March 30, 2023

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

I just returned home from Tampa, where I attended a Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA) Southeast Regional Conference this past weekend along with several colleagues representing our Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center. It was so inspiring to be with more than 100 colleagues from JCCs across our region, learning with and from each other about a variety of topics all connected to the theme of “The Power of Out-sight.” It was a wonderful few days of professional development for all of us. Lori and I are now preparing for a long-awaited family visit to Phoenix to celebrate Passover with our son, Noah, and his family.

After three fabulous weeks of in-person film screenings, and many opportunities for on-demand screenings, it’s a “wrap” for our 7th Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival. We could not be prouder or more delighted with this year’s festival, which featured 41 dramas, 27 documentaries and 17 shorts from more than 25 countries. I sincerely hope you were able to enjoy some of these outstanding films, and that you will continue to connect with many other opportunities to enjoy our film programming throughout the coming year thanks to our Billi & Bernie Marcus Year-Round Film Programs.

This week’s Torah portion is Tzav (command) in Leviticus, the third of the Five Books of Moses. In it, we learn the fire on the altar must continue burning at all times. Similarly, the fire within each of us to grow professionally (as those of us at the conference had the opportunity to do this past week), personally (when enjoying holiday celebrations with family and friends) and as a community, is essential so we can continue to strive toward “Tikun Olam,” improving and repairing our world.

Light candles Friday evening at 7:18 pm
Shabbat ends Saturday night at 8:12 pm

Shabbat Shalom,

Marty