Orlando's Jewish Communities Unite for Pre-Passover Learning

North and South Orlando synagogues come together for a night of Torah study and connection.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:00am

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An abstracted, out-of-focus scene of people gathered around a table, their faces and forms blurred into soft, warm pools of light and color, conveying a sense of intimate, contemplative discussion.A vibrant evening of Torah study and community connection brought together Jews from across Orlando's north and south sides.Today in Orlando

The JOIN Center in College Park was transformed into a vibrant hub of Torah study and community connection as JOIN Orlando and the Orlando Community Kollel joined forces for a pre-Passover learning event that brought together Jews from across the city. The evening featured lively discussions, paired learning between North and South Orlando residents, an inspiring message on unity from Rabbi Goldberger, and a communal Maariv service.

Why it matters

This collaboration between the North and South Orlando Jewish communities highlights the city's growing Jewish population and the desire to foster greater unity and shared identity, especially ahead of the important Passover holiday. Events like this help strengthen the broader Orlando Jewish community.

The details

The event featured tables filled with community members eager to explore Passover themes and Jewish law, with lively discussions and passionate debates. Highlights included the opportunity for North Orlando residents to study in pairs with scholars from the South Orlando Kollel, creating a 'bridge' of Torah connecting both sides of the city. After the learning sessions, Rabbi Goldberger of the Orlando Community Kollel gave an inspiring message on the importance of unity, reminding attendees that while geography might separate North and South Orlando, their spiritual foundation is shared.

  • The event took place on the evening of Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
  • The event was held ahead of the Passover holiday.

The players

JOIN Orlando

A Jewish organization in Orlando that collaborated with the Orlando Community Kollel to host the pre-Passover learning event.

Orlando Community Kollel

A Jewish educational institution in Orlando that partnered with JOIN Orlando for the event.

Rabbi Goldberger

A rabbi with the Orlando Community Kollel who gave an inspiring message on unity during the event.

Harrison Shames

A participant who expressed enthusiasm for the event, saying it was the kind of energy the community has needed.

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What they’re saying

“This is what our community has needed for so long. Pumping Jewish life into our community like this is exactly the kind of energy we want to see.”

— Harrison Shames, Participant

“Both communities are aligned in their Jewish identity and their love for this city.”

— Rabbi Goldberger, Rabbi, Orlando Community Kollel

What’s next

Organizers and participants expressed hope that this event would mark the first of many such collaborations between the North and South Orlando Jewish communities, as the city's Jewish population continues to grow.

The takeaway

This event showcased the strength and unity of Orlando's diverse Jewish community, as residents from across the city came together to celebrate their shared identity and love for the city through Torah study and fellowship. It sets the stage for more collaborative efforts to strengthen the bonds between different segments of the local Jewish population.