Jewish Pavilion Expands Jewish Culture Programs with S'firot Foundation Grant

Two-year grant will fund new monthly cultural experiences for over 400 seniors in 40 communities

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:00am

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Thanks to a two-year grant from the S'firot Foundation, the Jewish Pavilion Senior Services will dramatically expand its delivery of Jewish cultural programming to more than 400 residents across 40 senior living communities in Central Florida. The new "A World of Jewish Joy" program will include monthly activities like food demonstrations, cultural travel experiences, Torah lessons, arts and crafts, trivia, comedy, and music performances.

Why it matters

The expanded programming aims to combat loneliness and improve the quality of life for Jewish seniors in the region, while also promoting inclusion and community bonds by engaging non-Jewish peers. The grant will also fund an independent evaluation to help the Jewish Pavilion explore future growth and continued programming.

The details

The S'firot Foundation grant will fund a variety of new monthly cultural experiences for seniors, including "Nosh & Nostalgia" food demos, "Passport to Jewish Life" armchair travel programs, "Tidbits of Torah" lessons, "Creative Connections" arts and crafts, "Jewpardy" trivia, "Oy to Joy" comedy sessions, and "Sing (or Dance) & Schmooze" music programs.

  • The S'firot Foundation grant will fund the new "A World of Jewish Joy" program for two years.
  • The expanded programming is set to launch in March 2026.

The players

Jewish Pavilion Senior Services

A non-profit organization that provides services and programming to improve the lives of Jewish seniors in Central Florida.

Nancy Ludin

CEO of the Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, who will lead the organization alongside Vanessa Stein, the assistant director.

S'firot Foundation

A philanthropic organization established in 2024 following the sale of the two Kinneret buildings in downtown Orlando, with a focus on supporting programs and initiatives that enhance the well-being and quality of life of older adults in the Central Florida region.

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What they’re saying

“The S'firot Foundation's goals perfectly align with our mission to improve the lives of Jewish seniors in our community, and we're honored to be included in the Foundation's very first round of funding.”

— Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion Senior Services

“Not only will these programs enhance the quality of life for Jewish seniors, they will also benefit hundreds of non-Jewish peers who participate alongside Jewish residents, promoting inclusion and strengthening community bonds.”

— Nancy Ludin, CEO, Jewish Pavilion Senior Services

What’s next

The Jewish Pavilion Senior Services plans to use the comprehensive, independent evaluation of the program's impact to explore future growth and continued programming for older Jewish adults in Central Florida.

The takeaway

This grant from the S'firot Foundation represents a significant investment in supporting the well-being and quality of life for Jewish seniors in the Central Florida region, while also promoting inclusion and strengthening community bonds through culturally enriching programming.