Page 1 - The Jewish Voice - January '24

VOL. 14 NO. 1 www.seabreezepublications.com JANUARY 2024

PBC Federation Launches Bold Campaign for the Future

More than 500 To date, the Campaign “Each of us holds the
community leaders has raised $180 million, power to address this
gathered at the Kravis including legacy gifts that distinctive moment of
Center for the Performing will support Federation’s need, opportunity, and
Arts last month to hear work for decades to responsibility through
Jewish Federation of Palm come and multi-year Campaign for the Future,”
Beach County announce commitments to Federation, shared Bill Meyer, chair of
the boldest initiative in its programs, and partner the Campaign. “If you’ve
the history of Jewish Palm organizations. With the advocated for the people of
Beach: Campaign for the recent terror attacks in Israel, if you’ve encouraged
Future, a monumental effort Israel and a nearly 400 people to engage with Jewish
to raise $250 million by percent spike in acts of life, or if you contribute
July 2026. The goal of this antisemitism throughout to Jewish Palm Beach,
groundbreaking effort is to the United States, this Campaign for the Future is
support the growing needs Betsy R. and Richard Sheerr includes an extraordinary Richard and Susan Friedman for you.” Gene and Hope Silverman
of one of North America’s $40 million dedicated to With an estimated
fastest-growing communities for today, tomorrow, and supporting the people of Israel and Jewish communities 200,000 residents anticipated in local Jewish households
forever. The announcement was made at Federation’s worldwide, as well as $22 million to protect and stand up
signature event, Celebrating Philanthropy. to antisemitism and hatred. PBC Federation Launches on page 2
JELF Empowers Local Students through Interest-Free Loans

The Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) provided 0 County, a partnership dedicated to aiding local Jewish debt that affects 45 million Americans.
percent interest loans to 438 students, disbursing a total of students in achieving their educational aspirations. The unique strength of JELF’s free loan model lies in
$2,025,261 in 2023. Among them, 19 Jewish students from • Applicants must meet the following criteria to be its sustainability. Repaid funds continue to serve the next
Palm Beach County received vital support amounting to eligible for a JELF loan: generation of students, forming a cycle of support. While
$90,744 for their academic pursuits. • Permanent resident of FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA former recipients pay back their loans, community donors
JELF, the sole Jewish organization exclusively focused on (excluding metro DC) remain essential to meeting the challenges of rising tuition
college financial aid, stands out in its commitment to higher • Enrolled full time in a program leading to a degree or and inflation.
education. Since 1961, JELF has provided over $16 million certificate Recently elected Board Chair Emily Sauerteig emphasizes
to 5,500 students in the five-state region of Florida, Georgia, • In good academic standing the enduring impact of contributions to JELF: “As I step into
North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia (excluding metro • U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status this role, I am deeply committed to ensuring JELF’s continued
DC), boasting a remarkable 99 percent repayment rate. • Able to provide a co-signer who resides in the U.S. success in empowering students through education. My passion
As the 2024-2025 academic year approaches, JELF Planning to accept federal subsidized and unsubsidized for the mission, coupled with the generosity of our community,
invites Jewish students to apply for interest-free loans loans will drive us to new heights. Together, we can make a lasting
tailored for higher education, covering college, graduate JELF’s interest-free loans cover educational and living difference in the lives of aspiring students.”
school, and vocational programs. The application period expenses often overlooked by traditional financial aid, For more information about JELF and to support its
is open through April 30. including travel, rent, food, and books. By offering 0 percent mission, please visit jelf.org. For more information about JELF,
JELF takes pride in its collaborative efforts with Olivia interest loans, JELF saves borrowers thousands of dollars visit jelf.org, email info@jelf.org, or call 770-396-3080.
Tartakow from Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach annually, alleviating the burden of high-interest student loan
Temple Emanu-El Hosts 60th Anniversary Commemoration

In 1964, Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach moved first Shabbat service and, during that time, thousands Clergy, leadership, staff, and members have come and
into its first home, comprising two storefronts on Sunrise of members and tens of thousands of guests have been gone, and the congregation’s demographics have changed,
Avenue. Six short years later, it became obvious this small enriched by Temple Emanu-El’s warmth and spirituality,
space would not suffice much longer, as the congregation and hundreds of Jewish children have learned about Temple Emanu-El Hosts on page 4
was growing rapidly. Funds were raised to acquire the the joys of Judaism. This
present site at 190 N County Road, and the new synagogue tradition of learning and
building was dedicated on March 24, 1974. Twenty years community continues to
of growth led to the synagogue’s expansion and the this day.
building of its beautiful new sanctuary in 1995. Much has happened
It has been many years since Temple Emanu-El’s over the past 60 years: