March 13, 2025

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

Happy Purim! There’s an old Jewish saying, “When Adar arrives, we increase our joy.” For me, that joy does not only come from eating too many hamantaschen, but also from reconnecting with old friends who all seem to make their way to sunny South Florida this time of year. Today, I had a wonderful surprise visit from my old Camp Hillel friend Aryeh Seiden and his wife, Cindy, and later, I was blessed to catch up with my longtime colleague and friend from my New Jersey years, Howard Gases. There’s no better way to celebrate Purim than with good friends, great memories, and, of course, laughter.

Here at the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, we’ve been getting into the Purim spirit since last week, beginning the fun a little early. Last Wednesday, we hosted our “Pre-Purim Superhero Party” with PJ Library of South Palm Beach County, where nearly 130 participants dressed up in costume and enjoyed crafts, singing, and visits from Spiderman and Flash. On Friday, Chef Iris Elharar Dahoah from Lalush joined us at the Betty & Marvin Zale Early Childhood Learning Center for our 3rd Annual “Zale Parent Hamantaschen Bake,” guiding parents through the art of making the perfect hamantaschen, and tomorrow Levis JCC Zale students will celebrate Purim at school with costumes and a parade.

In addition to our Purim festivities, on Thursday, we gathered at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar for our “North End: Pop Up Happy Hour,” connecting like-minded professionals in our community over great conversation. Plus, Sunday marked the conclusion of yet another amazing season of Fit & Fun for the Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department, where 30 teen volunteers and 21 participants built confidence and community through exercise.

This week’s Torah portion is Ki Tisa (When You Take) in the book of Exodus, the second in the five books of Moses. In it, the Israelites are commanded to each contribute exactly half a shekel of silver to the Sanctuary. This foundational act of tzedakah, which means both righteousness and justice, has been a cornerstone of Jewish life for centuries. It reminds us of our responsibility to care for one another and the profound power of giving.

Light candles Friday night at 7:11 pm
Shabbat ends on Saturday night at 8:04 pm

Shabbat Shalom
Chag Purim Sameach
Am Yisrael Chai!

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Marty