Florida Lobbied For School Funding

Jewish education in Florida entered the spotlight of the State Legislative Session as advocates from across the state recently gathered in Tallahassee.

Under the auspices of Chabad of Tallahassee, The Jewish Leadership Coalition for School Choice brought the case for state funding for Jewish schools straight to their lawmaker’s doorsteps.

A presentation of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America and Agudas Yisroel, this gathering united Jewish leaders of Orthodox, Conservative and Reformed backgrounds with a common goal: education for Jewish children.

The Jewish Leadership Coalition for School choice is comprised of top South Florida Jewish rabbis and leaders. Working with the Florida Federation for children, the Coalition supports programs such as Step Up for Students and the McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program. These programs give millions of dollars to Jewish children with the goal of providing affordable Jewish education. Chabad schools alone receive over a million dollars through this program.

Bringing the case for school funding to the Capitol were thirty of the Coalition’s key members, including chairman Dr. Allan Jacob and Rabbi Goldberg of the Boca Raton Synagogue. Leading the way on this visit was Chabad of Tallahassee and Rabbi Schneur Oirechman who planned and coordinated several events throughout the day, including a catered Kosher luncheon, reception, and dinner at Chabad House.

After giving the opening invocation at the Florida Senate, Rabbi Oirechman guided the out of town guests through capitol, introducing them to their Jewish representative and senators. Rabbi Oirechman’s tour even included a surprise mezuzah for Rep. Jim Waldman’s office, making sure that Jewish traditions have a place at Florida’s Capitol.

This visit was a unique opportunity to build and strengthen connections between key community leaders from Jewish South Florida and Florida’s Jewish Legislators.