Philanthropy | Massachusetts
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is helping build a lasting home for Jewish life in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. His family's $5 million contribution will support a new Chabad center featuring a sanctuary, preschool, classrooms, teen facilities and a large social hall.
Expected to open for the High Holidays in 2027, the Kraft Family Chabad Center is a reminder that philanthropy is about more than writing checks. It's about creating places where future generations can gather, celebrate and belong.
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Giving Back | Jewish Philanthropy
There is encouraging news from the Jewish Communal Fund in New York. Its 2026 special grants include $1 million for Plaza Jewish Community Chapel, along with $100,000 each for a nature center at Surprise Lake Camp, agricultural recovery in Israel and disability inclusion services.
These are the kinds of investments that can get lost in the daily headlines: helping children enjoy Jewish summer camp, strengthening local institutions and supporting families and communities that need a hand.
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Society & Galas | South Florida
South Florida's charitable social calendar has an important date on December 17, 2026. American Friends of Magen David Adom will host its Miami Gala at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort in Aventura.
The evening will honor Milena and Jacob Khotoveli, feature a culinary experience with Chef Raz Shabtai and be hosted by actress Tovah Feldshuh. It's an opportunity to enjoy a sophisticated evening while supporting the emergency medical professionals saving lives throughout Israel.
Gala information →
Upcoming Gala | Aventura
On December 15, 2026, supporters of United Hatzalah of Israel will gather at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry for an evening recognizing the organization's volunteer first responders.
With more than 8,600 trained volunteers, United Hatzalah has developed an impressive emergency response network. Its motorcycle medics and other volunteers bring lifesaving care directly to people in need. The Miami Gala offers an occasion to recognize that work and the donors who help make it possible.
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Synagogue News | Maryland
In Bel Air, Maryland, the recently completed Harford Chabad Center has received the town's Archer-Bull Award for architectural excellence. The building, which opened in 2025, was recognized in October 2026 for its design and contribution to the surrounding neighborhood.
For the local Jewish community, the honor has special meaning. What began with small gatherings and personal invitations has grown into a permanent home with classrooms, a synagogue, a kosher kitchen and space for families to come together.
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Synagogue News | Wyoming
There is something wonderful about a small congregation finally getting a place of its own. After more than 30 years of meeting in rented spaces, the Jackson Hole Jewish Community in Wyoming has opened a permanent synagogue and community center.
The project was made possible through an extraordinary local fundraising effort. The renovated building offers a sanctuary, educational facilities, a kitchen and spaces for cultural activities. In a community surrounded by the beauty of the Tetons, Jewish life now has a permanent address.
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Young Jewish Life | New York
Brooklyn was filled with youthful Jewish energy in late October as nearly 2,000 college students from more than 160 campuses gathered for Chabad on Campus International's annual Pegisha weekend.
Students from six countries shared Shabbat meals, discussions, music, dancing and Havdalah celebrations. It was an encouraging picture of the next generation: young people eager to explore Jewish tradition, make new friends and celebrate their heritage together.
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Entertainment | Jewish Cinema
Jewish cinema takes center stage November 4–15, 2026, when the 38th Boston Jewish Film Festival brings 15 films from nine countries to screens across Greater Boston.
Audiences can expect dramas, documentaries, comedies and conversations with filmmakers. From historical stories to contemporary family life, the festival celebrates the many different experiences that shape Jewish identity. It's also another reminder of how much Jewish filmmakers contribute to the world of independent cinema.
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Comedy & Music | New York City
Jewish humor has always had a special place in New York entertainment, and songwriter Adam Blotner is keeping that tradition lively. On November 19, 2026, he brings The Jewish Year: Greatest Hits to the celebrated 54 Below supper club in Manhattan.
The musical comedy performance takes an affectionate look at Jewish holidays, synagogue life and the little things that make Jewish culture so recognizable. Expect clever parodies, original songs and plenty of familiar situations that deserve a good laugh.
Performance details →
Good News from Israel | Innovation
Israeli ingenuity continues to attract international attention. Four Israeli-founded companies made TIME magazine's 2026 Best Inventions list, with technologies addressing everything from healthcare to agriculture.
Among them are Beewise, which develops robotic beehives to protect honeybee colonies; SpotitEarly, which is developing cancer-detection technology using trained dogs; Aidoc, with artificial intelligence tools for medical imaging; and Bria AI, which is working on creative licensing and compensation. It's an impressive range of ideas with real-world potential.
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Israel | Medical Research
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and Israeli biotechnology company Matricelf are working on an ambitious medical project: living spinal-cord implants made from a patient's own cells.
The goal is to help repair damaged neural connections and potentially restore movement following spinal injuries. Human testing is being planned at Sheba Medical Center for 2027, subject to regulatory approval. It's still experimental, but this kind of research illustrates why Israeli medical science is watched so closely around the world.
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Jewish Holidays | 5787
With the Jewish New Year 5787 underway, families and congregations are already looking forward to Chanukah, beginning at sundown on Friday, December 4, and continuing through December 12, 2026.
From traditional olive-oil menorahs and homemade latkes to public lightings, synagogue gatherings and children's celebrations, Chanukah offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy being together. This is also a wonderful time to support Jewish businesses, attend community concerts and introduce younger generations to cherished traditions.
Chanukah dates and information →
