Who We Are
About us: The S’firot Foundation is a philanthropic organization established in 2024 following the sale of the two Kinneret buildings in downtown Orlando. Proceeds from this sale were used to create a permanent fund through which the Foundation will operate and provide grants to benefit the community. With a focus on Jewish older adults living in Central Florida, the S’firot Foundation is dedicated to advancing programs and initiatives that enhance the well-being and quality of life of older adults in the region.
Honoring the values and intent of the founders of the Kinneret buildings remains central to the Foundation’s mission, ensuring that their history of serving Jewish older adults continues into the future. The Foundation is guided by a Board of Directors made up of community members who are tasked with ensuring operational excellence and meaningful grantmaking impact.
About our name: The S’firot Foundation takes its name from the ten sefirot — the spiritual qualities or emanations through which the Divine expresses and sustains the world, as described in Kabbalah, the mystical heart of Judaism. Inspired by the ancient symbol of the Tree of Life, the name reflects our belief in connection, wisdom, and the power of care across generations.
Rooted in Jewish tradition and open in spirit, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting older adults — honoring them as vital bearers of memory, tradition, and light, sustaining their wellbeing, and nurturing the communities around them.The name is both a tribute to the richness of Jewish thought and a guiding vision for a future rooted in community, compassion and care — like the branches of the Tree of Life, our work extends outward with purpose, nurturing dignity, belonging, and wellbeing in the lives of older Jewish adults.
History
Jewish leaders in Orlando identified the need for a senior community that supported independent living on a fixed income.
The first Kinneret tower was built and opened its doors to Jewish residents from the community. With the property overlooking Lake Lucerne, the founders likened it to the Sea of Galilee, which is where the name Kinneret came from. The first building was was known as KI.
A second tower, KII, was built which now comprised a total of three hundred apartments across both buildings. KII housed 112 apartments and a large kitchen, which enabled a Kosher meal program to be provided.
After more than 50 years of owning and operating the two towers, with a declining number of Jewish residents and the structures in need of renovation, the decision to sell them was carefully considered. After a lengthy process, real estate company Fairstead acquired the Kinneret Apartments and committed to preserving the affordability of the property.
The Fairstead company commenced an $18 million renovation to both KI and KII buildings.
Founding of S’Firot Foundation: After the buildings were sold, the Kinneret I and II boards used the proceeds to establish the independent S’firot Foundation, creating new governance structures, bylaws, and Board of Directors. Its new mission aims to fund programs and services for Jewish older adults across Central Florida.
The S’firot Foundation launched its inaugural needs assessment of Jewish older adults across the Central Florida area, to assist in its grantmaking and impact. The Foundation also hired Wayne Green as the inaugural Executive Director to lead the Foundation.
Looking to the Future: The S’firot Foundation has begun to create a new strategic plan which will outline its grantmaking priorities, with its first round of grants being announced and given by early 2026.
Our Mission
The mission of the S’firot Foundation is to transform the lives of those who cared for others by investing in wellness and wellbeing for communities of Jewish older adults across Central Florida with the foundation of Jewish values.
Our Values
The S’firot Foundation values exemplify who we are, how we will fund and how we are committed to be an exceptional community partner. Our values are deeply rooted in our Jewish traditions and include:
Foster Effectiveness
Enhance Dignity
Inspire Innovation
Enrich Community
Honor Jewish Tradition
Champion Leadership
Cultivate Gratitude
Our Board
Rhonda Pearlman
Board Chair and President
Ali Polejes
Secretary
Scott Zimmerman
Treasurer
Jacob Hara
Board Member
JoAnne Kane
Board Member
Don Levin
Board Member
OUR STAFF
Wayne Green
Executive Director