THE SHALOM ORLANDO SECTION
The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando
FAMILY
PART OF THE
Staying Strong During a Time of Transition BY STAN RUBINS
Stan Rubins Board Chair, Shalom Orlando
T his new year arrives at a pivotal moment for Shalom Orlando. Over the past several months, we have navigated profound challenges in the global Jewish community and faced internal changes. Through it all, we have remained committed to our mission and to building a stronger future, together. One of the most important developments in this period of transition is the appointment of our interim CEO, Eric Robbins. Eric joins us from Atlanta,
Georgia, where he served as president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Throughout his distinguished career, Eric has been recognized for his ability to bring people together, strengthen institutions, and inspire a shared vision for Jewish life. We are fortunate to have his leadership and experience guiding Shalom Orlando at this critical juncture. We are also thrilled to welcome Dr. James Larsen as our new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)
director. Dr. Larsen brings extensive experience in early childhood education and a deep passion for
creating nurturing, inclusive learning environments. His leadership will ensure that our youngest learners receive the highest quality education while embracing the values that make our community so special. On a personal note, this year is especially meaningful for my family because our daughter, Mila, began K4 at the ECLC, while our son, Ben, wrapped up another amazing summer at Camp J with rave reviews. These programs continue to show me firsthand the impact Shalom Orlando has on our families. Meanwhile, our CEO search is well underway. The search committee is working diligently to identify a permanent leader who will build on our foundation and embrace the opportunities ahead. This process is deliberate and collaborative, leveraging partnerships with the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA), and an independent executive recruiter. Together, we are committed to finding a leader who reflects the values and aspirations of our community. We look forward to sharing more updates in the months ahead.
As we welcome Rosh Hashanah, we pause to reflect on a year that has tested us in profound ways. The rise in antisemitism here and around the world, the ongoing challenges Israel faces as it rebuilds in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, and the growing desire within our own community for deeper connections to Jewish life remind us of why Shalom Orlando continues to remain relevant. We must continue to respond as a community, united by purpose and guided by our strategic plan. Over the summer, we launched our new strategic plan, which was crafted with input from hundreds of community voices through surveys, focus groups, and in-depth conversations. This plan reflects the priorities of Central Florida’s Jewish community and is already guiding our efforts. These efforts will ensure that our community not only meets today’s needs but also thrives for generations to come. As we step into 5786, let us answer the call of this moment. Let’s lead with courage, connect with empathy, and build a community where we can all belong.
30 J LIFE | FALL 2025
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