April 27, 2023

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

This week, a nearly year-long labor of love comes to a close: Lori and I are just about finished with major home improvements that have truly made this new house our home. We are now focused on making arrangements to head to St. Louis in June for a visit with our granddaughter, Emi Lou, who turned one year old today! Many family members will be coming together in St. Louis to meet her for the very first time, and we really can’t wait for this special reunion.

Speaking of labors of love, what a joy it was to be present when our Adolph & Rose Levis JCC welcomed 530 caring community members to The Polo Club of Boca Raton last Thursday to enjoy our annual Shine Like A Star Luncheon. Featuring beloved actor, director, author, and activist Henry Winkler, the event raised awareness and crucial funding for the incredible programs and services provided by our Levis JCC’s Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department. Before he began his presentation, Henry Winkler announced how moved he was by the work of this department. We thank our sponsors, our donors, our participants and especially Judy Levis Krug, our Levis JCC Grand Benefactor and Guest Speaker sponsor, who generously brought Henry to our community for this outstanding program.

This week’s double Torah portion is Acharei Mot-Kedoshim (After the Death-Holy). In it is the commandment “Love your neighbor as yourself,” about which the great sage Hillel said “This is the entire Torah, the rest is commentary.” This powerful edict is still a work in progress for so many of us. At a time when news cycles frequently bring us stories of war, violence, hatred, a rise in antisemitism, and more, it is comforting to know that at our Levis JCC, Hillel’s famous comment is truly a pillar of our mission. Through our programs and services, we seek to be an open door for our community, a place where each of us loves our neighbors as ourselves.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 7:33 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday night at 8:27 pm.

Shabbat Shalom!

Marty