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By Emily Raij
When attorney Gary Salzman formed the Maccabee Bar Association of Florida (MBAF) more than two years ago, he envisioned the Jewish professional organization having similar goals as other special interest bar associations throughout the state, such as the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association.
“I had in mind really a support group to network, help each other, refer business to each other, bang around ideas, and talk about issues and problems among my peers,” says Gary, who lives in Orlando with his wife Suzanne. The couple has two grown children.
Adam Losey, MBAF president, and member Dan Bachrach.
While the MBAF was somewhat dormant until last summer, the organization has since ramped up its activity. This includes monthly member meetings on Zoom, in-person social gatherings, and board meetings every other month. The MBAF has also created bylaws to clarify the purpose of the group – one that has felt even more critical since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.
During his 36 years of practicing law, Gary has seen some Jewish judges slandered by litigants and wanted to offer support in those types of situations. But last year’s Hamas attack starkly illustrated the need for the MBAF to sharpen its focus on fighting antisemitism. The association has since put out a public statement condemning the attack and will shortly publish a letter imploring law schools throughout the country to better combat antisemitism.
“We think we need to throw in our hat and say how bad this is and be social advocates for our purposes,” says Gary. “We’re trying to stay away from politics because we have very diverse political views in our membership. But we’re unified when it comes to antisemitism and Hamas. Those are some of the kinds of actions we’re going to take.”
FOSTERING JEWISH IDENTITY AND COMMUNITY
That need to unify and advocate resonated with Adam Losey, an attorney who lives in College Park with his wife Catherine and two young children. He heard about the MBAF from his mother Molly Losey, who mentioned the association to Adam after he hosted a fundraiser for United Hatzalah, an Israeli emergency medical services organization.
“I think more secular Jewish people like me were looking for more avenues to do something,” says Adam, who recently took over as president of the MBAF when Gary had to step down due to family health issues.
In December, Adam hosted an MBAF inaugural Hanukkah party and kickoff at his home. Other regular events include Maccabee Monday, a social gathering where members can meet each other, schmooze, and network. Adam, who has worked with several charitable organizations and is chairman emeritus of Make-a-Wish Central and Northern Florida, also envisions MBAF working on local service projects and holding educational events.
“While certainly the organization is open to everybody,” says Adam, “the focus would be something that relates to Judaism and Jewish life or charitable efforts.”
“Neither one of us is very religious, but
October 7 galvanized people like Adam and me to reawaken Jewish identity.””
Currently, the MBAF has 46 dues-paying members, both Jewish and not, and offers student memberships as well. Because most members reside in Central Florida, the MBAF plans to expand to other areas by hosting events in Tampa and South Florida. The association advertises its events on LinkedIn and Facebook, and those interested in becoming members can email Adam at ALosey@losey.law or visit the Maccabee.Law website.
Most people have found out about the association through word of mouth while seeking a greater sense of Jewish community.
“Neither one of us is very religious, but October 7 galvanized people like Adam and me to reawaken Jewish identity,” says Gary. “I am much more conscious of being proud of being a Jew and the culture that goes along with that.”
Lawrence Kolin, Gary Salzman, and Alan Apte at the Maccabee Bar Association of Florida’s inaugural Hanukkah party.
This story was originally published in print in Summer 2024.