January 18, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

Looking back on this past week, I had many wonderful experiences celebrating my 60th birthday with family and friends. Sadly, my childhood friend’s mother passed away a few hours after my birthday. I sincerely believe she wouldn’t allow herself to pass on my birthday. That is the kind of incredible person she was. My brother and I flew to New York for the funeral and were honored to be pallbearers. Rest in peace dear Esther, Z”L.

Our Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center’s season is in full swing! Jeans, Jewels and the J Sparkles & Spurs – our organization’s signature event is right around the corner on January 27th. I hope all of you “rhinestone cowboys and cowgirls” join us at Boca West Country Club for a sparkling country-fabulous evening of dining, line dancing, live and silent auctions, fun, friends and community! We are truly looking forward to honoring outstanding community leaders Toby & Leon Cooperman with the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Crystal Award, and Michele & Eliot Popper with the Shirley & Allan Solomon Leadership Award. Click here to learn more.

This week’s Torah portion is Bo(Come) in the book of Exodus, the second in the five books of Moses. In it, the last 3 of the 10 plagues are visited upon Egypt. The death of the first born finally breaks Pharaohs resistance and he drives the children out from his land though with much gold, silver and garments fulfilling the promise made to Abraham, that his descendants would leave Egypt with great wealth. The Passover story unfolds including the eating of the unleavened bread. Telling the Exodus story to their children and celebrating with our leavened bread becomes the tradition.

During happy milestones such as birthdays and sad ones such as the passing of my dear friend’s mom who was like a second mother to me, we are all blessed to be a part of our Jewish tradition. I experienced that again first hand again as I helped inter a woman of valor so that her spirit could return to our maker.

Light Shabbat Candles on Friday evening at 5:35 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday night at 6:31 pm.

Am Yisrael Chai!
Shabbat Shalom

If you would like to support the Levis JCC and its programs and services, click below.

Marty