Jewish Pavilion Senior Services Featured Staff
by Hedy Bass
F or 25 years, Jewish Pavilion Senior Services (JPSS) has been enriching the lives of Jewish seniors in Central Florida. JPSS connects residents of more than 40 senior living communities to their Jewish roots and traditions through a variety of programs that include holiday celebrations, Shabbat services, and one- on-one visitations. JPSS has several directors on its team who coordinate the organization’s programs and volunteers at every facility it serves. Let’s meet the three newest program directors, who all share a common goal of enhancing the lives of our community’s Jewish residents.
“This is everything that I’ve wanted and more,” says Jordan. “I love giving back to the community. I know that a lot of older members in our community don’t always get the Jewish support they need. JPSS is the organization that can help, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Sindi Ackman Sindi Ackman’s love for her Jewish faith and culture is evident in all she does, both personally and professionally. Originally from Queens, New York, Sindi moved to South Florida in 1977, where she married and started a family. A graduate of UCF, she earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies, which includes behavioral/social sciences, middle school education, and Jewish education. A lifelong learner, Sindi holds certificates in Holocaust and Judaic studies and continues to take classes and seminars on a regular basis. After moving to Central Florida in 1989, she served as an educator at Congregation Ohev Shalom and Chabad Altamonte Springs. When Sindi retired from teaching, she sought a job that would keep her involved in the Jewish community. Sindi found exactly what she was looking for at JPSS. “For the past year, I’ve enjoyed working as an administrative assistant at JPSS and now look forward to my new role as a program director,” she says. “It’s important to me that seniors maintain their Jewish connection,” says Sindi. “Whether through one-on-one visitations or celebrating Shabbat and the holidays, I want to help seniors stay connected to their Judaism.” In her personal life, Sindi’s greatest joy is her four-year-old granddaughter, who attends Hillel Academy of Tampa Bay, where Sindi’s son is a member of the faculty leadership team.
Emily Raij A prolific author, Emily Raij has written more than 50 children’s books and is a contributing writer for J Life magazine. She also serves on the board of the Kinneret Council on Aging and is the board vice president of education at Temple Israel. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Emily earned a degree in journalism at Northwestern University. She and her husband Andrew live in Winter Park with their two children, Tilly and Adam. Emily’s new position with JPSS is affording her the opportunity to combine her deep-rooted passions for Judaism and seniors. “I love the senior community,” says Emily, who was very close with her grandmothers when she was growing up. “Seniors offer so much warmth and wisdom.” Adds Emily, “My role as a program director allows me to connect with people, which is something I love doing. Our Shabbat services and holiday celebrations are open to all, including many of the non- Jewish residents who like being involved.” She is looking forward to meeting more seniors in our community through her work with JPSS. “Hearing people’s stories and celebrating Shabbat together creates connection and community,” says Emily. “I hope to bring that feeling to all the residents I see.”
Jordan Teitelbaum Raised in Jupiter, Florida, Jordan Teitelbaum is a student at the University of Central Florida, where she is majoring in elementary education. She is also the music specialist at Camp J at Shalom Orlando and a part-time cantorial soloist at the Congregation of Reform Judaism. “I’ve been a musician basically my entire life,” says Jordan, who plays guitar and several other instruments. “When I became a bat mitzvah, it was the first time I had ever sung in front of anyone other than my family. When I received positive feedback, I realized I was capable of leading others in prayer.” During her high-school years, Jordan volunteered at her temple’s religious school as a teacher’s assistant and song leader. After she graduates from UCF, Jordan hopes to continue her cantorial path. When she learned about the possibility of becoming a program director at JPSS, Jordan jumped at the opportunity.
21 FALL 2025 | J LIFE
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