April 17, 2025

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

Passover 2025 concludes this weekend. This year, Lori and I were incredibly fortunate to attend two beautiful Seders surrounded by friends who have welcomed us so warmly into their homes and lives. As we begin our fourth year in South Palm Beach County, we are feeling especially grateful and blessed. And yet, as we celebrate our ancestors’ liberation from Egypt, we are reminded that our freedom is still incomplete. After a year and a half in captivity, there are still hostages, both living and deceased, who remain in Gaza. May they return home safely and soon.

Right here in Florida, our home state, we are deeply saddened by the violence that occurred today at Florida State University. Our hearts are with all those affected.

At your Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, Passover is winding down, which means that summer is heating up. In just eight weeks, our Levis JCC Marleen Forkas Camps kick off and we are preparing to welcome 700 campers back for an unforgettable summer of adventure and fun. And while our snowbirds may have flown north, there are still so many ways to remain connected with us. Our Levis JCC Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center’s diverse lineup of virtual programs continues throughout the year. Just yesterday, Gail Leondar-Wright led the third of a six-part exploration of What Makes Sondheim Great, a wonderfully entertaining and insightful presentation. This afternoon, Richard Knox presents Malt Shop Instrumentalists. Next Monday, April 21, we are excited to welcome Susan and David Schwartz, the self-proclaimed “biggest Costco fans” and authors of The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A-Z for a special Literary Lecture Series event. Wherever you are, we hope you will join us; there’s always a place for you here in our community.

Meanwhile, the Levis JCC Resale Boutique is embracing the spirit of ma’ot chitim, helping ensure that everyone in our community has what they need for the holiday and upcoming season. In collaboration with local organizations, the Boutique transforms every donation and purchase into support for our community, from providing clothing to job seekers to helping survivors of domestic abuse start over. The Boutique also runs a Diaper Bank in partnership with Diaper Bank of South Florida and serves as a collection site for the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services Jacobson Family Food Pantry. With a flash sale happening now, it’s the perfect time to find great deals while simultaneously giving back.

This week, instead of a regular Torah portion, we read a special selection for Passover that highlights the holiday’s themes of freedom and generosity. One line that stands out to me comes from The Song of Songs: “Ceders are the beams of our house, cypresses the rafters.” It’s a reminder to build with intention. As we prepare for exciting capital improvements at the Levis JCC, we continue that tradition, ensuring this campus remains a strong and welcoming home for our community to gather, to connect, to build and to grow.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 7:28 pm
Light Holiday candles Saturday night at 8:22 pm from a preexisting flame
Passover ends on Sunday at 8:22 pm

Shabbat Shalom
Chag Sameach!
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty