What Unites a Diverse Jewish Population?

In 2025, Shalom Orlando developed and published its Strategic Plan, which outlines the organization’s goals as it strives to enhance its role as the hub of Jewish life in Central Florida. Among the stated objectives are fostering alignment among all Jewish organizations in Central Florida, pursuing meaningful ways to connect with and support Israel, and providing programming and enrichment for all generations – from early childhood to our senior community.

Lofty goals, no doubt. Within our community, it often seems that there are countless divides. Geography, stage of life, religious observance, and organizational affiliations can all seem to work against the concept of a single entity or place where we all feel united.

If there is a solution to this challenge, I believe it lies in the answer to a simple question: What unites a diverse Jewish population?

During my recent trip to Israel, I found an answer to this question in a small rest stop called Ami Chai, just outside Ashkelon. In this modest facility, each day since the week after the October 7 attacks, soldiers are provided complimentary hot meals, coffee and desserts, shower and laundry services, and simple hospitality.

The rest stop is run by volunteers who – on the day of my visit – included a retired chef from France, a 70-year-old woman who arrives daily at 5:00 a.m. to prepare soups, entrées, and sandwiches, a handful of young locals, and me, a middle-aged Central Floridian (who is quite adept at peeling and chopping vegetables).

The soldiers who stopped in for a meal that day were equally diverse. On some, the fringes of tzitzis were visible under their uniforms. Others sported tattoos. Young men and women of varying backgrounds and back stories, all working toward the common purpose of maintaining the safety and security of our Jewish state. At Ami Chai, all those sharing that objective are made to feel welcome, valued, and part of a community.

At Shalom Orlando, we must strive to create a similar space of common purpose and community. To that end, we seek and encourage the partnership of all parts and members of the Central Florida Jewish community. At Shalom Orlando, as at Ami Chai, all are welcome.

– David Spalter, Board Chair, Shalom Orlando