JFCS kicks off Project of Unity at Special Aviva event

Photos: 1) JFCS Rabbi Jonathan Katz and Aviva Rabbi Anne Feibelman, kick off Hanukkah and the Project of Unity program at a special event at Aviva. 2) JFCS VP of major gifts and planned giving, who is also a musician, celebrates with children from JFCS’ Healthy Families/Healthy Children program who were treated to special Jewish faith holiday music. 3) Residents of Aviva receive a special holiday greeting card, which were made by children at the Project of Unity event. Photos courtesy of JFCS of the Suncoast.

In partnership with Aviva and The Jewish Federation, JFCS kicked off its new Project of Unity program on the first day of Hanukkah, bringing together families and children of all faiths to promote unity in the community.

Clients from JFCS’s Healthy Families/Healthy Children program joined Aviva residents to learn about Hanukkah and the principles of giving back and supporting those in need, which are an integral part of the Jewish faith. Participants were introduced to stories, music and traditions surrounding the Jewish faith and Hanukkah. Children also created special holiday cards, which they then gave to Aviva residents, and shared a special meal of Latkes and other traditional Jewish foods.

“The inspiration for the Project of Unity is the belief that differences enrich our interactions and make us stronger,” said Heidi Brown, JFCS President/CEO. “We are excited to join together as one harmonious community and dedicate the Project of Unity to Steve Seidensticker. His passion for doing good endures through his beautiful legacy and the Project of Unity is a testament to his vision.”

Additional educational and cultural events are being planned, designed to help people better understand the fundamental values behind different faiths and common principles, including a partnership with Key Chorale, and the performance of Elijah, March 10-11, 2019, at First Methodist Church in Sarasota. Mendelssohn’s powerful choral masterpiece brings to life some of the most dramatic moments of the Old Testament. This extraordinary musical retells the story of a man’s devotion, persecution and ascension in one of the greatest oratories ever written. For tickets and more information, visit www.keychorale.org.