Honoring a Legacy: Shloshim Memorial for Lois May Jaffin Levine Brings Community Together

A Shloshim Memorial Service honoring the life of Lois May Jaffin Levine, mother of Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, took place this week at Chabad Chayil in Miami-Dade North.

The evening began with a heartfelt performance by children from Chabad’s CHAP Program, an after-school program for Jewish public school students. Their song about the neshama set a reflective and spiritual tone for the gathering.

Rabbi Moishe Kievman of Chabad Chayil then taught two Mishnas corresponding to Lois May’s Jewish name, Leah Malka, offering a Kabalistic Chassidic explanation based on the teachings of The Rebbe. The Kel Maleh Rachamim prayer was led by Rabbi Zalman Gansburg of Chabad of Palmetto Bay.

Mayor Levine Cava shared two poignant poems written by her mother shortly before her passing, offering a deeply personal glimpse into her mother’s wisdom and legacy. Attendees joined together in reciting a chapter of Tehillim, followed by Kaddish and the traditional verses of condolences.

In recognition of her mother’s memory, the mayor was presented with a plaque representing a dedicated square foot in the new Chabad Chayil center, currently under construction in Highland Lakes. Her name will be permanently displayed alongside others who have contributed to the building’s development. (https://BuildChabadChayil.org)

The service brought together community members and local leaders, reflecting the values of faith, family, and community that Lois Levine instilled in her loved ones.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the first Jewish and female mayor of Miami-Dade County, has been a trailblazer in public service. Leading a government of over 28,000 employees and nearly 3 million residents, she oversees an annual budget of $13 billion. A Brooklyn native, she was first elected as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner in 2014, later becoming mayor in 2020 and securing re-election in 2024.

The memorial was organized by Rabbi Moishe & Layah Kievman. Rabbi Kievman, who helped the mayor place Mezuzahs in her office upon her election and ensured she received Shmura Matzah for Passover, spoke about her commitment to the community:

“We are fortunate to have a mayor who truly understands the needs of each community and does everything she can to help. When Jewish schools across the county were faced with a difficult choice—either open enrollment to all students and risk losing their identity or forgo funding—we turned to Mayor Levine Cava. She brought all parties together and ensured the issue was resolved before the meeting ended. Imagine the nachas of knowing that hundreds of Jewish children can now attend Jewish schools, a merit for her late mother.”

The evening concluded with the mayor and attendees making blessings over various foods, bringing hundreds of merits to her mother’s soul.