By Anne Middleton, The Ora Athletic Club member When I first joined The Ora Athletic Club, I was just following my favorite Zumba instructor and a group of friends. I knew I would enjoy the dancing, the music, and the chance to spend time with people I already...
Community
Preparing for Back To School with Chief Security Officer, Pat Robinson
So here we are at one the craziest times of the year for all of us parents and commuters…back to school time! As much as I would love my two 16 year olds to be at the house perpetually reminding me that I know nothing and they “already know that” I’ll be happy to turn...
Parents Celebrate Many Joys of Camp Yonnie
From a letter by Eugene, Anzhelika & Family Camp Yonnie brought the joy of Shabbat back into our home. Since moving to the United States more than half a year ago, one of the things I have missed most has been celebrating Shabbat as part of a Jewish community. We...
New to Sarasota-Manatee? Shalom You’re Home
By Lauren Cohen, Outreach Manager Welcome to the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Whether you have just moved to our community or have lived here for a while and have not yet had the chance to connect, we are so glad you are here. Our Jewish community is...
ShirLaLa Summer Concert – Gallery – July 10, 2026
July 10 ShirLaLa, renowned singer and guitarist, performed for a joyful family Shabbat experience, getting kids (and parents!) clapping, singing, and moving together. Campers and guests enjoyed Kona Ice and a lively interactive show.
On America’s 250th, We Must Work Together for Safety
Shepard Englander, Chief Executive Officer America’s 250th anniversary evokes deep gratitude for American Jews. Jews have never enjoyed greater freedoms than in America, where we have been able to practice our faith proudly and openly, build strong...
Jewish Figures in the American Revolution: Francis Salvador (1747–1776), the Paul Revere of the South
July 4, 2026 marks the United States of America’s Semiquincentennial—250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Arnold Kaplan, who started the Kaplan Collection of Early American Judaica with his late wife Deanne will share with us stories and...
Local Holocaust Survivor Speaks in Germany at Event Marking End of Second World War
Bette Zaret, Holocaust Education Initiative As she nears 99 years old, local Holocaust Survivor Helga Melmed continues to ensure that the lessons of history are neither forgotten nor ignored. Last month, Helga was invited by the city of Hamburg, Germany to address the...
Fiddler on the Roof: A Story for the Ages
Bette Zaret, Holocaust Education Initiative I have seen “Fiddler on the Roof” more times than I can count. I know the music, the humor, and the heartbreak well. Yet the recent and magnificent production at Asolo Repertory Theatre felt entirely new to me. It...






