January 26, 2023

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

I’m writing this message from Atlanta, where I am gathered with CEOs and senior professional leadership representing many of the 170 JCCs that are part of the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA) at our annual “Mifgash,” which is the Hebrew word for “encounter.” It has been a very interesting and inspiring series of encounters for me.

JCCs are all about connections and community, and the far reach of our JCC network was so clear to me over these last few days. I met with Martin Englisher, who was my camp counselor when I was 9 years old. He has been CEO of the Washington Heights YM-YWHA for 42 years. I also reconnected with Levana Caro, who I first met in 1998 when she was an Israeli Shlicha (emissary) in Cincinnati, where I worked at the Jewish Federation. I enjoyed visiting with many others at this wonderful conference. One of the most meaningful moments for me was hearing from a JCC Director from Ukraine who is separated from her 9 year old son who is in Poland, and from her husband, who is in Ukraine. We also met with a Ukrainian JCC Director from Bensonhurst who has helped settle 25,000 Ukrainians in New York, as well as the Director of the JCC in Hungary, who is also settling displaced Ukrainians. JCCs across the country and around the world are creating positive impact and assisting communities every single day.

That is certainly true right here at your Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center. Whether it’s our Levis JCC Resale Boutique assisting recent Ukrainian refugees set up their homes, choose wardrobes, and take slow steps in rebuilding their lives, or whether it is enriching cultural arts programming at our Levis JCC Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center, whether it is supporting individuals who have special needs and their families through our Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department, or guiding a new generation of families as they begin their JCC journeys at our Betty & Marvin Zale Early Childhood Learning Center, the scope and reach of our work is clear. I am so proud to be a part of this caring community, and part of the broader network of JCCs globally who join in this important work.

This week’s Torah portion is Bo (Come) in the book of Exodus, the second in the 5 Books of Moses. In it, the last 3 of the 10 plagues are visited on the Egyptians. Pharaoh’s spirit is finally broken and the Israelites leave Egypt as free people. Here is the origin of our annual Passover celebration.

My colleagues and I came to Mifgash, to free ourselves to think, learn, and revitalize ourselves at a time where we are dealing with the modern plagues of pandemic, war, and xenophobia. May we all go from strength to strength.

Light candles Friday night at 6:04 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday night at 6:58 pm.

Shabbat Shalom,

Marty