Event Hours(1)
NEXT WEEKEND’s SUNDAY SIMCHA ~ January 19, 2020 ~ 22 Tevet, 5780
Shlomo & Jordyn Schwersky will return to host our program, and Rabbi Alter Korf of Chabad of Greater St. Petersburg will bring the program’s dvar Torah. Joy will return on January 26th.
There are a great many community events in the Tampa Bay community and region. Scroll below to view our Kehillah Calendar, which lists community activities, special worship services, and events as well as links to area congregations. If you wish to share a community event for us to include in our Kehillah Calendar, please email sundaysimcha@gmail.com, or place The Sunday Simcha on your congregation’s email list so that we receive your community’s ongoing announcements. The Kehillah Calendar is updated regularly.
Hear The Sunday Simcha live every Sunday 1-2 PM on Tampa’s WMNF Community Radio, 88.5 FM or via the WMNF App or online here at WMNF.org. To download an mp3 of any 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 file, it will be gone after next week’s program because it remains in the archive only until then—so download it if you wish to save it.
Email sundaysimcha@gmail.com for copies of previous broadcasts and to share your comments.
Shlomo and Jordyn Schwersky return on January 19th.
CURRENTLY IN OUR ARCHIVE: SUNDAY SIMCHA ~ January 12, 2020 ~ 15 Tevet, 5780
We were joined in the studio by filmmaker Barbara Rosenthal, whose recently released documentary Seders & Cigars, will be screened in Miami Beach as part of the Miami Film Festival on January 21st at 7 PM at the Jewish Museum of Florida–FIU (see details here) and in Tampa on January 28th at The Tampa Bay History Center at 6 PM. (Details here) The Facebook page for this film is at https://www.facebook.com/sedersandcigars/
We also featured inspiring music by Moshav, Cantor Norman Cohen Falah, Feliza & Or Zohar, Yerachmiel, Oi Va Voi, Listen Up! A Capella, and Tzimmes.
Listen to this program in our archive until our January 19th program replaces it.
SUNDAY SIMCHA ~ January 5, 2020 ~ 8 Tevet, 5780
On this first Sunday Simcha of 2020, we welcomed the new year with music by Ilanit, Michael Hunter Ochs, The Davis Academy of Atlanta, Portnoy, Eitan Freilich, Beri Weber, Sababa, David Roth, Merav Brenner and Hallel, the original cast of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, and Ladino vocalist Judy Frankel.
A Bisl Freylichkayt—A Little Mirth—were supplied by comedian Ashley Blaker, and Milot Chochmah—words of wisdom—were brought to us by Rabbi Uriel Rivkin of Young Israel of Tampa.
SUNDAY SIMCHA ~ December 29, 2019 ~ 1 Tevet, 5780
We carried our celebration of Chanukah with our December 29th (1 Tevet, 5780) program—just hours before the eighth candle was lit—with music by Shulem Lemmer, Kenny Ellis, The Lori Cahan-Simon Ensemble, The Western Wind, Yerachmiel Ziegler, The Y-Studs, The Fountainheads from Ein Prat Academy of Israel, The Klezmatics, Shira Kline, Theodore Bikel, and Jeff Wolpert’s Hanukkah Sing-Along.
Milot Chochmah—Words of Wisdom—was brought to us by Rabbi Carla Freedman of Beth Israel Jewish Congregation of Sun City Center, and Adam Sandler of course shared The Chanukah Song for A Bisl Freylichkayt—A Little Mirth. Speaking of which … we were truly impressed with the new version of Sandler’s song from Chabad of Clearwater Rabbi Levi Hodakov, who took Adam Sandler up on his offer for other Jews to write their own versions of the song. Read about it here, and view Rabbi Hodakov’s full lyric here.
Staci Sabarsky, Producing Artistic Director of the Innovocative Theatre production, A Shayna Maidel, by Barbara Lebow, which will be presented January 10-19, 2020 at Stageworks Theatre, at 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, joined us in the studio. Details of the production here.
NACHUM PETERSEIL
Singer/songwriter, cantorial vocalist and concert artist Nachum Peterseil was our guest on our December 1st Sunday Simcha. Peterseil and his band, Automatic Toys, appeared in concert at Congregation Kol Ami on December 7, 2019 with Jewish fusion world music, Israeli music, Middle-Eastern music, traditional, jazz and progressive ethnic music. To hear Nachum’s music, see his websites and contact him, visit automatictoysmusic.com, PLVNKmusic.com, https://www.milkenschool.org/news-detail?pk=950282, his YouTube channels at https://www.youtube.com/user/AutomaticToys and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqrsAwLw4H_DI4y53pvH9tg, his Songs From My Childhood project at https://www.songsfmc.com, his coming website soullovemusic.com (which is not yet live), along with his email at automatictoys.toys@gmail.com.
SUNDAY SIMCHA — November 24, 2019 ~ 26 Heshvan, 5780
Ron Becker, Barbara Rosenthal, Cat Eskin and Joy Katzen-Guthrie on our 11-24-19 Sunday Simcha.
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. Ron Becker brought an insightful dvar on the Jewish connection to Thanksgiving.
If you have stories to share of local Jewish history or have questions or comments for today’s guests, contact them at:
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/.
Filmmaker Barbara Rosenthal, Ron Becker & Cat Eskin joined The Sunday Simcha November 24th
Hear The Sunday Simcha every Sunday live from 1-2 PM on WMNF 88.5 FM or here at wmnf.org or via the WMNF App. Did you know you are able to download The Sunday Simcha broadcast? 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 file, it will be gone after next week’s program because it remains in the archive only until then—so download it if you wish to save it.
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
January 14, 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 2019/5780
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
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.
Thursdays, 7:15-8:30 PM January 30-March 5, 2020: Six Week Course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute: Judaism’s Gifts to the World. Chabad of Pinellas County, 3696 Fisher Rd. Palm Harbor. More info: rabbi@yichabad.com. Details at: https://www.yichabad.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/4346177/jewish/JLI-Judaisims-Gifts-To-The-World.htm
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
On Exhibition through March 1, 2020 – The Florida Holocaust Museum’s new original exhibition, “Beaches, Benches, and Boycotts: The Civil Rights Movement in Tampa Bay, focuses on the specific civil rights history, events, challenges and achievements of the Tampa Bay/Sarasota region, which continued through the dawn of the Civil Rights era. Many local institutions and establishments held out on integration for several years after Brown v. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with Jim Crow laws affecting every aspect of African-American life in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. The exhibit details the timeline of events and the leadership that led to desegregation and improved living conditions for the region’s African-American community and the region’s continuing struggle with racial equality. This special exhibit is offered in addition to other visiting exhibitions and the permanent collection/exhibits at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg, 55 Fifth St., S. For information, contact https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org, call 727-820-0100. Public docent-led tours of Beaches, Benches, and Boycotts: The Civil Rights Movement in Tampa Bay are offered on various days throughout the week and are included in the admission price. Public docent-led tours of Beaches, Benches, and Boycotts: The Civil Rights Movement in Tampa Bay are offered on various days throughout the week and are included in the admission price. The January schedule is as follows:
- Friday, January 17th at 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 21st at 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, January 25th at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 6 – 7 PM – The renowned a capella group from Queens College, Tizmoret, will perform at Congregation Kol Ami of Tampa. Supported by Hillel, Tizmoret draws singers from colleges throughout the New York City area and performs classic Jewish melodies, American pop, and contemporary Israeli tunes. A family friendly event, this concert is open to all. https://www.kolami.org/
Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 7 PM – Chabad of St. Petersburg screens the movie Complicit — a documentary film on the SS Saint Louis and the untold story of why the Roosevelt Administration denied safe haven to Jewish Refugees. Followed by a Q&A with producer and director Robert Krakow and St, Louis passenger, John Shilling. For cost and details: https://www.jewishgulfcoast.org/calendar/csp-movie-screening-complicit
Thursday, January 16, 2020, 7 PM – Author Marcia Jo Zerivitz will discuss Florida’s Jewish history and her newly released book, Jews of Florida in honor of Florida Jewish History Month at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. The presentation will be followed by a dessert reception. For tickets and information, visit https://www.jewishgulfcoast.org/jewsofflorida
Thursdays, January 16 – May 21, 2020, 3:30-4:30 PM – Wake the inner actor in you at the improv/theatre class taught by professional instructors fro The Box Theater, Thursday afternoons at the Cohn Campus of JCC. Participants will enjoy performing, improvisational exercises, storytelling, and have some laughs. This is for ages 16 and older. Walkups are welcome. For cost and information, contact Brandy Gold at 813-769-4725 or brandy.gold@jewishtampa.com.
Thursday, January 16, 7 PM – Participate in a Chai Mitzvah program at Temple Ahavat Shalom of Palm Harbor. Like a book group, Chai Mitzvah network groups meet monthly with text-based source books on Jewish topics. For information and to register, contact Loren Goldman at clmegold@gmail.com or call 727-492-0225.
Friday, January 17, 2020, 5:30 PM – Congregation Schaarai Zedek of Tampa invites parents and children 5 and younger and their siblings of all ages to wear pirate attire for a pirate-themed tot Shabbat. Shabbat Dinner will follow singing and celebration. RSVP to the temple at 813-876-2377. https://www.zedek.org/
Friday, January 17, 2020, 6 PM – Congregation Mekor Shalom of Tampa presents an early Teddy Bear Shabbat service. Calling all Teddy Bear owners to celebrate Shabbat in a “beary” joyful way. There will be an oneg Shabbat right after the service with Teddy Bear friendly snacks. https://www.mekorshalom.org/
Friday, January 17, 2020, 7:30 PM – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon’s Choir will be lifting their voices in tonight’s service. 706 Bryan Rd., Brandon 33511. For information: 813-681-6547.
Friday, January 17, 7:30 PM – Learn more about the Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. during Shabbat service at Temple Beth-El of St. Petersburg at 7:30 PM. https://www.templebeth-el.com/
Saturday, January 18, 2020, 11:30 AM – Young Israel Chabad of Pinellas County presents Scholar in Residence Rabbi Abraham E. Plotkin with this morning’s sermon, “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People,” at 11:30 AM, followed by Grand Kiddush Luncheon at 12:15 PM and Kiddush Luncheon Topic, “Life, Afterlife, & Moshiach.” Rabbi Plotkin has served in Toronto for over 30 years. The shul he started with his wife Golde today has over 300 families. He has lectured throughout the world and presides as Dayaan on the Toronto Bet Din. He is renowned for his expertise in Jewish law and mysticism. Service/luncheon are at Chabad of Pinellas, 3696 Fisher Rd., Palm Harbor. For details of this event, visit https://www.yichabad.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/4606717/jewish/Scholar-In-Residence.htm
Sunday, January 19, 2020, 10:30 AM – Join the discussion of “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris. Sponsored by Temple Ahavat Shalom Brotherhood, this meeting includes a bagel breakfast. RSVP to Steve Konigsberg at SteveKon@aol.com or call 917-586-9371.
Sunday, January 19, 2020, Noon – The St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah presents a Ladies Lunch Out at Jo-El’s Kosher Deli, 2619 23rd Ave., N., St. Petersburg, 33713. The chapter will install its new board members and officers and enjoy lunch together to celebrate. Send RSVP and lunch selection to Jill Weisberg at 717-917-3748 or bellallure1@aol.com by Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Choose your lunch from the lunch menu at http://stpetedeli.com/menu. All will pay individually. If you need a ride, let Jill know with your reservation.
Sunday, January 19, 2020, 2 PM – The National Comedy Hall of Fame presents “The Comedy-Time Tunnel” at Temple Beth David of Spring Hill, covering American comedy from the first great American comedian in 1787 through vaudeville, stand-up theater, the early days of radio and the beginning of television comedy. The presentation includes facts and visuals from the greatest names in comedy history with rare routines on large screen. The show is designed for family audiences of ages 12 and up. Light refreshments will be served, donations appreciated. For information, call 352-686-7034.
Sunday, January 19, 2020, 3 PM – The 8th annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day, presented by the International Diplomatic Corps of Florida to honor the victims of the Nazi Era, including Six Million Jews begins at 3 PM. The event takes place at PTEC- Pinellas Technical College, St. Petersburg, FL, 3548 11th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. Invitations are required and available by request: contact jmelamut@idcfl.org. Scheduled Speakers include St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Israeli Deputy Consul Ms. Kasa Harbor, Dr. Joseph Smiley, Dean of Social/Behavioral Sciences & Human Services, St. Petersburg College, and Holocaust Survivor and Founding Member of the Florida Holocaust Museum, Ms. Toni Rinde. In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed UN Resolution 60/7 designating January 27th as an International Day of Remembrance. The Resolution rejects Holocaust denial and encourages countries to develop educational programs about the horrors of genocide; it also condemns religious intolerance, incitement, harassment, or violence based on ethnic origin or religious belief. This event is open to the community, however RSVPs are required, as walk-ins are not accommodated. To receive a personal invitation, please contact Jana Behar Melamut, Director, Holocaust Commemoration jmelamut@idcfl.org
Sunday, January 19, 2020, 4:30-7:30 PM – Chabad Women’s Group of Young Israel Chabad of Pinellas County presents the 15th Annual Spa For The Soul, an evening of inner joy, depth, relaxation, and inspiration for Jewish Women, at Chabad of Pinellas County, 3696 Fisher Rd., Palm Harbor, 34683. “The program includes a discussion of “The Art of Love” with Rebbetzin Goldie Plotkin as well as food, massage treatments, a professional make-up analysis and demo. Details at https://www.yichabad.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3162984/jewish/Upcoming.htm
January 19-26, 2020 – Congregation Schaarai Zedek travels to Cuba on a “People to People” mission, with visits to Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and havana. To be contacted with information of the itinerary and details, contact 813-876-2377, x202, or visit https://www.zedek.org/
Monday, January 20, 2020, 10-11 AM – The Family Sunday Series of Hillel Academy, 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, engages families with young children of all faith backgrounds. Everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask! Families come together to explore values and traditions with a Jewish twist through stories, activities, songs, and conversations. All families with young children are welcome. For more information, and to RSVP, contact: Jen Goldberg, Executive Director of Education jennifer.goldberg@jewishtampa.com, 813.769.4738.
Monday, January 20, 2020 – Join members of Temple Beth-El of St. Petersburg in marching in the MLK,Jr. Day Parade. Contact the temple for information on where and when to meet and march as a group. https://www.templebeth-el.com/
January 20 – 26, 2020 – The Alliance for Jewish Renewal (ALEPH) hosts a six-day retreat in Tampa called Soulift: Healing Into Action, designed for Jewish activists and seekers. The retreat seeks to help attendees nurture their souls by using sacred texts, liturgy, and holy day cycles to guide the journey to liberation. Rabbi Shefa Gold, a Reconstructionist Rabbi who is a leader int he Jewish Renal movement as well as an author and composer will lead the retreat along with Cherie Brown, a workshop leader on anti-Semitism and racism. For information, visit http://aleph.org/soulift
Various Sundays January 20 through May 17 – 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:
- January 20* – Mitzvah Mania (*Special Monday event)
- February 16 – Caring for the Earth/Environment
- March 15 – Kindness to Animals
- April 19 – Health and Wellness
- May 17 – Bedtime Pajama Party
Sunday, January 20th, 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 Mitzvah Mania. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email jen.goldberg@jewishtampa.com.
Sunday, January 20, 2020, 6 PM – Members of Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon’s Page Turners book group meet to discuss On Division by Goldie Goldbloom, a novel set amid the Hasidic community in contemporary Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. A light dinner will be provided. Non-members welcome. For details, visit https://bethshalom-brandon.org/
Tuesday, January 21, 1-3 PM – The Florida Holocaust Museum presents Professor Howard Kerner with “Heroes of the Holocaust—Noble Tales Emerging From the Darkness,” followed by a guided tour of the museum. Optionally, you may join a docent-led tour of the museum’s exhibition “Beaches, Benches & Boycotts: The Civil Rights Movement in Tampa Bay” as well. For cost and to register, contact Susan Nolan at srnolan318@gmail.com, or phone 954-592-1992.
Tuesday, January 21, 7 PM – Seders and Cigars: A History of the Jews in Tampa appears as part of the Miami Film Festival at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. For details: https://miamijewishfilmfestival.org/events/seders-and-cigars)
Wednesday, January 22, 2020, 11;45 AM – Join Rabbi Richard Birnholtz and the ROMEOs group (Retired Old Men Eating Out) of Congregation Schaarai Zedek for a buffet-style luncheon at the temple. RSVP online at https://www.zedek.org/RSVP or call Lisa Kiev-Chen at 813-876-2377, ext. 249.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020, 6:30 PM – Lylah Chapter of Hadassah in North Pinellas County presents Joy Katzen-Guthrie in concert with “A New Year … A New Decade … A New Song” at The Preserve in Clearwater. All are Welcome, details to be announced soon. As we open the third decade of the 21st century, Joy will look back at the melodies that ended and began new decades over the previous century. At the piano, Joy shares memorable stories, news events, and melodies of new decades from 1910 forward by some of our most notable Jewish writers in America and Israel.
Thursday, January 23, 2020, 9 AM-5 PM – TampaBay Job Links and Congregation Schaarai Zedek host a full-day Job Search Boot Camp presented by TampaBay Job Links, offering vital tools and strategies to help individuals in career transition kick their job search into high gear. Job-Links professional career coaches will facilitate an interactive program to help participants develop job-search skills– whether someone is just beginning their career, returning to the workforce after an absence, or considering a career change. Lunch included. Supported by Baird Private Wealth Management/The Hirsch Group. Advance registration required. For cost and to register or for more information, please visit https://tbjl.org/program/special-event-boot-camp-schaarai-zedek/ or call TampaBay-Job-Links at 813-344-0200 or email RSVP@TBJL.org.
Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, March 23, 2020, Various nights at 7 PM – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon features a series of talks entitled “We’re Not Getting Any Younger,” a speaker series aimed to help with the special challenges faced by the middle aged nad beyond. The series consists of five talks starting at 7 PM. Reservations and information regarding cost can be made by contacting the office at Congregation Beth Shalom. The series features these programs:
on January 23rd, “The Sandwich Generation” with Peter Lally, MSW, LCSW
on February 2nd, “Your Ethical Will and How to Write It,” by Janice Perelman, MA
on February 17th, “Navigating Elder Law Issues,” by Jack Rosenkranz, Esq.
on March 4th, “Knowing Your Options,” by Lauren Cury, JD and Kyrie-Leigh Chambiss, BA
on March 23rd, “The Remains of the Day,” by Charles Segal, Director of Segal Funeral Home.
Visit https://bethshalom-brandon.org/learning/life-long-learning/ for details.
Friday, January 24, 2020, 6-8 PM – Temple Beth-El of St. Petersburg members host a Poetic Art Shabbat Service at the Poetry Bar, 515 22nd St., S., St. Petersburg. Participants are invited to bring a piece of prose, poetry, or song lyric containing the word “Blue” plus a “love lock” to express commitment to a person, idea, or cause. Cantor Pamela Siskin invites participants to submit a poem or writing celebrating Shabbat or meaningful prayer to be included in the service. Submissions to prsiskin@gmail.com. No RSVP needed
Friday, January 24 – Sunday, January 26 – Join the celebration as Congregation Kol Ami’s new spiritual leader, Rabbi Rachel Blatt, will be officially installed during a celebratory weekend, including Shabbat services on January 24th at 6:30, followed by oneg in honor of Rabbi Blatt. On Saturday, 9:30 AM, Rabbi Cheryl Peretz, Associate Dean at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, will speak at Shabbat services. On Sunday at 10:30 AM, the official installation ceremony will be held, including brunch and community celebration. All are welcome. To RSVP for any of the weekend’s events, call 813.962.6338 or email FrontOffice@kolami.org. https://www.kolami.org/
Saturday, January 25, 2020, 7-9 PM – The Florida Holocaust Museum of St. Petersburg Opening Reception for Let Me Be Myself, which tells the story of Anne Frank in a modern way, addressing current day issues of identity, exclusion, and discrimination. Anne’s experiences connect deeply with today’s youth as they grow and learn that all actions and words matter. This exhibition also features a Virtual Reality (VR) component from Force Field VR and Oculus Studios that allows the visitor to travel back in time to Anne Frank’s hiding place, the “Secret Annex.” Making use of large size pictures, the exhibition shows the story of Anne Frank from her birth in 1929 up to her death in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. Each exhibition panel also contains images and texts about the world around Anne Frank: the rise of Hitler, the persecution of the Jews and the Second World War. Details and required RSVP for the reception at: https://bookwhen.com/floridaholocaustmuseum/e/ev-seos-20200125190000 or 727.820.0100 x301. Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank opens to the public on January 25, 2020 and is on display through January 24, 2021. https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org/
Saturday, January 25, 2020 through January 24, 2021 – The Florida Holocaust Museum of St. Petersburg exhibits Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank at the museum at 55 5th Street S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Let Me Be Myself tells the story of Anne Frank in a modern way, addressing current day issues of identity, exclusion, and discrimination. Anne’s experiences connect deeply with today’s youth as they grow and learn that all actions and words matter. This exhibition will also feature a Virtual Reality (VR) component from Force Field VR and Oculus Studios that allows the visitor to travel back in time to Anne Frank’s hiding place, the “Secret Annex.” Making use of large size pictures, the exhibition shows the story of Anne Frank from her birth in 1929 up to her death in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. Each exhibition panel also contains images and texts about the world around Anne Frank: the rise of Hitler, the persecution of the Jews and the Second World War.Developed by the Anne Frank House and sponsored in North America by the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect. https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org/
Sunday, January 26, 2020, 2 PM – Congregation Or Ahavah of Tampa presents singer/songwriter/author/teacher Rabbi Shefa Gold with a presentation titled “The Art of Praise” in the conference room at the Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa. Gold will also conduct a six-day retreat in Tampa beginning January 20th. For ticket information, visit http://orahavah.org/ or email Rabbi Debrah Shenefelt at d.shenefelt@att.net.
Sunday, January 26, 2020 – The Jewish Federation of Tampa’s Annual President’s Dinner features Deborah E. Lipstadt with a presentation titled “Antisemitism: Here and Now.” Lipstadt is a historian and author of 8 books. She was victorious in her lawsuit against a Holocaust denier, as portrayed in the 2016 feature film Denial based on her book, Denying The Holocaust. For details and sponsorship opportunities, contact Michelle Gallagher at michelle.gallagher@jewishtampa.com, or call 813-739-1687.
Monday, January 27, 2020, 6:30 PM – The Pardoll Family Lecture Series of The Florida Holocaust Museum (https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org/) presents International Holocaust Remembrance Day, featuring Debórah Dwork, with “Where are You? Looking For Loved Ones After The War.” At war’s end, surviving Jews searched for loved ones. Where were they? What had happened to them? Individuals created lists; organizations created lists. Lists of those found alive; lists of those known to be dead. Decades before photocopy machines, let alone fax, computer, database, and Internet technology, people looking for loved ones faced many obstacles. Eager to find their family and friends, and eager to be found, survivors in Europe developed their own means of communication. In her presentation, Debórah Dwork will trace how survivors searched, and what they found. Seating limited, RSVP’s required: visit https://bookwhen.com/floridaholocaustmuseum/e/ev-sn00-20200127183000 for details and RSVP.
Monday, January 27, 2020, 7 PM – The Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival offers a film screening at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC of Tampa of Bye Bye Germany, an award-winning comedy drama. Open to the community, call for information, 813-575-5900.
Monday, January 27, 2020, 1 PM – 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. Details: https://www.jewishgulfcoast.org/calendar/cbs-the-joy-of-yiddish-with-henri-stein
Monday, January 27, 2020, 6PM – Jewish Women International (JWI) presents a fun-filled evening of dinner and bingo at Hamburger Mary’s, 28910 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater. Details: https://www.jewishgulfcoast.org/calendar/jwi-hamburger-marys-fundraiser-1567294091
Monday, January 27, 2020, 6:30 PM – The Pardoll Family Lecture Series of the Florida Holocaust Museum Presents: International Holocaust Remembrance Day featuring Debórah Dwork. At war’s end, surviving Jews searched for loved ones. Where were they? What had happened to them? Individuals created lists; organizations created lists. Lists of those found alive; lists of those known to be dead. Decades before photocopy machines, let alone fax, computer, database, and Internet technology, people looking for loved ones faced many obstacles. Eager to find their family and friends, and eager to be found, survivors in Europe developed their own means of communication. In her presentation, Debórah Dwork will trace how survivors searched, and what they found. RSVPs are required via https://bookwhen.com/floridaholocaustmuseum/e/ev-sn00-20200127183000 or call 727.820.0100 x301. https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org/
January 27-29, 2020 – Save the Dates for the 47th Annual Art Festival of Temple Beth-El of St. Petersburg at the temple. The exhibition and sale will showcase 170 national and international award-winning artists, featuring original paintings, wood, sculpture, ceramics, glass, photography, and jewelry in six galleries. Highlights of the event will include a Saturday evening gala, a new panel discussion with local art professionals, luncheon and docent-led tour, all on Monday. Open to the entire community. Visit https://www.templebeth-el.com/
January 27-30, 2020 – Beth Israel Jewish Congregation of Sun City Center presents Scholar-in-Residence The Rev. Dr. Carole Johannsen, with “Wisdom-Making: A Spiritual Job Description for Elders,” with programs presented over the three days. For information, visit: https://jcscc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/125/2019/12/Scholar-in-Residence-Carole.jpg
Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 6 PM – The documentary SEDERS AND CIGARS: A History of the Jews of Tampa, will be screened at The Tampa Bay History Center at 6 PM. Details to be announced. Visit http://www.sedersandcigars.com/ and https://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/2019/12/16/florida-conversations-january-2/?fbclid=IwAR2eijeDAp_ZaVFNPzcE8aTyyELjhXL-w8mCq1j0ZZdRzqGlQdlLYuvGMSI
Tuesday, January 28, 6-8 PM – Join the JCC at Eddie V’s, 4400 West Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa for one of the best opportunities for business and professional networking for the Jewish community in the Tampa area. Professional Community Connection is an endeavor of the Tampa JCCs & Federation and seeks to foster the development of networks and relationships between Jewish professionals and businesses of all industries in the Tampa Bay area. Registration in advance is requested at https://www.jewishtampa.com/federation-impact/young-adults/pcc
Tuesdays, January 28 – May 26, 2020, 7-8 PM – Wake the inner actor in you at the improv/theatre class taught by professional instructors fro The Box Theater, Tuesday evenings at the Glazer JCC of Tampa. Participants will enjoy performing, improvisational exercises, storytelling, and have some laughs. This is for ages 16 and older. Walkups are welcome. For cost and information, contact Brandy Gold at 813-769-4725 or brandy.gold@jewishtampa.com.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020, 7 PM – Young Israel Chabad of Pinellas County and Chabad of Clearwater present a special evening with Rabbi Abraham Shemtov with “The Rebbe’s Impact on the White House and the World,” at the Tabacinic Chabad Center, 2280 Belleair Rd., Clearwater. The event includes dessert reception followed by lecture. Sponsorships available. Information at https://www.yichabad.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/4395482/jewish/THE-REBBES-IMPACT.htm. Reserve online at https://www.jewishclearwater.com, or call 727-265-2770.
Thursday, January 30, 2020, 4:30 PM – The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Am of Tampa’s book club starts the new year with a discussion of The Home For Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman at the Panera Bread at 13256 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. https://bethamtampa.org/
Monday, February 1, 2020, 10 AM-Noon – The monthly Torah Study group of Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon meets. All are welcome. A light nosh will be served. https://bethshalom-brandon.org/
Sunday, February 2, 2020, 9 AM – The Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services presents its Walk and Run for Refugees at War Veterans’ Memorial Park, 9600 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg. Start time for the 5K race is 9 AM. A chip-time 5K race and non-chip-timed 1 mile walk on a family friendly course are included, along with post-race activities. Proceeds support Gulf Coast JFCS’s role in assisting refugees fleeing persecution and displacement. Details at https://gulfcoastjewishfamilyandcommunityservices.org/run-for-refugees/
Sunday, February 2, 2020, 2 and 3 PM – PJ Library and Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast and Celebration of the Arts-St. Petersburg present The Florida Orchestra’s Principal Woodwinds in Peter & The Wolf at The James Museum of St. Petersburg in two special performances at 2 & 3 PM, plus instrument petting zo, craft, and snack. Space is limited: for nominal fee and information and RSVP contact Alex Sembler at asembler@jewishpinellas.org.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020, 6:30-8:30 PM – Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., hosts the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program. The first session is this evening. Teens have the chance to network with peers, share social issues they care about, learn about investing and basic financial literacy, and develop leadership skills. Sessions: Introduction to B’nai Tzedek and Financial Literacy: February 4, 2020 • Mitzvah and Service: February 18, 2020 • Tikkun Olam and Leadership: March 3, 2020 • Tzedakah and Community: March 31, 2020 • To apply, visit: JewishTampa.com/Tzedek • For more information, please contact Rachel Sperber at 813.769.4770 or rachel.sperber@jewishtampa.com.
Friday, February 7, 2020, 7:30 PM – Join Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon for a Blue Jeans Shabbat with the choir. All are welcome. https://bethshalom-brandon.org/
Saturday, February 8, 11 AM – At the Palladium Theatre of St. Petersburg College The Florida Holocaust Museum will present a community conversation with Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes and Claire Sarnowski, youth activists who are making change happen in the world. The panel discussion will be moderated by trailblazer Gayle Sierens, Retired Co-Anchor, WFLA News Channel 8. Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes, CEO and Cofounder of The Akilah Institute for Women, is helping to provide economic opportunities for young women in Africa. Claire Sarnowski, as a high school freshman in Oregon, contacted her state senator to sponsor a bill for mandatory curriculum standards to teach students about the Holocaust and the concept of genocide. The bill became law in June 2019. All are welcome. Please RSVP online via https://bookwhen.com/floridaholocaustmuseum/e/ev-slzi-20200208110000 or call 727.820.0100 x301.
Sunday, February 9, 2020, Noon – Inquisitive Mindworks of Tampa Bay—an egalitarian Jewish study group open to all—hosts its second community event moderated by Rabbi Lazer Rivkin at Bryan Glazer Family JCC, Ross Meeting Rooms 2 & 3. A panel of medical, theological, and academic professionals will examine anecdotal, scientific, and spiritual evidence bearing on the subject of, “Does The Soul Survive?”—a book by Rabbi Eli Kaplan Spitz of Conservative Congregation B’nai Israel of Orange County, CA, which draws on Jewish texts, haring that belief in these concepts of near death experiences, past life regression, and reincarnation—so often approached with reluctance—is, in fact, true to Jewish tradition. Rabbi Spitz’s book is available at online bookstores. For more information on the program, phone 813-966-8770 or email drivkin52@gmail.com. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
Sunday, February 9, 2020, 6:30 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Mary Morris, author of Gateway to the Moon. JCC on the Cohn Campus. Tickets include Sips & Nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Sunday, February 16th, 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 Caring for Earth and Environment. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email jen.goldberg@jewishtampa.com.
Sunday, February 16th, 2020, 5 PM – The St. Petersburg Chapter of Hadassah is partnering with the St. Petersburg Celebration of the Arts to present “Hadassah—Healing Our Multifaceted World” at the St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. All are welcome and advance reservations are recommended. For more information, contact: https://www.hadassah.org/regions/florida-central/chapters/st-petersburg/, or stpetehadassah@gmail.org. Dr. Rachel Schonberger will be sharing how the world-renowned Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) and its two world-class research hospitals in Jerusalem founded by an American women’s organization in 1918, have reached out across the world, bringing healing and building bridges to peace for over 100 years. Dr. Schonberger has served for the past four years as National HMO Chair, and she brings her experiences and intimate knowledge of the work of HMO gained during her multiple trips to Jerusalem. HMO’s two Jerusalem hospitals – Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus – are an oasis of peace, committed to nurturing peaceful coexistence in a troubled part of the world. Professor Michele Kidwell Gilbert and Dr. Gordon Joel Gilbert, founders of The St. Petersburg Celebration of the Arts, stated that they are proud to have the Hadassah St. Petersburg Chapter sponsor this fascinating lecture. They explained that this talk highlights Tolerance and Acceptance in action by focusing upon Hadassah Hospital’s remarkable record of successfully reaching out to make a difference, and how its multiethnic staff heals diverse populations in Israel as well as around the globe. The Hadassah St. Petersburg chapter was founded in 1948 and today has over 500 volunteer members. Together with several other Hadassah chapters in the Tampa Bay area, it has been actively supporting HMO in their outreach to “Heal our Multifaceted World.” The St Petersburg Museum of History is situated at the beginning of the St Petersburg Pier. Due to ongoing Pier construction, parking is available on the streets or at the Sundial Garage 117 2nd Ave. N.
Saturday, February 22, 2020, 5:30-10 PM – Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon features its festive annual fundraiser. Put on your best 20s apparel and do the Charleston. This year, David Morris will showcase his sounds, including his latest single, “Welcome To My World.” Funds benefit the synagogue and Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which funds college for families of the fallen. Silent and live auctions will be available. The event is at Elks Lodge of Brandon. For ticket information and reservations, contact the Beth Shalom office or visit https://bethshalom-brandon.org/
Saturday, February 22, 2020, 6:30 PM – #Gather Blind Wine Tasting Party at a Private home – Register for details. Test your wine tasting skills by using only your senses. Taste through a flight of 10 mystery wines and try to guess their identities. Wine geeks and amateurs welcome. Feel free to bring your own wine and snacks to add to the mix. Details at https://www.bryanglazerfamilyjcc.com/bryan-glazer-family-jcc-/gather
Sunday, February 23, 2020 – The Tampa JCC & Federation invites the Tampa Bay community to “play ball” in the Annual Co-Ed Softball Tournament, now at Skyway Park. Details will be announced at https://www.bryanglazerfamilyjcc.com/programs/events/softball
Wednesday, February 26, Noon – Lunch and Learn: Seizing Success: A Woman’s Guide to Transformational Leadership, Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N Howard Ave Tampa, 33606, Featuring Mary Key, Ph.D. Learn about what makes women successful in leadership and how to avoid pitfalls than can precent you from finding the fulfillment you deserve. Each attendee will receive a copy of Key’s latest book, Seizing Success: A Woman’s Guide to Transformational Leadership. Program includes lunch. Register at https://www.jewishtampa.com/jewish-federation-events/seizing-success-a-womans-guide-to-transformational-leadership.
Sunday, March 1, 2020, 12:30-5 PM – Tampa JCC’s Annual Softball Tournament at Skyway Field, 4840 Independence Pkway, Tampa 33634. The tournament is open to any single player, or an entire team who wants to sign up. You may register as a team through your synagogue, sisterhood, brotherhood, book club, family or any group of friends who want to play. Minimum of 10 people per team; limit is 14 people per team. There must be three females on each team. If you are interested in joining a team of young professionals, please contact Lisa.
Saturday, March 7th, 2020, 7 PM – Save the date for Congregation Beth Shalom of Clearwater’s 8th Annual Purim Gala: “We’re Going To The Catskills!” Details: https://www.cbsclearwater.org/annual-purim-gala.html
Sunday, March 8, 2020, 1 PM – #Gather heads to Steinbrenner Field for some Spring Training action to watch the New York Yankees take on the Atlanta Braves. Families with young children are welcome to join us. Registration requested by Tuesday, January 28th in order for the JCC to book a block of tickets in advance. For details: https://www.bryanglazerfamilyjcc.com/bryan-glazer-family-jcc-/gather
Sunday, March 8, 2020, 6:30 PM – Festival of Jewish Books and Conversations, Chapter Seven, presents Julie Orringer, author of The Flight Portfolio,. JCC on the Cohn Campus. Tickets include Sips & Nosh and can be obtained at https://www.jewishtampa.com/bookfestival
Sunday, March 15th, 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 Kindness to Animals. For information, contact Jen Goldberg at 813-769-4738 or email jen.goldberg@jewishtampa.com.
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
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.
Sunday, April 26th, 2020! The Jewish Federation of Pinellas/Pasco presents the third in its KESHER series, “Connect to Israel,” a morning program followed by lunch. For details, visit https://www.jewishpinellas.org.
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
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.
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
WMNF Celebrated 40 Years with a Spectacular Birthday Celebration on 9/14/19 at the St. Petersburg Coliseum
SUNDAY SIMCHA GUEST AVIVA CHERNICK’s NEW CD ~ Released September 16, 2019
Canadian concert/recording artist/composer Aviva Chernick (https://avivachernick.com/), was our recent guest on the Sunday Simcha with her stunning new CD of traditional folk Sephardic songs, original songs, and Ladino songs by legendary Ladino singer/songwriter Flory Jagoda. We’ll be playing more of her music in the future. Visit her site and connect with her on Facebook.
Canadian Concert/Recording Artist/Composer Aviva Chernick
VISIT JEWISHINTAMPABAY.COM FOR NEWS OF THE WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA JEWISH COMMUNITY
Rande Friedman joined us to discuss his new web site devoted to the West Central Florida Jewish Community, https://jewishintampabay.com connecting Jewish synagogues, organizations, clergy, events, culture, food, and community in Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Marion, Citrus, Hernando, and Polk counties at the moment, with plans to expand further into the Bradenton/Sarasota region in the future, gives you an opportunity to input your happenings, news, opinions, and experiences of Jewish life that you wish to share with our entire region. Rande is also seeking WWII vets with whom to video interviews. If that is you, please let Rande know, or if you have any questions or need information, contact Rande via the site email Rande@jewishintampabay.com or community@jewishintampabay.com.
Our first A Bisl Freylichkayt on Joy’s first show of June 16, 2019 featured Tampa Bay-based comedian David Glickman (https://davidglickman.com/, who, by the way, will show up on future appearances of A Bisl Freylickhayt—we have a lot of David’s material you won’t want to miss. David has contributed to JewishinTampaBay.com. Read his feature at https://jewishintampabay.com/i-was-my-grandmothers-ghost-writer/!
Rabbi Nathan Farb of Tampa’s Cong. Schaarai Zedek on our 7.7.19 Sunday Simcha
ECLECTIC MUSIC, CULTURE, EVENTS, FEATURES, AND GUESTS
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. 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. The weekly feature—Milot Chochmah—Words of Wisdom—brings insights from rabbis, cantors, cantorial soloists and spiritual leaders of synagogues and Jewish organizations in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco Counties. Community Kvell is a celebration of members of the local community and The Kehillah Calendar provides an overview of coming events in the week ahead. A Bisl Freylichkayt—A Little Mirth—features Jewish comedy and comic songs as a lift to the show’s completion. We are grateful for your comments, suggestions, ideas, creativity, monetary support and for your ears! We hope you will 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.
The Sunday Simcha 6.16.19 with (L to R) Zachary Aborizk, Joy Katzen-Guthrie, Mark C. Guthrie, and Rande Friedman
THE SUNDAY SIMCHA HISTORY … A TRADITION IN TAMPA BAY (1980-Present)
Among WMNF’s earliest programs after going on air in 1979, The Jewish Sound 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, 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.
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.
THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED THE SUNDAY SIMCHA ON OUR LAST PLEDGE DRIVE ON OCTOBER 6th.
Laura Taylor & Shlomo Schwersky join Joy Katzen-Guthrie on The Sunday Simcha Summer Pledge Drive Show.
DONATIONS ARE WELCOME YEAR-ROUND to support this station and this program. The easiest way is to click the Tip Jar above with any donation—or take advantage of the great premiums for donors below. Select a premium and make your pledge and voila! It will be on its way.
Available for a $54 pledge are these:
• Ora de Despertar(Time To Wake Up): CD of original Ladino children’s music by Sarah Aroeste (signed)
• Eternal: a Jewish Historical Novel by award-winning author Dara Horn
• Sinners and the Sea: a novel by Rebecca Kanner (signed)
• Stand With Israel T-shirt: available in S, M, L, XL, and 2X
• The Histories of the Jewish People of Pinellas County: 700+ pages of Jewish history/photographs of Pinellas County by Herman Koren
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• And many other gifts from the WMNF collection upon your request when you make a pledge including the WMNF 40-Year RadioActive T-Shirt
Available for an $88.50 annual pledge as a Circle of Friends member ($7.37/mo)
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√ Call the office line at 813-238-8003 and indicate your support is for The Sunday Simcha.
√ Click the tip jar on this page to pledge in honor of The Sunday Simcha or pick up a premium with a pledge below.
√ Email us during the week at sundaysimcha@gmail.com.
√ Call our program during the show to speak with Joy and make your pledge at 813-239-9663.
√ Or visit The Sunday Simcha Facebook page and leave a message for Joy at www.facebook.com/sundaysimcha.
