memories in the present. Registration for all three fall sessions is offered at two rates.
The fee for those new to the Braiding Bunch is $180, while returning participants can join the full series for $90. Fees include all three sessions, along with the materials and experiences provided throughout the program. Because the series is designed as an intimate experience, space is limited. Community members interested in participating are encouraged to register early. For questions or additional information, contact Maya Sharon at: msharon@dpjcc.org. Or by phone at: (954) 434-0499, Extension#: 1109. With its combination of baking, Jewish tradition and community connection, The Braiding Bunch offers women an inviting way to spend three fall evenings together. Whether participants are experienced bakers or simply curious about making challah, the series promises an opportunity to learn something new, meet others and embrace the spirit of Shabbat. The David Posnack Jewish Community Center on the Nina & Louis Silverman Campus is located at: 5850 South Pine Island Road, Davie, Florida 33328. The invitation is simple: knead, braid and connect.
ZOA Thanks Democrat Leader/Lawmakers For Condemning U.S.-Hating, Jew-Hating Bigot Hasan Piker Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) National President Morton A. Klein released the following message:
or rhetoric in his party. Of course, it does not belong in either party, in American politics, or in American government at any level.” Klein noted that during this election cycle, there have also been Republican candidates who have engaged in anti-Jewish rhetoric – particularly in Florida. The ZOA is also appreciative of other Democrat lawmakers in addition to Jeffries who have been outspoken in their condemnations of America-hating bigot Piker and Jew-hatred. Most notably among these has been Senator Cory Booker, D-NJ. Booker posted on X: “Hasan Piker’s dangerous and hateful language targeting Jewish Americans has no place in our civic discourse. Suggesting that Jewish Americans bear responsibility for hatred or violence directed against them is wrong, dangerous, and antisemitic. “We can, and should, argue fiercely over policy. We should have meaningful dialogue and debate about the policies and actions of the Israeli government and American foreign policy. That is the lifeblood of democracy. But that’s not what this is. “No American should be told that their political beliefs make them responsible for hatred or violence directed against them. There is a bright line between vigorous debate and rhetoric that stokes hatred toward our neighbors. Mr. Piker has crossed that line, repeatedly and unmistakably.”
Piker is reportedly Twitch’s most-watched political livestreamer. Among his guests have been anti-Jewish House members Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as nowmayor of New York Zohran Mamdani. Piker has millions of viewers to his streams and three million “followers.” Piker’s anti-Jewish rhetoric and incitement and anti-American sentiment are not new. In fact, it has been so bad for so long that in 2024, another lawmaker, U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres, D-NY, wrote to Twitch officials about Piker’s use of their platform to promote Jew-hatred. Twitch is a subsidiary of Amazon. Torres noted in his letter to Twitch: “Here is Mr. Piker in his own words: ‘America deserved 9/11.’” Torres stated: “I am writing to express alarm about the amplification of antisemitism on Twitch at the hands of Hasan Piker, who is one of the largest political streamers with a following of 2.7 million. Since October 7th, there has been an explosion of Jew-hatred on Social Media Platforms. “Hasan Piker has emerged as the poster child for the post-October 7th outbreak of antisemitism in America. Mr. Piker has demonized Orthodox Jews as ‘inbred’ and has dehumanized a Jewish man as a ‘bloodthirsty pig dog’: the association of Jews with pigs and blood-thirst is textbook antisemitism. Mr. Piker has all but exposed himself as an apologist for the sexual violence and savage rapes of October 7th. ‘It doesn’t matter if rape happened on October 7th. It doesn’t change the dynamic for me,’ Mr. Piker declares before finally admitting that ‘Palestinian resistance’ (his euphemism for terrorism) is not perfect.” Reportedly Democratic Senate Candidate Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed, who benefitted from Piker’s support and appearances at campaign rallies, has now tried to distance himself from Piker. But Congressman Brad Schneider, D-IL, was not satisfied: “It is disingenuous for ElSayed to try to distance himself from Piker without specifically condemning, refuting, or even just rejecting Piker’s hateful rhetoric.” ZOA praises and thanks other Democratic lawmakers who are now or who have been speaking out against America-hating bigot Piker including • Senator Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich. • Representative Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. • Senator John Fetterman, D-Pa. • Representative Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla. • Representative Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass. • Representative Hillary Scholten, D-Mich. • Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif. • Senator Jacky Rosen, D-Nev. • Representative Greg Stanton, D-Ariz. • Representative Debbie Dingell, D-MI The Zionist Organization of America thanks each of them for excoriating Jew-haters. More elected officials and leaders must clearly condemn Jew-haters and refrain from campaigning with bigot Piker and other influential Jew-haters.
JEWISHCONNECTION.NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2026 • PAGE 15
The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) expresses its sincere appreciation to House Democrat Leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and other Democrats, and of course many Republicans, for their condemnation of America-hating, Jewhating, lowlife bigot Hasan Piker’s ugly and dangerous antisemitism, including clear threats of violence against Jews. Jeffries’ post to that effect on his official X account this week followed what amounts to a justification for violence against Jews by social media monster Hasan Piker, who insanely claimed that Jews are bringing violence upon ourselves by supporting Israel. Piker has endorsed at least a half-dozen eventual winners of Democrat primary contests for U.S. Senate and House seats. “We are grateful that Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others have finally addressed the ever-increasing anti-Jewish invectives and incitement that have become a fixture of the current congressional campaign season – most notably by unfortunately popular ‘influencer’ Hasan Piker,” said ZOA National President Morton A. Klein. “A number of candidates have also engaged in false and hatred-inciting attacks against Israel and its self-defense against the Palestinian Arab subhuman butchers who planned and perpetrated the massacre of 1,200 Jews, the raping of countless Jews and the kidnapping of 251 others. They, too, must be condemned.” Though Jeffries’ post did not mention Piker by name, he later told an interviewer that he reacted to Piker’s latest attack against the Jewish People. Leader Jeffries wrote on X: “The malicious claim that American Jews are inviting violence against themselves is dangerous and antisemitic. “There is zero justification for threats against the safety of our Jewish brothers and sisters at a moment of rising hate. “We will fight the cancer of antisemitism with the fierce urgency of now.” Days earlier, Piker – who livestreams or has a “show” on the Twitch platform that has three million followers and many more millions of viewers – told his audience, according to The New York Post: “People don’t f–k with Israel any longer. And if Jews in America keep putting this idea out there that they’re singularly invested in Israel, eventually someone will come around and take action not against Israel, mind you, but against American Jews.” Leader Jeffries told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer: “The comments were dangerous, malicious and antisemitic and should not be tolerated by anyone in the public square.” When asked by Blitzer if Jeffries was referring to Piker’s most recent threats against Jews, he said they were. Jeffries said: “What we’ve seen is a startling rise of hate crimes all across the United States of America, but particularly in this moment directed against our Jewish brothers and sisters. And everybody, regardless of ideological perspective, should be willing to
denounce this rise of antisemitic rhetoric, hate crimes and bigotry …. The notion that people should be targeted because of their religious beliefs, or ethnicity or race — whatever the case may be — that’s fundamentally inconsistent with who we are in this country.” ZOA’s Klein noted that it is not enough to call out Piker, or generic anti-Jewish rhetoric, when candidates in his own party have sought out Piker to help them win their primary races. Piker campaigned for at least six winners of Democratic House primaries, as well as Michigan Democrat Senate candidate Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed during this election cycle. “Their own anti-Jewish statements are influential.” Klein added, therefore: “We call on Minority Leader Jeffries to admonish those candidates for associating with Piker, which in essence endorses Piker’s anti-Jewish views and activities, and to assert uncategorically that there is no place for anti-Jewish activity
Gutmann Family Golf Classic To Honor Levis JCC Leader Mel Gutmann
JEWISHCONNECTION.NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2026 • PAGE 16
The Adolf & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center will bring together golfers, community leaders, friends and supporters on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 for the annual Gutmann Family Golf Classic, an event that combines a day of golf and fellowship with a meaningful tribute to the life and legacy of longtime Levis JCC supporter and board member Mel Gutmann. The tournament will be held at Addison Reserve Country Club, 7201 Addison Reserve Boulevard, Delray Beach, Florida 33446. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Levis JCC’s programs and services, helping support the organization’s ongoing work in the community. This year’s event is particularly significant as it honors Gutmann’s memory and his longstanding commitment to the Levis JCC. Known for his service to the organization and the broader community, Gutmann left a legacy that continues through the programs, services and initiatives made possible by the JCC and its supporters. The Gutmann Family Golf Classic offers participants an opportunity to celebrate that legacy while enjoying a full day at one of the area’s premier country clubs. The event is designed not only as a golf tournament, but also as a community gathering that recognizes the importance of philanthropy, volunteerism and service. Registration, light fare and warm-up activities will begin at 10:30 a.m., giving participants time to check in and prepare for the day. The shotgun start is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., sending golfers onto the course for an afternoon of competition and cama-
raderie. Following golf, participants will gather for cocktails, dinner and an awards ceremony. The evening program will also include the presentation of the Mel Gutmann Award, providing an opportunity to recognize an individual whose commitment to community service reflects the values Gutmann demonstrated during his years of involvement with the Levis JCC. Leading this year’s tournament are Co-Chairs Lou Shook and Larry Wachtel, with Alex Manolakos and Doug Manolakos serving as Vice Co-Chairs. Lori Fineman and Eric Gutmann are Honorary Chairs. Their leadership underscores the strong network of volunteers and community advocates behind the event. The tournament is presented by the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Family Foundation, with Boca Magazine serving as the Exclusive Magazine Sponsor. Their support, along with that of golfers, sponsors, donors and other participants, helps make it possible for the Levis JCC to continue providing programs and services that serve individuals and families throughout the community. For the Levis JCC, fundraising events such as the Gutmann Family Golf Classic play an important role in sustaining the organization’s mission. The JCC provides a broad range of opportunities and services designed to bring people together, strengthen Jewish life and foster connections across generations. Funds raised through the tournament will go directly toward those efforts. The event also reflects the enduring role that community members can play in shaping the institutions they support.
Gutmann’s service to the Levis JCC serves as a reminder that a community organization’s impact is built not only through its programs, but also through the dedication of volunteers, donors and advocates who contribute their time, leadership and resources. As golfers arrive at Addison Reserve on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, they will be participating in more than a traditional charity golf outing. They will be helping sustain the Levis JCC’s programs and services while coming together to remember a man whose dedication made a lasting impression on the organization and the people it serves. The Gutmann Family Golf Classic is expected to draw supporters from throughout the Delray Beach area and beyond, creating an opportunity for longtime friends of the Levis JCC to reconnect and for new supporters to become involved in its mission. For those interested in participating or seeking additional information, questions may be directed to Ilana Ducorsky at: Ilanad@levisjcc.org. Or: (561) 852-3268. With its combination of golf, dinner, awards and remembrance, the Gutmann Family Golf Classic promises to be both a celebration and a tribute—honoring Mel Gutmann’s legacy while helping ensure that the Levis JCC can continue serving the community for years to come.
From Algorithms To Emotions:
BeWell Miami Brings Youth Mental Health Into Focus Federation, BeWell Miami, Jewish Community Services of South Florida and CAJE, reflecting a broader communal commitment to supporting the mental health and well being of young people. Most importantly, the summit creates an opportunity for conversation. For parents, it can be a chance to learn how developmental science and digital wellness strategies can inform everyday family life. For teenagers, it offers an opportunity to be heard and to consider their own relationship with technology. For professionals, it provides a forum for learning, networking and sharing resources. As the digital environment continues to evolve, young people
will face questions that previous generations never encountered in quite the same way. How much of their lives should happen online? How can they distinguish connection from comparison? What happens when an algorithm understands their interests better than they understand their own habits? And how can adults guide them without dismissing the genuine benefits technology can provide? Those questions have no single, easy answer. But they are precisely the kinds of questions that deserve to be explored collectively. The Third Annual BeWell Miami Youth Mental Health Summit offers an opportunity to begin that exploration with experts, families, teens and community members in the same room. Registration is scheduled to open this month, with additional registration information to be announced. For a community invested in the future of its young people, the message is clear: understanding youth mental health today means understanding both the emotions young people carry—and the digital world in which they increasingly live. Follow: @bewellmiami for more information.
JEWISHCONNECTION.NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2026 • PAGE 17
In a world where smartphones, Social Media and algorithms tivity and community, but they can also introduce pressures increasingly shape the way young people communicate, learn, around comparison, attention, belonging and constant connecsocialize and understand themselves, the conversation about tivity. Helping teenagers develop healthier digital habits requires youth mental health has never been more urgent. This fall, the more than simply telling them to put their phones down. It Greater Miami Jewish community will bring parents, teenagers, requires understanding why technology is so compelling and givmental health professionals and communal leaders together for a ing young people practical tools to engage with it more intentiontimely conversation at the Third Annual BeWell Miami Youth ally. Mental Health Summit, titled - From Algorithms to Emotions: That combination of developmental psychology and digital Youth Mental Health in a Digital World. wellness makes the summit particularly relevant to parents and The summit is designed to examine the complicated relation- teenagers alike. The title, From Algorithms to Emotions, capship between technology and the emotional well being of today’s tures the central challenge: technology may be powered by algoyoung people. Rather than treating the digital world simply as a source of concern, the event promises to explore the ways technology affects relationships, identity, communication and mental health—and how adults and young people can navigate that landscape together. The event will take place on Sunday, November 1st, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Temple Israel, 137 Northeast 19th Street, Miami, Florida 33132. Parents, teens, Jewish communal professionals, mental health professionals and anyone interested in the well being of youth are invited to attend. At the heart of the afternoon will be a keynote conversation featuring two speakers whose work offers complementary perspectives on growing up in an increasingly digital society: Dr. Aliza Pressman and Larissa (Larz) May. Dr. Pressman is a Developmental Psychologist and the Author of The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising How much of their lives should happen online? Good Humans, a bestselling book that translates developmental science into practical guidance for parents. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast - rithms, but the people using it are driven by very human emoRaising Good Humans. Her work focuses on helping parents bet- tions. ter understand children’s development and build stronger, The summit also recognizes that youth mental health is not healthier relationships with them. solely a family issue. Schools, synagogues, youth organizations, Her presence at the summit offers an important reminder that communal agencies and mental health professionals all play roles technology conversations are ultimately about people. Behind in creating environments where young people can feel supported. questions about screen time, Social Media and digital habits are Bringing these groups together can help foster a more coorchildren and teenagers learning how to regulate emotions, estab- dinated approach to identifying challenges, encouraging healthy lish relationships, develop confidence and make decisions. conversations and strengthening resources for youth and their Understanding those developmental needs can help parents families. respond to technology challenges with greater perspective rather In addition to the keynote conversation, the afternoon will than fear. include breakout sessions, a resource fair and a designated teen Joining Dr. Pressman is Larissa “Larz” May, a digital wellness track**, giving attendees opportunities to explore the subject entrepreneur and the Founder of #HalfTheStory, a NonProfit from different perspectives. The resource fair is intended to condedicated to improving the next generation’s relationship with nect participants with information and organizations focused on technology. May is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Ginko, a youth well being, while the teen track gives young people a space doctor-backed tool designed to help families navigate the com- within the larger summit specifically tailored to their experiences. plexities of the digital world. The event also offers continuing education units (CEUs) and May’s work addresses a question that has become increasingly service hours for participating teens, adding practical value for relevant to families: How can young people use technology with- both professional and student attendees. out allowing technology to dictate their emotional lives? Digital The summit is being presented by a coalition of Miami Jewish platforms can connect people and provide opportunities for crea- community organizations, including the Greater Miami Jewish
The chili cook-off adds another layer of community participation.
A Taste Of Country, A Season Of Culture
JEWISHCONNECTION.NEWS • SEPTEMBER 2026 • PAGE 18
When music, food and community come together, an ordinary Sunday can become a memorable celebration. On Sunday, October 18th, 2026, the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie, will host an afternoon designed to do exactly that: the Kosher Chili Cook-Off & Concert, featuring Country Singer Joe Buchanan. Billed as “A Taste of Country, A Season of Culture,” the event promises an engaging combination of live music, friendly competition and plenty of chili. The festivities will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the David Posnack JCC, located on the Nina & Louis Silverman Campus. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. for the chili tasting, giving guests an opportunity to sample a variety of Kosher chili recipes and cast their votes for the best one. The concert begins at 4:00 p.m., allowing the afternoon to transition naturally from culinary competition to live entertainment. At the heart of the event is Country Singer Joe Buchanan, whose performance brings a distinctive musical element to the celebration. Buchanan is known for blending country music with Jewish themes and experiences, making his appearance especially appropriate for an event centered on Jewish community and culture. His acoustic guitar, country style and warm stage presence are highlighted prominently in the event’s promotional artwork. “When I converted to Judaism about 11 years ago, it felt like coming home. There was so much healing and so much goodness, and I needed a way to process that. Music is the way I made sense of that journey. I grew up with country music. The storytelling, the big sound, and the honesty really spoke to me as a young man. When I found Judaism, I found that same heart in Hebrew prayer: longing,
gratitude, and connection. My songs aren’t trying to sound “Jewish” or “Christian.” They’re just trying to sound honest. Honest to who I am. I’m a Jew AND I was born and raised in Texas. Yes, I wear a cowboy hat, boots and a big belt buckle (that has a star of David on it). Yes, I love going to the rodeo and yes, smoked brisket is my blood type. I like honky tonks and backroads.” Credit: https://joebuchananmusic.com
The Cook Off The chili cook-off adds another layer of community participation, rather than simply attending a concert or tasting prepared food, guests can become part of the the event. For chili enthusiasts, the afternoon offers an opportunity to discover new recipes, compare flavors and perhaps settle the important question of what makes a truly outstanding bowl of chili. The event also offers different ticket experiences. Early-bird tickets are advertised at $45 and include the chili tasting and concert. For guests looking for a more exclusive experience, VIP tickets are available for $85, including reserved seating and a meet-and-greet opportunity. The two options provide flexibility for attendees who want either a casual afternoon of food and music or a more personal concert experience. Beyond entertainment, the event reflects the importance of cultural programming within the South Florida Jewish community. The event is presented through the Arts, Culture & Education program of the David Posnack JCC in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Broward County. Bringing together culinary traditions, contemporary country music and Jewish community life, the gathering illustrates how cultural events can cre-
ate connections between different interests and generations. There is also a practical community-minded component to the event. There are sponsorship opportunities are available, such sponsorships can help cultural and educational organizations continue offering programs that bring people together throughout the year. The David Posnack JCC is located at: 5850 South Pine Island Road, Davie, Florida 33328 and will serve as the backdrop for an afternoon centered on community connection. Guests will have the chance to socialize, enjoy food, listen to live music and participate in an event that celebrates both Jewish identity and the broader American country-music tradition. For those planning to attend, the schedule makes it possible to enjoy the event in stages. Arriving at 2:30 p.m. allows plenty of time for chili tasting and voting before the concert starts at 4:00 p.m. The afternoon concludes at 5:30 p.m., making the event a relaxing Sunday. Ultimately, the Kosher Chili Cook-Off & Concert is about more than a bowl of chili or a country song. It is an invitation to gather, taste, listen and celebrate culture. With Chili on the menu, live music on the stage and community at the center, the Sunday, October 18th, 2026 event offers a distinctly South Florida afternoon—one where a shared meal and a shared love of music can bring people together. For attendees, the recipe for the day is simple: bring an appetite, bring an appreciation for music, and be ready to discover a new favorite chili. For more information, visit: www.dpjcc.org/chili
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