GROWTH: EDUCATION
Who are the “People of the Book”? In the seventh century, Muslim leaders identified the Jewish community with this title of respect, and long before that, Hillel the Sage admonished Jews to study. So it comes as no surprise that teaching and learning are integral parts of Judaism’s historic culture. As Central Florida’s institutions of learning burgeoned, so did the presence of Jewish teachers, professors and administrators, too many to enumerate. This exhibit highlights a few who represent the many. From innovative preschools and public elementary and high schools to professional and graduate schools, Jews have made an important difference.
Dr. Moshe Pelli, first director of the interdisciplinary Judaic Studies Program and the Abe and Tess Wise Endowed Professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Central Florida, 2000. Pelli came to UCF in 1984. Widely recognized as a leading authority on Hebrew and Jewish Enlightenment, Professor Pelli has published numerous scholarly books, research papers and articles. He was awarded the Friedman Prize (1991) for his contribution to Hebrew Culture in America and has received other awards and grants. For 31 years, the Judaic Studies Program at UCF has formed an essential component of the university curriculum because the roots of western culture, civilization and major world religions lie in ancient Jewish thought and practice. In 2016, Dr. Kenneth Hanson became the program director when Pelli stepped down.
Heritage Florida Jewish News
Steven Altman, third president of University of Central Florida, 1989. In his brief tenure at UCF (1989–1991), Altman was committed to building relationships and partnerships between the university and Orlando’s business community that resulted in major gifts. Other highlights include research funding, enrollment growth, creation of the film program, brought Division I-AA football, construction of the Student Union, planning for new residence halls, and a strategic plan that helped guide UCF for years after his departure. Special Collections & University Archives Department, University of Central Florida Libraries, Orlando
University of Central Florida Judaic Studies Advisory Board, 2011. The Advisory Board meets periodically to go over statistics, fundraising efforts and updates on student and faculty participation. Members also discuss logistics regarding special programs and guest speakers. Front L-R: Susan Bierman, Tess Wise, Alex Greenspoon, Dr. Moshe Pelli, Holly Mandelkern. Back L-R: Farlan Halikman, Abe Wise, Tomer Taggart, Edward Bromberg
Heritage Florida Jewish News
Rollins College Professor Yudit Greenberg, PhD with Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan for an Interreligious Trialogue, Amman, Jordan, 2008.
Greenberg, the Cornell Endowed Chair of Religion at Rollins College, founded the Jewish Studies Program in 1999 and continues to serve as its director. Five student groups have gone to Israel for field studies and are encouraged to spend at least one semester at Tel Aviv University. Greenberg authored the two-volume Encyclopedia of Love in World Religions, nominated for the American Academy of Religion book award in 2009. She said, “I enjoy teaching, lecturing and my research in comparative religion.” The publication of her book, The Body in Religion: Cross cultural perspectives, is scheduled for 2017.
Heritage Florida Jewish News
Rollins College President (1990–2004) Rita Bornstein, PhD (center) with Provost Patricia Lancaster (left) and former US Representative Pat Schroeder, Holt School Commencement, 2001. Profound surprise went through Winter Park when Rollins College announced that their 13th president would be a Jewish woman! She cut through cultural barriers at the time that denied Jews access to many clubs and establishments. While under her leadership, US News and World Report ranked Rollins #1 among America’s Best Colleges in the South that offer master’s degrees. Bornstein raised $160.2 million, transforming this liberal arts college by adding, expanding and renovating 25 facilities. Bornstein invited eminent scholars, artists and musicians to its campus, continuing Rollins’ tradition as an enriching community resource.
Rita Bornstein, PhD, President Emerita Rollins College, Winter Park
Political Science Professor Terri Susan Fine, associate director of the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at UCF, with former US Representative Lou Frey, 2016.The National Association of State Boards of Education presented an award to the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at UCF for outstanding leadership in voter education in 2015. Dr. Fine focuses on the US political process at the core of our democracy. She conducts workshops throughout the country and is an important resource to the Jewish community, teaching classes to adults and high school students. She interacts professionally with office holders and encourages political dialog.
Terri Susan Fine, PhD
Founding class of the Beta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPhi), first Jewish sorority at the University of Central Florida (UCF), 2005.
Forty-eight young women established a new chapter of the national Jewish sorority that had its beginnings in New York in 1909. Founded on Jewish values, but non-discriminatory, the Beta Zeta Chapter is dedicated to encouraging each member to develop the talents and abilities that make her unique. Their philanthropic outreach includes the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation and Sharsheret, a breast cancer organization providing support for Jewish women. Attesting to the growth of the number of Jewish students at UCF, AEPhi now has 177 members. In 2016, they applied to have a house on campus.
Amy Kimlat
A few members of the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), first Jewish fraternity at UCF, 2016. The Nu Delta chapter of AEPi was established at UCF in 2000. There were nine founding members. The chapter now numbers 49 brothers who work closely with Chabad and Hillel. Adhering to the fraternity’s principles formulated nationally in 1913, the chapter endeavors to develop leadership for the future of the American Jewish community. This Jewish fraternity is open to all, regardless of faith. Emphasis is on learning, responsibility and developing good values through living together in brotherhood. AEPi philanthropically supports the Israeli Children’s Cancer Foundation and the Giftof Life Bone Marrow Foundation.
Zackary Grayson
Alternative to Suspension program ribbon cutting, 1992. After years of volunteering, Susan Arkin was elected to the School Board. She served three terms (12 years), chairing the board twice, which included overseeing searches for two superintendents. The first half-penny tax increase (for construction and renovation) took place during her terms. As a community volunteer, she served on numerous boards during the last 25 years. Arkin continues to serve on the boards of the Holocaust Center and the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, the advisory committee for Valencia’s Peace and Justice Institute, and is a member of 100 Woman Strong, a giving circle of the Central Florida Foundation. Susan Arkin (far right) with L-R: Gil Hall and Gary King of the Boys and Girls Clubs and Clara Walters of Orange County Public Schools
Susan Arkin from the Orlando Sentinel
Dr. Abraham Pizam (left), Dean and Linda Chapin Eminent Scholar Chair in Tourism Management in the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at UCF with Harris Rosen in China at the Forbidden City, 2007.
Pizam was a professor at Amherst in 1983 when UCF invited him to interview for chair of the Department of Hospitality in the Business School. He subsequently accepted the position. Pizam was key to establishing UCF’S Judaic Studies Program by presenting the idea to President Trevor Colburn and fundraising to establish a chair for the director. He is most proud of being the founding director and dean of UCF’S Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which has grown to be the largest of its kind in North America and among the top five in the world.
Abe Pizam