Greater Miami Jewish Federation 2013 Main Event Celebrates Israel, Celebrates Community


A crowd of nearly 1,500 people made the Greater Miami Jewish Federation 2013 Main Event a true celebration of community, with the annual event’s largest attendance in nearly a decade.
Chaired this year by Moj and Robert Danial, The Main Event brought together people of all ages and backgrounds for a gala evening that commemorated the 65th anniversary of the modern State of Israel and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Attendees pledged support for the 2013 Federation/UJA Campaign to provide funding for vital programs and services in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries around the world.
One highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Dr. Daniel Gordis, a National Book Award-winning author who is also a columnist for The Jerusalem Post and a contributor to The New York Times. Gordis shared his views on a number of topics of concern to the Jewish community.

Following Gordis’ presentation, The Main Event stage was transformed into a dazzling party for Israel, with an enormous cake, fireworks and an electrifying musical performance by Israeli singer Einat Sarouf. Attendees jumped to their feet, dancing and singing in celebration until the end of the evening.
Brian L. Bilzin is Chair of the Board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Robert G. Berrin is the General Campaign Chair. Main Event Vice Chairs were Gabriela and Joel Birnbaum, Robert Kopf, Sandy Liebowitz, Kimberly Mendelson, Josh Migdal and Linda Schechter.
The Federation gratefully acknowledges its Corporate Sponsors for their generous support of The Main Event.
Platinum Sponsors were: Bilzin Sumberg Attorneys at Law; The Collection; Greenberg Traurig, P.A.; and Wells Fargo.

Gold Sponsors were: Akerman Senterfitt; Berkowitz Pollack Brant; City National Bank; Kent Security Services, Inc.; The Miami Herald; Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra, LLP; Sabadell United Bank; Sapoznik Insurance & Associates Inc.; and Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.
The Silver Sponsor was: Meland Russin & Budwick, P.A.
Bronze Sponsors were: Carlton Fields; Higer Lichter & Givner; and Kaufman Rossin & Company, P.A. CPAs.
Pearl Sponsors were: Action Video Productions; Atlantic Hosiery Outlet; Goldstein Schechter Koch: Northern Trust; Perry Ellis International; and Podhurst Orseck, P.A.
For more information about the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, visit JewishMiami.org or call 305-576-4000.
Immediate Past Board Chair Barbara Black Goldfarb, Hedy Whitebook, Ilene Weinkle and Robert Goldfarb
President and Chief Executive Officer Jacob Solomon and Loly and Isaac Zelcer, a Federation Past President
Jaime Ghitelman, Stephanie Sultan-Ghitelman, Gabriela and Joel Birnbaum, Silvia Apeloig and Rossana and Alberto Franco
Richard Yulman
Raquel and Michael Scheck, a Federation Past President
Shana Lewinger Russo, Jacob Russo and Sara Futerman
Wendy and Steven J. Kravitz, a Federation Past President
Michael Adler, a Federation Past President, and Geoffrey Aaronson
Robin and Baruch Jacobs
Sidney and Nadine Pertnoy
Michael Rosenburg and Lisa Kudish Rosenburg
Florence and Robert Werner
Tati and Ezra Katz, a Federation Past President
William Lehman, a Federation Past President; Shirley Lehman, and Adele and Joel Sandberg
Sarah and Michael Sokol, and Allison and Jerry Sokol
Lily Serviansky, Colleen Fain and Fran Berrin
Leslie and Ian Kaplan
Dorothy and Aaron Podhurst, a Federation Past President
Mytyl Simancas-Bister (center) with sons Ari and Danny
Dror Zadok and Israel’s Consul General to Florida and Puerto Rico Chaim Shacham
Miami-area clergy start off the evening’s program by leading the singing of the Star Spangled Banner
Israeli entertainer Einat Sarouf (far right) had Main Event attendees singing and dancing along with her
The Main Event festivities culminated in a festive celebration of the modern State of Israel’s 65th birthday