January 25, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

It is impossible to begin this week’s message without acknowledging that today is 111 days since the remaining 132 hostages (including about 2 dozen who have died) were brutally abducted by Hamas. We continue to pray for their immediate and safe return, and we mourn the hundreds of Israeli soldiers who have lost their lives during this war. Even as world events weigh heavily on my heart, I am able to focus on welcoming my son and his fiancée Patricia to Boca Raton. Lori and I are looking forward to an amazing visit with them.

Our Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center’s season is in full swing with events, activities and programs almost every day, many of which have completely sold out. This week, Levis JCC Grand Benefactor Judy Levis Krug and Nina Rosenzweig, Chair of the Levis JCC Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival’s Screening Committee, received a proclamation from Mayor Maria Sachs and Palm Beach County's Board of County Commissioners declaring February 10 - March 4, 2024 "Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival Days." We could not be prouder!

This week’s Torah portion is Beshalach (When He Sent), in the book of Exodus, the second in the Five Books of Moses. In it, are some of the most famous biblical stories, such as the splitting of the Red Sea and the manna G-d provided to feed the Israelites in the desert. My focus on this Torah portion is on the Amalekites, the eternal enemy of the Jewish people, who attack the Israelites. They are defeated by Joshua’s army and the prayers of Moses.

The Jewish people find ourselves grappling with today’s version of the Amalekites, Hamas. May our soldiers once again triumph and may we see the safe return of the hostages to their families in good health.

Light Shabbat Candles Friday evening at 5:40 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday night at 6:36 pm.

Am Yisrael Chai!
Shabbat Shalom

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

Marty