February 20, 2025

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

Today Hamas released the bodies of four hostages, including three members of the Bibas family – baby Kfir, his older brother Ariel, and their mother Shiri -- as well as Oded Lifshitz, one of the oldest hostages abducted on October 7, 2023. This news is simultaneously heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. This news comes as a reminder that we must continue to come together as a community in strength and in support for our Israeli brothers and sisters, always. I continue to pray for all the remaining hostages and their families. Bring them home now!

Here at our Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, we take great pride in enriching the lives of so many in our community. Last week, our Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department’s Dine Around Town brought nearly 30 young adults to PF Chang’s for a wonderful evening out, socializing, connecting with one another, and trying new foods. We are very grateful to Akel homes for underwriting this very popular program. On Sunday, 30 Schwedelson Sunday Social Scene participants gathered at the Levis JCC, boarded a charter bus and headed to the Cinemark Palace 20 to see a matinee showing of the film Mufasa—the group will be seeing the Broadway production of Disney’s The Lion King at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts next month.

We also offer many ways for young families to connect with our Levis JCC. Our Afterschool Enrichment classes for Zale and Donna Klein students only are in full swing Monday through Friday, where students enjoy a variety of activities including yoga, gymnastics, soccer, basketball and sports. We recently added Family Gym Time at the J for children ages 1-2 (and their parent or guardian) on Friday mornings from 9:30-10:30 am. Learn more online here. Our Soccer at the J powered by Indigo Gap has something for every young soccer player! Athletes ages 3-10 enjoy sessions on the field on Sundays, and next month we will be launching our NEW J Soccer Academy for intermediate/advanced players ages 6-13. For more information on any of these programs, visit us online here.

This week’s Torah portion is Mishpatim (Ordinances) in the book of Exodus, the second in the Five Books of Moses. In it, the penalties for murder, kidnapping, assault and theft are discussed. How sad that we grapple with these same evils today, and how deeply poignant that this portion coincides with the return of four of our deceased hostages. As we grieve the hostages we lost, we continue to pray for justice and ultimately for peace.

Light candles Friday night at 5:59 pm
Shabbat ends on Saturday night at 6:52 pm

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty