February 29, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

As I write this message, my wife Lori and I are one week away from heading to Cuba on a Levis JCC cultural mission. We are both excited for this trip, which is something we have been hoping to be able to do for a long time as part of our Jewish journey. Cuba still has approximately 800 Jewish people and each of us traveling will be bringing a variety of items such as toiletries and first-aid supplies to clothing and coloring books and small toys for children to donate to the Jewish community there. I look forward to telling you more about this adventure next week.

Here at the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, we are at the peak of our season of programming. At our Levis JCC Sandler Center, we hosted a beautiful Opening Reception for the latest exhibition in our Judi & Allan Schuman Museum Gallery. “Deborah Bigeleisen: Variations on a Theme” and “Yochi Yakir-Avin: The Memory Project” will be on display through March 28th. Cabaret performer Ari Axelrod, who returned for his fifth year performing here, lit up our stage with two magnificent performances. Ari’s concerts sell out each year. If you missed him, we have already invited him to come back again next season! Our Levis JCC Sandler Center’s robust schedule of programming continues, and I hope you’ll check out our programs here.

Speaking of adventures, our Marleen Forkas Camps have been providing summers filled with adventures, friendships and fun for more than 40 years! This summer will be no exception. Registration is well underway for our four camp programs: Early Childhood Camp, Upper Camp, Theater Camp, and Camp Kavod. Groups are filling up very quickly, and some groups are already waitlisted! If you’re looking for a fantastic summer for children and teens, learn all about our camp program here.

This week’s Tora portion is Ki Tisa (When You Take) in Exodus, the second in the Five Books of Moses. In it, the people of Israel are told to each contribute exactly half a shekel of silver to the sanctuary. This is the basis for the concept of Tzedakah, which means Justice/Responsibility. Our Levis JCC travel group will proudly continue this beautiful Jewish tradition when we meet with our extended Jewish family in Cuba next week.

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

Am Yisrael Chai!
Shabbat Shalom

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

Marty