Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

For nearly 60 years, the Jewish Community Council (later Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando) has raised substantial dollars for local and overseas needs through the Women’s Division, c. 1959.
In 1959, women were identified by “Mrs.” and their husbands’ first names and not their own first names. They were still encouraged to make their own personal gifts to the Jewish Community Council’s annual campaign. This fund-raising luncheon for women consisted of a fashion show with clothes from Dickson & Ives and a diamond collection by David Kwait of New York.
In the photo are Chairwoman Molly Lewis, Dolly Shoff, Rusty Sulman and Gloria Goodman.
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

Jewish community leaders attend the annual campaign banquet, c. 1967.
Since its formation in 1947, the Jewish Community Council/Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando has been raising funds to meet global Jewish needs through a variety of events and personal solicitations. It is somewhat like a Jewish United Way.
L-R: Elliott Zerivitz, Hy Lake and Avie Abramowitz
Orlando Sentinel

Hal Benowitz
1971-1973

Paul Jeser
1976-1984

Michael Myers
1984-1986

Eric Geboff
1995-2005

Susan Bodner
2005-2008

Olga Yorish
2013-2017

Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO) Combined Jewish Appeal campaign kick off, 1980. The JFGO is 70 years old (2017). The 1980
fundraising campaign marked the midpoint of the organization’s history and volunteerism reached a pinnacle. Stage and screen stars Herschel Bernardi and Theodore Bikel headlined this spirited program that included musical performances, both local and national. The Mayor Bob Carr Municipal Auditorium was rented and all the seats (around 2,500) were filled with enthusiastic Jewish community supporters. That year, led by President Marcia Kerstein [Zerivitz] and campaign Chairperson Sonia Mandell (the first all-women team!), the community raised more than $1 million for the first time.
Marcia Jo Zerivitz

JFGO community honors its Pacesetters at annual dinner, c. 1990.
The Pacesetter dinner honors those people who contribute an annual minimum gift of $10,000, with many Pacesetters giving much larger gifts. These donors support our local Jewish community, Israeli needs such as absorbing immigrants and social services for children and the elderly and Jews around the globe in 52 other countries. L-R: Bobbi and Zelig Wise, Eli and Ina Porth and Sylvia and Ernst Rapp
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

Women’s Division of the JFGO recognizes its donors through Lion of Judah thank-you events, 1994.
Jerusalem, the ancient and modern capital of Israel, incorporates the symbol of the Lion of Judah in its emblem. Women who contribute annually at the highest level to the Federation campaign are called Lions of Judah and receive a Lions pin. Introduced in Miami in 1972, the pin is a symbol of commitment to the worldwide Jewish community. It is fitting that philanthropist Harriett Lake first noticed her South Florida friends wearing a Lion of Judah pin and brought the tradition to Orlando. Each year an appreciation luncheon is well attended. Among those pictured are front L-R: Millie Gitter, Anita Hara, Harriet Ginsburg, Joyce Stetson; back L-R: JoAnne Kane (staff), Marilyn Shapiro, Hope Kramer, Sonia Mandell, unknown, Harriett Lake
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando thanks its many Super Sunday volunteers with this insert in
Heritage Florida Jewish News, 1997.
Heritage Florida Jewish News

Choices 20th Anniversary Gala, 2014.
More than 600 women made the “choice” to attend this gala extravaganza. It featured original songs and dance about our community’s accomplishments in a Broadway style review performed by professional entertainers. It also included a Harriett Lake impersonator! Each year this annual event honors a woman who exemplifies the leadership and commitment of the late Harriet Ginsburg. This is the largest fundraising and “friendraising” Federation event. Both Alan Ginsburg and his daughter Sharon remain involved making these yearly events special.
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

JFGO sponsors community educational missions to Israel, 1975.
The itinerary is designed to boost the annual campaigns and to learn first-hand the needs in Israel. It includes exploring ancient cities and development towns, visits with modern-day pioneers in Kibbutzim, social welfare agencies, government leaders and scholars and unique programs at historic sites. In the ancient synagogue at Masada in Israel are: front row L-R: Larry and Rochelle Richman, Mardi and Ron Shader, Marvin Meltzer; second row L-R: Bob Hara, Rabbi Larry Halpern, Sheila Sigman, unknown, Sol Schick, Jon Rosenberg; third row L-R: Malcolm Kerstein, Lee Chira, Harvey Kobrin, Marcia Kerstein [Zerivitz], Robert Sigman, Carol Rosenberg, Irving and Shelley Kolin
Marcia Jo Zerivitz

As part of Project Renewal, the JFGO partners with a community in Israel, 1984.
Initiated in 1978, this was a partnership between the government of Israel and Jews around the world to revive distressed areas. Our community partnered with Kfar Saba, an ancient agricultural town located close to the sea, and renovated a gymnasium.
L-R: Carol Goss and Rona Kaplan
Collections of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, originated by Marcia Jo Zerivitz, LHD, Founding Executive Director

JFGO Israel Pacesetters mission, 1981.
Caring deeply about Jewish survival and continuity, volunteer leaders often travel to Israel as pace setters for philanthropy in the Orlando Jewish community. This group is influential in the Federation’s mission to provide the resources, planning and commitment necessary to promote Jewish identity and strengthen and enhance Jewish life in Central Florida, Israel and throughout the world.
L-R: Hyman Lake, Lester Mandell, Sonia Mandell, Norman Rossman and Bill Goodman
Collections of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, originated by Marcia Jo Zerivitz, LHD, Founding Executive Director

Participants in Bus 2 of the Yahad (unity) Mission to Israel, 1993.
On October 9, 1993, El Al flight 3002 left the gate at Orlando International airport with 225 Yahad Mission participants. This experience was led by Federation’s executive director Howard Stone with the assistance of Federation staff JoAnne Kane, president Bob Yarmuth and mission cochairs Lisa and Eddie Titen. The multigenerational group was addressed in Israel by Israeli soldiers, Yitzak Rabin, Ariel Sharon and Benjamin Netanyahu. This mission spearheaded the drive for Orlando’s young adults to become more engaged in the work of the Jewish Federation. Stone coined the term “Yarmy’s Army” referring to the successful outreach of Yarmuth in soliciting participation.
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

These Orlando teens above were part of a Greater Orlando Summer Israel Experience, 2008.
To strengthen the connection with Israel, JFGO began its partnership with Kiryat Motzkin, an Israeli city north of Haifa. Part of the P2K (Partnership 2000) movement connecting cities in Israel and the Diaspora, the mission is to foster educational, economic and cultural opportunities in both cities. One of the successes of the partnership is the connection that has been made between teens in both communities.
Elena Finer

The Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project (JWRP) offers a new model for missions to Israel, 2015.
The flagship program of JWRP is Momentum, an eightday journey through Israel geared to motivate Jewish women to become active in their communities. Overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem are front L-R: Amy Goldberg, Laura Waldbaum, Amy Lefkowitz, Lori Wronsky, Stacey Soll, Debbie Bitman, Cheryl Finkelstein and Tracey Weiss; back L-R: Betsy Cohen, Dana Layman, Leigh Norber, Jennifer Trabin, Olga Yorish (JFGO Executive Director), Melanie Brenner, Ronni Mendelsohn, Leah Silver and Sarah Gittleson. (Not pictured: Amanda Jacobson)
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

Federation’s Community Alliance Project (CAP) capital campaign brochure, 1982.
Through the early 1980s,the Jewish community’s Maitland campus was comprised of a small building that housed the administration and early childhood education. There were limited recreational facilities. The CAP was a critical next step in providing needed services to the Central Florida Jewish Community. This brochure depicts the planned additions including the Hebrew Day School building, expanded preschool, Holocaust Memorial Resource and Educational Center, administration offices, meeting rooms, gym, auditorium and senior lounge.
Marcia Jo Zerivitz

Cochairmen Howard Lefkowitz (left) and Marc Katzen break ground for the Community Alliance Project in Maitland, 1984.
In 1982, staffed by Marcia Kerstein [Zerivitz}, the CAP committee raised about $880,000, and two years later, another $650,000 to build facilities for the needs of a growing community.
Collections of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, originated by Marcia Jo Zerivitz, LHD, Founding Executive Director

Additional improvements to the Maitland Jewish Community Campus dedicated by JFGO President David Bornstein (left, hanging mezuzah) and Rabbi Rick Sherwin, 2005.
In 1999, building on the success of the CAP effort, JFGO began a secondary capital campaign to expand and renovate the facilities on the Maitland campus. A separate structure for the Hebrew Day School (now the Jewish Academy of Orlando) was built.
Heritage Florida Jewish News

CAP dedication, September 14, 1986.
The Jewish Federation dedicated the project following the fast and furious CAP campaign and construction process. Marvin Friedman (left), executive director Jewish Community Center (1973–2009) and Howard Lefkowitz receive a gift from the community highlighting the recreational amenities incorporated into the new campus improvements.
Collections of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, originated by Marcia Jo Zerivitz, LHD, Founding Executive Director

This soft spoken man who cared deeply about all things Jewish convinced people that they needed to join him. When Byron Selber (1937–1983) asked, you said “yes”. That is leadership, 1980.
Selber was the first recipient of JFGO’s Young Leadership Award in 1974. Other recipients include Marcia Kerstein [Zerivitz], Mark Cooper, Eva Ritt, Ina Porth, Mel Pearlman, Carol Goss and Susan Bierman. Since 1987, the Byron Selber Young Leadership Award honors his memory and young leaders who reflect his commitment. Recipients include Phyllis Zissman, Burt Chasnov, Mark Katzen, Henrietta Katzen, Roz Fuchs, Harry Jacobs, Hope Kramer, Neal Crasnow, Ben Weiner, Mark Abramson, David Bornstein, Hank Katzen, Allan Klaiman, Laura Abramson, Bill Sholk, Rhonda Pearlman, Rene Brent, Joanne Fink, Lisa Feldman, Jodi Krinker, Ryan Lefkowitz, Lawrence Kolin, Tayler Gold, Tomer Taggart, Jeremy Udell, Jordan Steinberg and Eric Sugarman.
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

Inaugural graduates of JFGO’s Jerome J. Bornstein Leadership Program, 1994.
Developed and staffed by Roz Fuchs for its first 14 years, this yearlong program was designed to develop leadership skills for 25- to 40-year-olds who engage in the Jewish community. Many of the 181 graduates have held top leadership positions throughout the community. The program strives to develop effective meeting skills, an understanding of our community challenges, agencies, local, national and international Jewish needs, and Israel. L-R: Ben Weiner, Bill Sholk, Robin Robuck, Lori Pearson Wise, Rhonda Pearlman, Bob Neinkin, Eric Neiman, Gary Grossman, Karin Grossman, Maxine Silverman, Teresa Finer, Michael Diamant, Steve Kohn and David Bornstein
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

South Orlando leaders build a satellite development program, 2005.
Drawing on the power of the Jerome J. BornsteinLeadership Program, Jews in South Orlando cultivated their own leadership development program in 2005. L-R: Hosts Mona Berkowitz and Renee Bolusky and committee chair Marilyn Marks
Heritage Florida Jewish News

1992 recipient George Wolly (right) presents Zelig Wise with the JFGO Jerome J. Bornstein Senior Leadership Award, 1993.
Wolly had been the 1992 recipient. Zelig Wise’s community contributions exemplify the multifaceted lives of Orlando’s Jewish leadership. Since coming to Orlando in 1946, Wise had a landmark career in home building and development. Soft spoken and sensible, he was a cofounder of the Hebrew Day School of Central Florida (now the Jewish Academy of Orlando), an active member and fundraiser for JFGO, and a longtime leader and contributing member of Temple Israel, where he taught religious school for many years and headed the congregation’s education and building committees.
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

Attending the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has long been a priority of Orlando Federation leaders, 2015.
JFNA’s General Assembly (GA) is the premier annual North American Jewish communal event, attracting Federation volunteer leaders and professionals, the leadership of partner organizations and a range of national Jewish organizations. The GA inspires and engages current and emerging Jewish leaders, tackles the most critical issues of the day and showcases the best of the Federation movement. L-R: Ina Porth, Olga Yorish (executive director), Loren London, Debbie Sembler (St. Petersburg), Cherie Mazer, Rhonda Forest (then president), and Eli Porth. Not pictured, but in attendance, were Eric Sugarman and Paul Sugarman
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

Generations: David Bornstein presides at a Federation rally for Israel, c. 2001.
Orlando’s rich Jewish history is largely attributed to passing the baton from generation to generation, L’dor va’dor. JFGO leadership is no exception. No family has had more of a multigenerational impact on this community’s institutions than the Bornstein family, beginning with their arrival in the 1930s through today. Among the presidents of JFGO from the extended Bornstein family are: Morton Levy (1948–1950), Sidney Gluckman (1952–1954), Florence “Flossy” Gluckman (1958–1960), Jules Echelman (1962–1964), Jerome “Jerry” Bornstein (1968–1971 and 1973–1974), Roz Fuchs (1996– 1998) and David Bornstein (2000–2002).
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

JFGO monthly meeting of its public voice, the Community Relations Council (CRC, later renamed JCRC) with committee members Patricia Bornstein, Robert Petree, Mark Klafter, Ruth Rossman, Mark Leavitt and Barbara Weinreich, 2000.
Since the mid-1970s, the JCRC has served as the public affairs arm for JFGO and as a rapid-response team for local and national instances of antisemitism or anti-Israel bias. It has focused on building relationships with other faith and ethnic communities, Israel advocacy, media outreach and civil rights. JCRC’s programs—rallies for Israel, educational speakers, panels and discussions with elected officials—have reached thousands of Jews and non-Jews alike and have helped advocate for fair, unbiased and socially just policies for our community and beyond.
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando

Beit Hamidrash graduates its class of 2006 with a program pamphlet cover inspired by LIFE magazine.
Once a young Jewish person has become a bar or bat mitzvah, their formal Jewish education tends to cease. But Judaism places great value on continuing education. For more than four decades and under various names—Judaica High, Hebrew High, Beit Hamidrash, and the Jewish Teen Education Network—the Central Florida Jewish community’s program for teenagers in grades eight through 12 has provided opportunities to further Jewish learning and social interaction. Teens from all area synagogues and those unaffiliated come together to learn about their history, traditions and values. They make new friends and strengthen their identity as Jews.
Ava Maxwell

Maimonides Medical Society, 2005.
Federation affinity work-based groups allow individuals to socialize, learn and exercise philanthropy with others of their profession. The Maimonides group for Jewish physicians and medical practitioners was founded in 1989 by Dr. Eli Porth. Other affinity groups have included the Cardozo Legal Society, Jewish Professional Women, the Real Estate Society and the Financial Services Society, which were subsumed into the broader Jewish Business Network in 2015. L-R: Dr. Allan Klaiman, Dr. David Diamond, Congressman Ric Keller (guest speaker) and Dr. Steven Selznick
Heritage Florida Jewish News

Jewish Business Network (JBN) event sponsored by the Orlando City Soccer Club, 2016.
Under the leadership of founding chairman Bill Sholk, JFGO’s JBN was organized in 2015 with a mission to ensure that Jews have opportunities to support one another professionally. With the help of community members David Brenner, Nancy Hecht Farracchio, Lawrence Kolin and Gale Milgrim, JBN quickly grew into a regular networking program, with speed-networking events, topical speakers, and visits to local Jewish-owned or Jewish-managed businesses. The aim of JBN is to help introduce valuable contacts to one another and to allow community newcomers an obvious starting point for their professional life in Central Florida. L-R: Eric Sugarman, Bill Sholk and the Orlando City Soccer Club Director of Corporate Partnerships Brett Weisbrot
Heritage Florida Jewish News

One-hundred wishes is an OJO (Our Jewish Orlando) project with Coalition for the Homeless, 2015.
JFGO has always ensured that young Jewish adults in Orlando have a variety of events and activities for social, philanthropic and educational fulfillment. Volunteer opportunities, happy hours, small discussion groups and holiday celebrations provide age-appropriate engagement opportunities. Our Jewish Orlando (previously called Or Hadash) has allowed young adults to find a true community of peers for support, friendship and, sometimes, love. On Christmas evening 2015 Our Jewish Orlando sponsored and served dinner for women and children of the Women’s Residential Counseling Center (WRCC) of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. L-R: Jesica Yost, Marko Branisavljevk and Eren Stein
Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando