February 6, 2025

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

There is no better way to begin this week’s Shabbat message than with gratitude for the release of the 13 Israeli hostages, along with 5 Thai laborers, from Gaza. Their safe return to Israel is bittersweet as we continue to pray for the remaining 76 hostages, knowing some of them may no longer be alive. We cannot rest until each and every one of them is brought home.

At the Adolph and Rose Levis JCC, we are dedicated to building a strong community through meaningful programs and services. This week, over 100 participants viewed a special presentation of “999” by the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival. The film told the real-life story of the first official Jewish transport to Auschwitz—999 women from Slovenia, deceived into believing they were heading to Germany to work in a shoe factory. As the end credits rolled, there was not a single dry eye in the house. This is just the beginning. From February 8-22, our 2-week film festival will showcase more than 30 films and shorts. I hope you join us for “Bliss” at our Opening Night this Saturday, February 8, at 7:00 pm, featuring a Zoom Q&A with director Shemi Zarhin. Learn more online. All of the films during the 2-week in theater festival will be screened at Movies of Delray.

This Tuesday, the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center welcomed Executive Chef Rossi, the self-proclaimed “Punk Rock Queen of the Jews,” who shared her inspiring personal journey and creative process. On Wednesday, the Nina & Martin Rosenzweig West Boca Theatre Company presented My Name is Asher Lev, the powerful story of a young Jewish painter torn between his Hassidic roots and artistic calling. Six performances remain; I encourage you to experience this moving production live! Tickets are available at levisjcc.org/culture/theater.

Today, we welcomed mother-daughter duo Mildred and Gayle Kirschenbaum to share their remarkable journey of intergenerational wisdom, internet fame, and the secrets to longevity. This evening, we are hosting author Larry Tye and Maestro Aaron Kula in conversation about how Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie shaped American music and helped define the music of the Civil Rights Movement. We’re concluding this wonderful week with a special tour of the Frank Art Gallery and Studio 18 Art Complex, featuring “Ebb and Flow: Exploring the Womanhood Continuum,” an exhibit of visual art, literature, and interactive installations that explore the unspoken issues of contemporary women.

This week’s Torah reading is B’shalach (When He Sent), in the book of Exodus, the second in the 5 books of Moses. In it, we meet Nachshon, the first to enter the Reed Sea as the Israelites flee Pharaoh’s army. When Moses says that G-d will split the sea, Nachshon steps into the water, wading deeper and deeper until the water reaches the top of his head. Only then does the sea miraculously split, allowing the Israelites to cross safely before crashing down on the Egyptians. I have come to refer to heroic acts of belief, conviction, and bravery as “Nachshon Moments.” In the many communities I have worked for and lived in, I have witnessed many such moments as countless leaders have risen to the occasion when faced with challenges. May we all recognize and embrace our own “Nachshon Moments” when they appear before us.

Light candles Friday night at 5:50 pm
Shabbat ends on Saturday night at 6:44 pm

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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Marty