Event Hours(1)
THIS WEEK’S SUNDAY SIMCHA ~ March 29, 2020 ~ 4 Nisan, 5780
In these unprecedented times, unprecedented measures are necessary. I prerecorded The Sunday Simcha earlier this week upon receiving the news that programmers, hosts, board ops and guests are currently unable to enter the WMNF Community Radio site because of the Hillsborough County (and Pinellas County) Safer-at-Home Directive. WMNF is certainly still on the air with a minimal number of staff members operating all programs—prerecorded where possible, or pre-programmed by show hosts with live announcements from staff where necessary. I am grateful to my husband Mark, who is my Executive Producer, and I are able to prepare our program in our home recording studios, so you will continue to hear the Sunday Simcha—which could be a challenging program for non-Simcha hosts to announce!!!
So please please please (especially after all the extra hours of preparation this week !!) listen live to our program today from 1-2 PM on WMNF 88.5 FM or at WMNF.org or via the WMNF App and listen in the archive this week on this page. You’ll hear all the usual inspiring and uplifting music and information as well as special readings this week plus comedy and information about our community.
Today’s music is by Eitan Katz, Joe Buchanan, Feliza & Or Zohar, Martha Schlamme, The Oy Vey Project, La Rondinella, Mawaca, Nat King Cole, Mickey Katz, and The Maccabeats. Rabbi Pinchas Adler of Chabad of Pinellas County joined me via Skype just before the program was created and shared his thoughts on the current situation, ways to remain positive, and his poignant dvar.
Laura Taylor will operate my program from the studio at WMNF, and though I will not be there to receive your calls and comments at WMNF’s DJ email or texts as you listen, I welcome your emails at sundaysimcha@gmail.com or my personal email at joyfulnoise@earthlink.net. My thanks to Shlomo and Yardena Schwersky, who hosted our show last week—the last live show, as it turns out, for the time being.
Join me, Joy Katzen-Guthrie, in these COVID times or otherwise, today from 1-2 PM and every Sunday from 1-2 PM at WMNF Community Radio 88.5 FM Tampa or via the WMNF App or on this site. May you and your loved ones be soothed, be safe and be well in the days and weeks ahead.
And PLEASE—support our program and the station with your donations—we need them more than ever during these challenging (and frankly, expensive) times.
Love to all. ~Joy
Each week the program remains in the archive and may be streamed on this page or downloaded until the next program replaces it. To download an mp3 of the broadcast, right click on the listen icon under the “Listen On Demand” box to your right on the red WMNF 88.5 FM WMNF.ORG – SUNDAY SIMCHA bar. You’ll be offered the opportunity to download the linked file and to rename it and save it on your desktop or where you desire. Note that if you bookmark this page or an audio file, it will be gone after the next week’s program because it remains in the archive only until then—so download it if you wish to save it, or contact us at sundaysimcha@gmail.com to obtain a copy of a program from a previous archive.
SUPPORT THE SUNDAY SIMCHA
The Sunday Simcha is the only program of its kind at WMNF and one of only a handful of programs remaining on the air on American radio devoted entirely to Jewish music.
This May, we’ll bring you a special Anniversary Tribute Program as we celebrate 40 years on Tampa’s WMNF Community Radio—which has been devoted to this program since its inception.
We have added new premiums for your donations—all are listed at the bottom of this page with details—scroll down to read about each one. They include several brand-new exciting options!
• Eternal: a Jewish Historical Novel by award-winning author Dara Horn – $54 pledge
• Sinners and the Sea: a novel by Rebecca Kanner (signed) – $54 pledge
• Stand With Israel T-shirt: available in S, M, L, XL, and 2X – $54 pledge
• The Histories of the Jewish People of Pinellas County: 700+ pages of Jewish history/photographs of Pinellas County by Herman Koren – $72 pledge
• Three-CD Set of Jewish music by Joy Katzen-Guthrie: Seasons of Joy/The Heart of Ancient Promise/How Good and How Pleasant (signed by request) – $108 pledge
• WOW! Guest Co-Host the Sunday Simcha! Circle of CHAI – $18 per month for 12 months OR $216 pledge
• WOW! Your Own Private Concert or House Concert by Joy Katzen-Guthrie – $1,000 pledge (OR $84 per month for 12 months, total $1008)
• And many other gifts from the WMNF collection upon your request when you make a pledge including the WMNF 40 Years and Into The Future T-Shirt
Available as a Circle of Friends member giving by monthly donation of $5 or more:
• The WMNF 40 Years and Into The Future T-Shirt
Available for Circle of Friends Members pledging $50 a Month ($600 annually):
• Your name/dedication inscribed in stone on WMNF’s People’s Patio
To Make A Pledge:
√ Call the office line during the week at at 813-238-8001 and indicate your support is for The Sunday Simcha.
√ Click the tip jar on this page at any time to pledge in honor of The Sunday Simcha or pick up a premium by making a pledge below.
√ Email Joy at sundaysimcha@gmail.com.
√ Call our program while on air Sundays 1-2 PM to make a pledge at 813-239-9663.
√ Or visit The Sunday Simcha Facebook page and leave a message for Joy at www.facebook.com/sundaysimcha.Laura Taylor & Shlomo Schwersky join Joy Katzen-Guthrie, Summer 2019 Pledge Drive Program
We were joined in the studio on November 24th by Ron Becker— Spiritual Leader and Archivist of The JCC of West Pasco / Beth Tefillah, Catherine R, Eskin, Archivist for Temple Emanuel of Lakeland, and Barbara Rosenthal, filmmaker of the recently released Seders & Cigars–A History of Jews in Tampa, for a discussion of the Jewish history of the West Central Florida region. If you have stories to share of local Jewish history or have questions or comments for today’s guests, contact: Ron Becker (JCC West Pasco) at rbecker@emeritus.rutgers.edu • Catherine Eskin (Temple Emmanuel Lakeland) at atceskin@flsouthern.edu • Barbara Rosenthal (Tampa) at http://www.sedersandcigars.com/
THE SUNDAY SIMCHA HISTORY … A TRADITION IN TAMPA BAY (1980-Present)
Since 1980, The Sunday Simcha has featured the gamut in Jewish entertainment and information: music from Jewish artists and communities around the globe, local (Tampa Bay Area and Central Florida) events and activities, news of Jewish culture, arts, and happenings from around the world, comedy, interviews, and weekly spiritual features. Our audience has grown over the years to include an international listenership, both Jewish and non-Jewish.
Among WMNF’s earliest programs after going on air in 1979,The Jewish Sound—as it was originally named—was hosted by Oded Salpeter from 1980-1985. In 1986, when Oded Salpeter left WMNF to take over a similar position with WKAT-Miami, Mike Eisenstadt officially took over as host (after serving as a reporter/guest host frequently in the years prior), giving it the name by which it has been known since—The Sunday Simcha. Until his passing in 2005, Mike dedicated himself with whole heart to this program and to WMNF Radio as he brought news of the local Jewish community, Israel, and Jewish community worldwide and aired news and cultural features in addition to the range of Jewish music and comedy for which the program became well known. Rabbi Shalom Adler, Founder of Chabad/Young Israel of Pinellas County, brought listeners a recorded or live Weekly Dvar Torah—a tradition carried forward by his son, Rabbi Pinchas Adler, in a live interview each week. Kevin Frye and Shlomo (Steve) Schwersky served as hosts of The Sunday Simcha following Mike’s death. After Kevin’s untimely passing in 2016, Shlomo carried on as host with his daughter Jordyn Schwersky, who had joined the program as a co-host in 2014. During their tenure, they dedicated themselves to informing the public of Jewish news around the world and expanded the library of music on The Sunday Simcha to become highly contemporary. The two announced their plans to retire in spring 2019, after which Joy Katzen-Guthrie came aboard as host of the program beginning June 16, 2019.
Our music is an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary, Klezmer, Chassidic, Israeli, Yiddish, Ladino, Mizrachi, Liturgical, and a variety of Jewish folk, pop, and film music from artists around the globe. Each week, Milot Chochmah—Words of Wisdom—brings rabbis, cantors, and Jewish spiritual leaders from the Tampa Bay Region to share a Dvar Torah, personal insight or teaching. Each week’s program also is also spiced with a touch of humor via A Bisl Freylichkayt—A Little Mirth. Community Kvell is a celebration of members of the local community, and The Kehillah Calendar on this page and in announcements on the program details events in the weeks ahead.
We are grateful for your comments, suggestions, ideas, creativity, monetary support and for your ears! We hope you join us as a listener every week and keep us abreast of music, community happenings and community news/updates for our Community Kvell and any creative ideas you have. Contact us at sundaysimcha@gmail.com.
(L to R) Zachary Aborizk, Joy Katzen-Guthrie, Mark Guthrie (Executive Producer), Rande Friedman (jewishintampabay.com)
THANK YOU, JEWISH PRESS OF TAMPA BAY
Our deepest appreciation to The Jewish Press of Tampa Bay (Pinellas/Hillsborough Counties) for its extensive features on The Sunday Simcha, first on April 5, 2019 — reprinted online at https://www.jewishpresstampa.com/articles/oh-joy-new-sunday-simcha-host-to-keep-focus-on-music-and-culture/ and at https://www.jewishpresspinellas.com/pageview/viewer/2019-04-05) — as well as on September 6, 2019 — reprinted online at https://www.jewishpresspinellas.com/articles/sunday-simcha-host-named-new-programmer-of-year/ and at https://www.jewishpresspinellas.com/pageview/viewer/2019-09-06#page=8).
At the WMNF Volunteer Appreciation event on Sunday, August 18th, I (Joy) was named WMNF New Programmer of the Year 2019. I am so grateful to be acknowledged for the programs I bring you and to be part of the legacy of this broadcast. In the months that I have had the joy of hosting The Sunday Simcha, I have been told by both Jewish and non-Jewish listeners how much this program means to you. Thank you for allowing me to represent this community and to be part of a dedicated team of broadcasters and staff at WMNF that brings creative, insightful, memorable, and important music and information to the Tampa Bay region and the entire world.
 Mark Guthrie (Executive Producer) & Sunday Simcha Host Joy Katzen-Guthrie with their award at The WMNF Radio Volunteer Appreciation Event 8/18/19 |
 WMNF Radio New Programmer of the Year 2019 THANK YOU! |
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TAMPA BAY KEHILLAH CALENDAR
A SAMPLING OF COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS IN THE WEEKS AHEAD
April 1, 2020 AND BEYOND
The Sunday Simcha brings you the Kehillah Calendar — brief updates of community happenings in the immediate weeks ahead. Send us word of your community events and news at sundaysimcha@gmail.com.
ONGOING SHABBAT SERVICES AND CONGREGATIONAL ACTIVITIES 2020/5780
For details of individual worship services in the Tampa Bay region, visit individual congregations from these listings of all congregations in our region from JewishinTampaBay.com:
Please note that many other Jewish organizations and all Jewish residential/living communities provide Shabbat and festival worship services and activities as well. Visit or contact these sites for their separate listings of area organizations as well.
ONGOING TAMPA BAY REGION JEWISH ACTIVITIES
NOTICE REGARDING PROGRAMS LISTED: As you know, nearly all programs and classes have been cancelled for reasons of public safety. Other than cancellations of which we are specifically aware and have removed, the remaining are still listed below. Please check with congregations or organizations regarding the availability of these programs—some are being presented on livestream, some will be rescheduled. At this time, additional programs are not being added to our Kehillah Calendar until the public safety concerns have been addressed and public programs resume. Stay safe, be well, and be comforted during this challenging time.
Ongoing – Young Israel of Tampa seeks to complete its new Norman Jewish Library. If you would like to help, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/update-ac-system?member=2501320.
Mondays, 9:30-11 AM, Ongoing – Focus on events past and present throughout Jewish history and the Jewish exile as Rabbi Laser Rivkin leads study of Jewish views of the afterlife and mystical concepts Mondays at the Cohn campus JCC from 9:30-11 AM. Visit https://www.jcccohncampus.com/.
Mondays, 10-11:30 AM, Ongoing – Complimentary sessions of Monday Morning Links are offered in the new Tampa Bay Job-Links office at Austin Center, 1211 N. Westshore Blvd., Suite 300, Tampa. The September 9th topic is “Rules for Resumes.” Visit https://tbjl.org/program-calendar/.
Mondays, 11:15 AM AM and Wednesdays 7 PM, Ongoing – Congregation Beth Shalom of Clearwater offers Talmud classes with Dr. Priscilla Nathanson. The class explores ancient legal tradition and is open to all levels of knowledge. The Monday class is held following minyan from 10-11:15 AM and the Wednesday class is at 7 PM. Visit https://www.cbsclearwater.org/.
Mondays, starting January 27, 2020, at 1 PM, Ongoing – Congregation Beth Shalom of Clearwater offers a new beginners class of Yiddish facilitated by Henri Stein. “The Joy of Yiddish” uses the text Yiddish, An Introduction to Language, Literature, and Culture by Sheva Zucker.
Tuesdays, 11 AM, Ongoing – The class Sharing Life’s Lessons is held Tuesdays from 11 AM to noon at Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa. There is a different topic, readings, and leader for each weekly session. Visit https://www.kolami.org/.
Tuesdays, 1:30-3 PM, Ongoing – The Sisterhood Needle Workers of Congregation Kol Ami hold weekly knitting sessions from 1:30-3 PM Tuesdays in the boardroom. The knitters make fabric quilt wall hangings and knitting and crocheting squares to make quilts that are donated to charity. For information, call the Kol Ami office. Visit https://www.kolami.org/.
Tuesdays, 7-8 PM, Ongoing – Bible study classes with Rabbi Joshua Lobel of Temple B’nai Israel in Clearwater. For details, call the temple at 727-531-5829.
Tuesdays, 7-9 PM, Ongoing – Tampa’s Israeli dance troupe meets Tuesday evenings at Congregation Mekor Shalom and offers lessons. All are welcome. Beginniners dancing 7-8 PM. Intermeditaet 8-9 PM. Visit https://www.mekorshalom.org/.
Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Ongoing – Learn to chant Torah during classes on Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 PM at Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa, in the synagogue library. Is your child having a b’nai mitzvah this year and you would like to chant a Torah portion? Ethel Pila is teaching a beginners Torah reading class Tuesday evenings. Visit https://www.kolami.org/.
Third Tuesday of Each Month, Noon – Lunch and learn with Rabbi Jason Rosenberg of Congregation Beth Am of Tampa. Participants will cover the basic structure of the prayer book, look at some of the individual prayers to see what they’re really saying, and talk about how we can use our prayers to have more spiritual experiences. https://bethamtampa.org/
Wednesdays, 11:15 AM, Ongoing – Join Rebbetzin Miriam Hodakov of Chabad of Clearwater for Torah and Tea, exclusively for women on Wednesdays at 11:15 AM. RSVP to MiriamHodakov@gmail.com, or call 727-265-2770. Visit https://www.clearwaterjewish.com/
Wednesdays, Noon-1 PM, Ongoing – Chabad of Spring Hill presents Torah study classes weekly, taught by Rabbi Chaim Lipszye. These classes are not sequential, so drop-ins are welcome. Brunch and coffee are served. For information regarding the classes, please call 352-600-2779. Visit https://www.chabadspringhill.com/.
Wednesdays, 1:00 PM, Ongoing – Join Rabbi Yossi Eber of Chabad of West Pasco for weekly Torah class. Visit https://www.chabadwp.com/.
Wednesdays, 5:15 PM Ongoing – Temple B’nai Israel of Clearwater begins Weekly Tai Chi lessons on January 15th, with an open house on January 8th for potential students to meet the teacher. https://www.tbiclearwater.org/
Wednesdays, 6 – 7:15 PM, Ongoing – Temple B’nai Israel of Clearwater offers a Readers Theater group focusing on dramatic literature through a Jewish lens, led by Cantor Laura Berkson. Participants take turns reading different roles and delving into the characters, scripts, and their creators. Each play has a Jewish connection. For details, contact the temple at 727-531-5829.
Wednesdays, 6:15-7:00 PM, Ongoing – Enrich the soul and mind with a touch of Kabbalah. Learn practical spirituality for everyday life. Classes are held at Congregation Bais Menachem Chabad of Tampa on Wednesday evenings. For information, contact Rabbi Levi Rivkin, 813-504-4432, or email bmchabad@gmail.com. Visit http://www.chabadofcentralflorida.com/.
Wednesdays, 7 PM, Ongoing – Learn more about your heritage or becoming Jewish with classes with Rabbi Josh Hearshen at Congregation Rodeph Sholom of Tampa. All are welcome. To register, call 813-837-1911 or visit http://www.rsholom.org.
Wednesdays, 7-8 PM, Ongoing – The Chabad Center of Greater St. Petersburg presents The Inside Story, a weekly Torah class with Rabbi Alter Korf. The class reads the Torah portion every week and every year begins the cycle again. RSVP to info@chabadsp.com.
Wednesdays, 7:30 PM, Ongoing – Congregation Bais Menacham Chabad of Tampa offers a weekly Torah class at the University of Tampa. The class explores contemporary issues through a Torah perspective. For information, contact Rabbi Levi Rivkin, 813-504-4432, or email bmchabad@gmail.com. Visit http://www.chabadofcentralflorida.com/.
Thursdays, 9:30 AM, Ongoing – Join Rabbi Rosenberg on Congregation Beth Am on Thursday mornings for Talmud study. For information, contact Rabbi Rosenberg at 83-968-8511 or email rabbirosenberg@bethamtampa.org. Visit https://bethamtampa.org/.
Thursdays, 9:45 AM, Ongoing – Congregation Beth Shalom of Clearwater presents Lox & Learn. Explore the treasures of the weekly Torah portion, led by Rabbi David Weizman. Come for breakfast at 9:45 AM, minyan at 10 AM, then discussion with the rabbi. Visit https://www.cbsclearwater.org/
Thursdays, 12:30 PM, Ongoing – Join Rabbi Danielle Upbin for a new series of classes called Every Day Holiness, Thursdays at 12:30 PM, Congregation Beth Shalom of Clearwater. Students explore personal and spiritual growth through a variety of guided meditation practices and discussion of contemplative Jewish texts. RSVP to the synagogue office at 727-531-1418. Visit https://www.cbsclearwater.org/
Thursdays, 1 PM, Ongoing – Join seniors of Temple B’nai Israel of Clearwater for mah jongg, Mexican train dominoes, or bridge. Cofee and cake are served. For information, contact Linda White at linda33217@gmail.com or 727-276-3404.
Thursdays, 6:30 PM, Ongoing – Thursday Night Torah Study. Congregation A.F. Zichron Kedoshim (The Tampa Kollel) invites you to Thursday night Mishmar at 6:30 PM at Young Israel of Tampa, 13207 N. 52nd Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617. Cholent and Chavrusa, one-on-one learning at your level, delicious fleshig cholent. For additional information, call or text Zev at 917-439-5888.
First Thursday each month, 10-11:30 AM, Ongoing – A support group for caregivers meets at Temple B’nai Israel, 1685 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater. The meetings are sponsored by Empath Health. To register, call 727-735-8743 or email kellysiegel@empathhealth.org, or call 727-301-7884 or email yiddishemama@tampabay.rr.com.
First Thursday each month, 3:30-5 PM, Ongoing – Menorah Manor offers a support group for Alzheimer’s caregivers at the Samson Nursing Center at Menorah Manor, 255 -59th Street, N., St. Petersburg. For information, call Rabbi Aaron Lever at 727-302-3720. Visit https://menorahmanor.org.
Sundays, 9-10 AM, Ongoing – Every Sunday, try a BLT (Bagels, Lox and Tefillin) at the Chabad Center of West Pasco in Trinity. Don tefilin and enjoy hot bagels and an assortment of smoked fish and spreads. https://www.chabadwp.com/
Sundays, 11 AM to Noon, Ongoing – Adult education classes at Congregation Beth Tefillah/JCC of West Pasco include an examination and better understanding of the 613 mitzvot of Judaism. All are invited and any may join the class at any time. https://jccwestpascobethtefillah.net/
Sundays, Noon to 1 PM, Ongoing – Congregation Beth Tefillah/JCC of West Pasco offers elementary Hebrew language class. All are invited and any may join the class at any time. https://jccwestpascobethtefillah.net/
UPCOMING TAMPA BAY REGION SPECIAL SERVICES, ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS 2020
NOTICE REGARDING PROGRAMS LISTED: As you know, nearly all programs and classes have been cancelled for reasons of public safety. Other than cancellations of which we are specifically aware and have removed, the remaining are still listed below. Please check with congregations or organizations regarding the availability of these programs—some are being presented on livestream, some will be rescheduled. At this time, additional programs are not being added to our Kehillah Calendar until the public safety concerns have been addressed and public programs resume. Stay safe, be well, and be comforted during this challenging time.
Thursday, April 2, 2020, 6-9:30 M – Temple Ahavat Shalom Sisterhood presents Mangia & Mahj: Welcome the New 2020 Card. An Italian style dinner and fun night of Mahjongg. All are welcome, pre-registration required, visit www.TASSisterhood.com for details.
Friday, April 3, 2020, 5:45 PM – Schaarai Zedek Sisterhood presents Sisterhood Shabbat Dinner & Service with international speaker Mindy Corporon and “The betterment of our world through promoting kindness, faith, and healing.” 5:45 PM dinner, 7 PM Shabbat service. Congregation Schaarai Zedek, 3303 W. Swann Ave., Tampa 33609. Please join sisterhood for a catered Shabbat dinner and stay for Sisterhood’s Shabbat service featuring Sisterhood members and Mindy Corporon speaking about the betterment of our world. For cost and RSVP for dinner, call 813-876-2377.
Saturday, April 4, 2020, 10 AM – Noon – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon, 706 Bryan Road, offers its Taste of Tanakh monthly Torah study group of the current Torah portion. Members and non-members are welcome. A light nosh will be served. Call for information: 813-681-6547. https://bethshalom-brandon.org
Saturday, April 4, 2020, 7 PM – The Florida Holocaust Museum exhibition open and dessert reception for Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue: The Art and Propaganda of Arthur Szyk. This exhibition includes Szyk’s early artwork, created before WWII, including the famous Haggadah, and illustrations and propaganda drawn and painted during WWII that ridiculed the Nazis and other Axis Powers. Also including works that speak out for justice and tolerance in the U.S., as well as praise American ideals of liberty and justice. For cost and RSVP (required) visit https://bookwhen.com/floridaholocaustmuseum/e/ev-sfv9-20200404190000 or call 727.820.0100 x301. Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue: The Art and Propaganda of Arthur Szyk opens to the public on April 4, 2020 and is on display through September 20, 2020.
Sunday, April 5, 6:30 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Melanie Benjamin, author of Mistress of the Ritz. Bryan Glazer Family JCC. Tickets include Sips & Nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Wednesday, April 8, 2020, 6:30 PM – Congregation Or Ahavah presents its first night Passover Seder in a joyous, fun, delicious, and meaningful evening. Vegetarian friendly, fish served, all ages welcome. For cost and details, as well as to RSVP (required by April 3rd), contact orahavahtampa@gmail.com. http://orahavah.org
Wednesday, April 8, 2020, 6:30 PM – Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg’s (399 -58th St., N., St. Petersburg) Community Passover Seder, Spring Into Freedom. Experience the Exodus, discover the deeper meaning of Passover. All welcome for an interactive and family-friendly community seder with unique and traditional customs. Full catered dinner & wine. RSVP by Friday, March 27. For cost and details, call 727-381-4900.
Thursday, April 9, 2020, 5 PM – Temple B’nai Israel of Clearwater invites you to a Second Night Passover Seder with traditional seder plate, gefilte fish with red beet horseradish, chicken with matzoh ball soup, baked chicken with apricot glaze, vegetables, coffee/tea, dessert. Vegetarian and gluten free options available. Reservations required by April 2nd. All are welcome. For cost and details and special arrangements, call the temple office at 727-531-5829. https://www.tbiclearwater.org/
Sunday, April 19th, 2020, 10-11 AM – The Tampa JCC at the Cohn Campus features a program to engage families with young children to explore values and traditions. This month’s theme is Health and Wellness. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email jen.goldberg@jewishtampa.com.
Various Sundays, April 19th through May 17, 2020 – 10-11 AM – The Tampa Jewish Federation presents its monthly Family Sunday Series, Sundays from 10-11 AM (except in January, which is a Monday event), welcoming families to come together to explore values and traditions with a Jewish twist through stories, activities, songs, and conversations. All families with young children of all faiths are backgrounds are welcome for this free program. Programs run on Sundays from 10:00-11:00am. For more information, and to RSVP, contact: Jen Goldberg, Executive Director of Education jennifer.goldberg@jewishtampa.com | 813.769.4738. The following programs are scheduled:
- April 19 – Health and Wellness
- May 17 – Bedtime Pajama Party
Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 PM – #Gather Behind the Scenes Airport Tour & Happy Hour at Tampa International Airport, 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa. Members and guests welcome. #Gather heads to Tampa International Airport for an up-close look at what keeps the airport running smoothly. We’ll tour Airport Operations Center, the Police Department, TSA, the airport’s baggage system and more! Enjoy happy hour together on the P.F. Chang’s outdoor patio following the tour. Register here.
Sunday, April 26th, 2020 – The Gulf Coast Jewish Federation and its partners (Cong. Beth Shalom, Cong. B’nai Israel, Temple Ahavat Shalom, Temple Beth David, Temple Beth-El, Temple B’nai Israel, Hillels of the Florida Suncoast, and Menorah Manor) present recording artist Rick Recht in the third in its KESHER series, “Connect to Israel,” a morning program followed by lunch. This community-wide learning series for adults, teens, and kids will meet at Congregation B’nai Israel, 300 58th Street, N., St. Petersburg. Registration opens 9:30 AM. Educational program begins at 10. Rick Recht Community concert is at 11:30, followed by lunch at 12:30 catered by Jo-El’s Kosher Deli. Activities within the event include PJ Library’s Birthday Party for Israel, elementary level Israel Activities and Crafts, middle and high school level Advocacy Tool Box, and adult level Israeli film screening and current events in the Middle East as well as Israeli dancing. Rick Recht is among the top touring musicians in Jewish music, with 150 dates each year in the US and abroad as well as a national celebrity spokesman for the PJ Library and Executive Director of Songleader Boot Camp, Jewish Rock Radio, and PJ Library Radio. Registration required. Please bring non-perishable food donations for families in need. For all details, visit https://www.jewishgulfcoast.org/Kesher
Monday, April 27, 2020, 7 PM – The Bay Area Cantorial Association, comprised of cantors and cantorial soloists from the Tampa Bay and Bradenton/Sarasota regions, presents its 17th annual Concert, B’chol Libi—With All My Heart—Songs of Love—at Temple B’nai Israel of Clearwater, 1685 S Belcher Rd.; concert begins at 7 PM. For details, call(727) 531-5829 or visit https://www.tbiclearwater.org/ or email Joy at joyfulnoise@earthlink.net. All proceeds benefit cantorial scholarships. Details at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157811018760941&set=a.125569875940&type=3&theater
Thursday, April 30, 2020, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM – Israel Bonds Tampa Bay Women’s Division presents Dr. Leslie Weiss z”l 3rd Annual Tribute Event with luncheon and featuring guest speaker Daniel Sahalo, who immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia as a child in Operation Moses. For information, contact Monica DiGiovanni at 727.282.1124 or tampa@israelbonds.com.
Sunday, May 3, 2020, 6:30 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Michael David Lukas, author of The Last Watchman of Old Cairo. Bryan Glazer Family JCC. Tickets include Sips & Nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Tuesday, May 5, 2020, 7 PM – Tampa JCCs and Federation honor individuals for their steadfast commitment to the medical, financial services, entrepreneurial, real estate and legal communities, including Scott Jaffe (Montefiore Society), Brian Katz (Entrepreneur Society), Michael Leeds, Real Estate Society, Ellis Norsoph (Maimonides Society), Mark Wolfson (Cardozo Society). RSVPs are necessary. For more information please contact Michele Moretti at 813.769.4721. Reserve athttps://www.jewishtampa.com/jewish-federation-groups/giving-societies
Friday, March 6, 2020, 3 PM – Israel Tennis & Education Centers Foundation presents a Tennis Exhibition from 3-4:30 PM at Davis Islands Tennis Complex, 59 Columbia Dr., Tampa 33606, followed by Shabbat dinner at 7 PM at the home of Michele and Mark Miller. RSVP to Cathy Mullin at cmullin@ITECenters.org or 954.480.6333
Wednesday, May 13, 5:30 – 8:30 PM – #Gather Florida Orchestra Happy Hour Concert at Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa. Members and guests welcome. Enjoy a casual one-hour classical music concert with the Florida Orchestra at Tampa’s historic Armature Works building. Come early to meet the group for food and drinks before the concert in Armature Works’ open-air courtyard. Concert begins at 6:30pm. Register here.
Saturday, May 16, 2020, 6 PM – Temple B’nai Israel presents the 2nd Annual Rabbi Daniel Treiser Memorial Invitational Texas Hold-Em Poker Tournament, featuring poker, food, drinks, and fun, as well as first, second, and thired place prizes. Donation admission includes food and two drink tickets. Sponsorship packages available. Contact Matt Sperber at consmatt@aol.com. Reserve your seat or request information from the temple office at 727-531-5829. https://www.tbiclearwater.org/
Sunday, May 17th, 2020, 10-11 AM – The Tampa JCC at the Cohn Campus features a program to engage families with young children to explore values and traditions. This month features a Bedtime Pajama Party. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email jen.goldberg@jewishtampa.com.
Friday, May 29, 2020, 7:30 PM – Congregation Or Ahavah of Tampa presents its Shavuot Ice Cream Social and Study at 7:30 PM. Ice Cream Provided. Bring your favorite topping to share. All welcome. For details, contact orahavahtampa@gmail.com. http://orahavah.org
SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT YEAR: February 20, 2021 has been secured for the Florida Holocaust Museum’s next To Life benefit. Details will be announced.
For a detailed list of Tampa Bay Area region and surrounding regional happenings, visit:
https://jewishintampabay.com
https://jewishpinellas.org/calendar
https://www.jewishtampa.com/community-calendar
https://jfedsrq.org/community-calendar
https://jewishcharlotte.org/community-calendar
https://orlandojewishfed.org
