January 29, 2026

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

I write this Shabbat message to you feeling a profound sense of relief at the return of the last remaining Israeli hostage, Master Sergeant Ran Gvili. After 843 days in Gaza, Ran was laid to rest yesterday in a touching ceremony attended by family, friends, members of his unit, Israeli officials, and mourners from all across the country. For the first time since 2014, there aren’t any Israeli hostages in Gaza. The clock in Hostages Square, which has been recording the seconds, minutes, hours, and days since October 7, has finally stopped. Now the work begins on the road to finding a peaceful coexistence.

As we look toward a hopeful future, our Adolph & Rose Levis JCC remains a home for Jewish life, connection, and community here in South Palm Beach County. Last Saturday, our community of A-Listers joined us at Boca West Country Club for the Marisa & Matthew Baker Jeans, Jewels & The J – A Red Carpet Night. More than 400 guests came together for a fabulous evening of dining, dancing, and bidding in our auctions, all in support of our Levis JCC’s vital work. We shared excitement over the success of our Elevating our Future Capital Campaign, honored outstanding community leaders, and raised funds to provide scholarships, which will enable many children in our community to attend preschool, summer camp, and special needs programming.

On Sunday, our Nina & Martin Rosenzweig West Boca Theatre Company’s production of Neil Simon’s autobiographical comedy “Broadway Bound” closed, wrapping up a wonderful run enjoyed by audiences across our community. And yesterday, our Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival held a second Lineup Reveal at the Levis JCC for our upcoming 2-week festival. Now in its 10th year, the Film Festival will feature more than 50 Israeli and Jewish-themed films and shorts from around the world, with filmmaker appearances and special events. I can’t wait to see you at the theater! Learn more at bocajff.org.

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, the children of Israel depart Egypt, with Pharaoh in close pursuit. Trapped between Pharaoh’s armies and the sea, Moses raises his staff and the sea splits. The Israelites safely pass through and sing a song of praise to G-d. With this week marking the complete return of the hostages, I feel as though we too have passed through the sea and can finally shift from this time of fear and uncertainty toward one of healing, recovery, and peace.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 5:43 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 6:39 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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Marty