Education Matters | A Safe Home for Lifelong Learning at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha | May 2024

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is trailblazing a new era of educational enrichment and engagement, providing one of the nation’s fastest-growing Jewish communities in America with broad and stimulating opportunities for learning and facilitating cross-cultural dialogue. 

The development of the Larry Greenspon Campus for Jewish Life is well underway, as previous challenges have been surmounted. Board President, Deb Kabinoff reflects on fundraising for the renovations, “First, the challenge was, ‘How are we going to build this?’ It was gratifying to see so many generous philanthropists step forward to provide us with the funding we needed. Then it became a matter of, ‘What are the best uses of this campus? How do we fit it all in? How are we going to prioritize and make sure that we’re offering a wide variety of things that are meaningful as well as fun?’ That’s been a wonderful, ongoing challenge.” 

Dr. Liat Alon, the Federation’s Chief Learning and Engagement Officer, highlights the significance of inclusivity in shaping the sprawling campus’s educational programs. “We want to offer top-rate education that will allow people to have conversations that go beyond and across divides, differences, and disagreements. We want it to be intriguing, fascinating, and exciting.”

Expanding Educational Horizons

At the heart of the campus lies the Chaifetz Holocaust Memorial and Education Center.

“One area we have really prioritized is Holocaust education. In the state of Florida, Holocaust education is mandated, so teachers in Florida public schools are required to include it, but they still need resources and training in order to do that well,” says Shepard Englander, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. 

Dr. Alon emphasizes the center’s unique value and approach to Holocaust education of offering a transformative experience through history and outdoor art installations. “We’re deeply committed to offering memorable experiences that make the lessons of the Holocaust relevant to all people, whether they’re students or adults, groups or individuals, Jewish or non-Jewish,” she says. 

The education center offers a trail between stations that present Jewish life in Europe before World War II, through the Holocaust, resistance, liberation, resilience, the establishment of the State of Israel and the growth of the American Jewish community. Each station encourages visitors to contemplate and discuss challenging topics that remain relevant today, such as democracy, discrimination, and antisemitism. Over the last decade, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has conducted off-site sessions in schools. Now, with a dedicated location for exhibitions, schools will be able to arrange customized field trips and on-site teacher training sessions to enhance the Holocaust education experience.

A Multi-Purpose Communal Space

From hosting the annual Jewish Film Festival, to renting it for other organizations’ speakers, dinners and events, The Ora at the Joel and Gail Morganroth Event Center is shaping up to be a dynamic venue for programs of all kinds. The versatility of the newly opened building allows it to host a broad range of events, from weddings to performances. This will be complemented by a lushly landscaped event terrace and an industry standard commissary kitchen operated by the locally esteemed Michael’s on East, The Ora has already garnered widespread community excitement and support, having hosted both Federation’s own special events and those of other premiere non-for-profit organizations and businesses. Ample, convenient parking, plus partnerships with neighboring organizations, ensure seamless accessibility for guests.

At the heart of The Ora is the Kaplan Ballroom, boasting an expansive capacity of up to 1,000 people auditorium style and over 750 seated for an elegant meal. This makes The Ora the premiere level venue with the greatest capacity in Sarasota.

 “We planned The Ora to serve as a gathering place for people from all parts of our community, whether they need something huge, or small and intimate,” says Kabinoff. “These spaces are available to everyone, so they have a place that isn’t just downtown at a hotel, but a central location in Sarasota where they can plan personal and customized gatherings of all kinds. Whether that’s something serious like a lecture, or something wonderful like an outdoor wedding, all those things are available at The Ora.”

Ritter-Wolk Security and Training Center

As the Federation continues to evolve, it remains committed to educational excellence. The next phase of campus development will see the completion of the Ritter-Wolk Community Building. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a training center, offering programs in health and safety, like CPR, and security workshops. 

Englander emphasizes the importance of safety and security in today’s climate. “Unfortunately, security has become more important for all Americans, but especially for Jewish Americans. So we use our knowledge to protect our community and also to partner with our neighbors and law enforcement,” he says. “In September, we’re going to finish the renovations of the building, which has always been used for education. It was once a preschool, and then a music school, and now it’ll be a training center.”

Programs for People of All Ages 

The Federation aims to offer programs not only for the Jewish community but also for the wider Sarasota-Manatee community. Most notably, this summer the Federation is bringing day camp back to the Campus, which was beloved when the former Jewish Community Center ran it for many years. It will have many of the same wonderful programs and experiences, under a new name—Camp Yonnie. 

“Sarasota already has many specialized day camps—one in botany and one in fine arts. But there are very few that are broad, general day camps, where kids can do sports, art, or music, and where people from many different backgrounds can come together. While a good number of campers come from Jewish families, there are probably an equal number who do not,” explained Englander, noting the camp’s history of forging lasting friendships. 

Alongside Camp Yonnie, the Federation boasts an extensive lineup of programs that cater to various age groups, including teen programs, young adult initiatives, and adult education courses. The diverse array of offerings reflects the Federation’s commitment to fostering community engagement and creating a welcoming environment for all.

The Federation’s Future

“These days, it’s harder and harder to find places where people can really exchange ideas respectfully. We know how to do that, and we’re committed to making that possible. We will continue to respond not only to the needs of the Jewish community, but to those of our friends and neighbors,” says Englander.

“We are blessed to have this wonderful 32-acre campus, new buildings, and new spaces—a resource for all kinds of conversations and gatherings. We want people to be able to come here and learn new things, have new experiences, and hear new voices as we continue to build our campus out with educational and recreational opportunities for everyone,” Kabinoff adds.

Dr, Alon, who also teaches Middle Eastern studies at Ringling College of Art and Design, adds, “We’re offering a wide array of programs here on our new campus and will continue to add to them. But we’re also offering programs off campus and welcome partnerships with fellow organizations, schools and colleges and local communities. Our commitment to education is a core value, not just of the Federation, but in Jewish life and culture as well, and we want to offer it as broadly as we can.” 

The Federation encourages dialogue, promotes understanding, and creates a space where individuals can learn and grow as part of a larger community. With a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, the Federation is poised to become a cornerstone of Sarasota-Manatee—a beloved safe home for lifelong learning.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the Federation’s programs and upcoming events, please visit jfedsrq.org.