JLIC to launch new program at the University of Florida this fall

JLIC, an initiative of the Orthodox Union, will launch a new program at the University of Florida (UF) in fall 2026 to support over 80 Modern Orthodox students. This initiative aims to provide a Jewish community for students, many of whom are Jewish day school graduates, as they build a Jewish life away from home. Rabbi Josh Ross, executive director of JLIC, stated, "We've watched the Modern Orthodox community at the University of Florida grow for years and we knew it was time to be there for them." Rabbi Shimon and Laura Vinger, who have extensive experience building Jewish communities across three continents, have been named as UF's founding co-directors. The program is made possible by four years of committed funding from Florida families and partner organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Broward County.