The Right Choices

by Emily Raij

The annual Choices event is always an uplifting affair, showcasing the strength of Jewish women and their impact on the Orlando community. Now in its 27th year, the celebration on May 6 looked a little different – and not just because it was held via Zoom rather than in person.

For 2021, the joint project of Women Together and the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando (JFGO) evolved its name to Brave Choices and celebrated 28 courageous and resilient women who have served on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic through the areas of medicine, mental health/special needs, community, education, and Jewish agencies. With nearly 200 attendees logging in, it was still the largest annual gathering of Central Florida Jewish women and the Federation’s biggest fundraising event of the year. 

Many aspects of the Choices event remained the same. Attendees could still wine and dine by purchasing meals and spirits from Arthur’s Catering that were delivered to their homes. And it was still a night full of socializing as the Zoom chat filled with cheers of “kol hakavod,” “yasher koach,” “mazel tov,” and, simply, “so nice to see everyone!”

Women could still choose to dress up and add a little sparkle by purchasing a Brave Choices hamsa bracelet for themselves or others.

The event opened on a somewhat somber note as Keith Dvorchik, JFGO executive director and CEO of The Roth Family JCC, acknowledged that, just a few hours earlier, an anti-Semitic hate group called The Goyim Defense League showed up on the corner of Maitland Avenue and Maitland Boulevard to protest the Holocaust Center and shout hateful, bigoted chants for two hours. Campus security and local law enforcement were aware of the group’s presence well in advance, preventing them from entering the JCC campus and ensuring the safety of all students, staff, and visitors without disruption to campus activities. This was not the frontline battle Choices was meant to highlight, but it was important to address this “elephant in the Zoom,” as it were, and express gratitude for another group of first responders who kept the community safe.

“I really want to be able to focus now on the wonders and the beauty of our Jewish community,” said Keith.

And from there, four young women – Katie Botwinik, Jacqui Gerber, Rachel Proulx, and Maddie Weiss – sang beautiful renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Hatikvah” that felt especially poignant and timely.

Next, photos highlighted the many ways the community watched, discussed, listened, learned, celebrated, and of course, made delicious food through various Federation events during the pandemic year, including Pride Shabbat, Men’s Night Out, and the Women’s Seder – with more to come this year from the Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, the Jewish Community Relations Council, Women Together, and PJ Library. When needed most during the pandemic, critical social services were provided through RAISE, Food Cart from the Heart, and partnerships with the Jewish Pavilion, as well.

Despite the shift in how the Jewish community gathered and continues to gather, “apart and together, we stay connected,” said Ashley Bundis, JFGO marketing director.

Leigh Norber, the Brave Choices chairperson, led into the main event with video clips from local women representing a wide range of ages and demonstrating the many ways women support our community. Along with Leigh, the Choices Committee included Danielle Barak, Barbara Chasnov, Betsy Cohen, Rhonda Forest, Renee Friedman, Natalia Goldenberg, Bari Hoffman, Eve Homberger, Caryn Israel, Danielle Krise, Loren London, Karen Moreno, Meril Salzberg, and Laurie Shader Smith.

Before showcasing the 28 women honored, Cantor Nina Fine, Cantor Bryce Megdal, Cantor Kim Singer, and Debbie Meitin fittingly and beautifully sang the Shehecheyanu blessing.

According to Julie Begani, owner of Julbilation Events, 108 women filmed clips for Brave Choices, which were interspersed throughout the program. These clips not only included words from the honorees, but also heartfelt thanks and favorite memories shared by those who nominated and know them. Mayor Buddy Dyer of Orlando even made a cameo, speaking on the strength, resilience, and selflessness of women who have faced unique challenges during the pandemic.

Women involved in the Federation for decades also spoke on what it means to be brave and courageous, noting how women frequently shine as fundraisers and organizers in our community, encouraging us all to carry the light.

The hour-long event ended by focusing on young women, the next generation who will build on the legacy of tzedakah, tikkun olam, and tradition exemplified by all of the Brave Choices honorees.