According to a press release, the Fung Loy Kok promotes the principle of all cultures and religions moving together in harmony. The

institute observes the unified teachings of the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Its mission is to deliver all from

suffering, both the living and the dead, by pursuing the way of community service, rituals and ceremonies, and the cultivation of body

and mind.

The dedication event is free and open to everyone. For more information call 305-598-3959 or email, miami.fl@taoist.org or

visit, www.taoist.org.

Songs of Shabbat, with Latin flair

Cantor Julie Jacobs and her Latin Band will celebrate the fifth anniversary of her recording of the Shabbat Pasion CD, at 7 p.m.

Friday at the Shabbat Pasion service at Beth David congregation, 2625 SW Third Ave.

Jacobs has recorded 12 Erev Shabbat songs as perhaps cantors from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Columbia would have sung them. Each of the songs are accompanied by conga drums, a tres (Spanish guitar), and harmonium. According to a press release from the temple, the arrangements makes the listener "... not only want to sing and pray, but dance to the Latin rhythm of the songs.

David Schwartz, past president of the temple said, "When Cantor Jacobs approached us with the idea for the CD five years ago, we were

thrilled with the innovation and tour delight the CD has met our expectations, bringing people of all cultures to an uplifting experience."

Jacobs said because she is a musician as well as a cantor, she can easily adapt to a new musical form.

"Miami has a Latin flavor and we want to reach as many people as possible. We have people in our congregation from many different countries, so performing the Shabbat songs, based on the liturgy in Hebrew with a band that has the Peruvian guitar, gives a familiar sound to so many who are from South America.’

The service is free and open to the community. Call 305-854-3911 or go to www.bethdavidmiami.org, for more information.

Story of the ‘Jews of Portugal’

Temple Israel of Greater Miami will host its International Shabbat Friday with "Jews of Portugal." Elton Kerness, coordinator

of the Shabbat, will tell the story of the Jews of Portugal, whose history reaches back over 2,000 years.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with Shabbat dinner, which will feature Portuguese cuisine created by chef Michael Meltzer. The service will follow at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertha Abess Sanctuary. The evening will end with an Oneg.

The cost of the dinner is $25 for adults; $10 for children 12 and under. To make your reservations, call the temple office at

305-573-5900 or email, info@templeisrael.net. The temple is at 137 NE 19th St.

Insurance forum at Temple Beth Tov-Ahavat

Temple Beth Tov-Ahavat at 6438 SW Eighth St. in West Miami, will have an Insurance Forum at noon Sunday, featuring insurance agent

Norman Lieberman. He will speak on long-term health care and representatives from Dignity Memorial Providers will speak about

advanced planning for end-of-life issues. Lunch will follow the presentations. There is no charge, but donations will be appreciated.

Optional patrons donation of $50 and friends donation of $25 will be accepted. The program will also feature a raffle. To make your

reservations, call Elaine at 305-279-0734.

AJSE Hanukkah party

The Association for Jewish Special Education (AJSE), will have its 36th annual Hanukkah Party from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at

the Greater Miami Federation Bldg, 4200 Biscayne Blvd.

The event will feature latkes, games, crafts, music and an auction and raffle. Admission is $3 per person.

The mission of the AJSE is to provide religious celebrations to Jewish adults with developmental disabilities and their friends. To make your reservations call Charlotte at 305-205-3846 or Benee at 954-442-9624.