May 2, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

I hope you all had a wonderful Passover filled with family and friends, as Lori and I did. This year, there was so much to contemplate and celebrate, and while it was wonderful to enjoy this beautiful holiday, my heart and mind constantly returned to our beloved Israel. I am fortunate to be able to spend a good amount of my Passover days in my garden, and this year was no different. It is a good place to reflect on everything happening in the world. With news reports of distressing events coming in daily, I am reminded that here in our area, we continue to build a strong community and find ways to come together.

The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center proudly presented the Shine Like A Star Luncheon just before Pesach, and it was a truly inspiring and meaningful event. Guests generously supported the programs and services offered by our outstanding Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department. Here at the Levis JCC, we do not slow down for the summer season! Our Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center presents a sizzling “Summer of Culture” with a wide variety of programs, performances, classes, and events. Learn more here. Every day, in so many ways, our Levis JCC is here for our community.

This week’s Torah portion is Acharei Mot (After The Death Of) in the book of Leviticus, the third of the Five Books of Moses. In it, we learn that only one person, the kohen gadol (“high priest”), may, but once a year, on Yom Kippur, enter the innermost chamber in the Sanctuary to offer the sacred ketoret to G d. While that is true for entering the Sanctuary, any one of us can find learning and peace in many places, such as here at our Levis JCC, or, as I did this Passover, in my garden.

Light Shabbat candles on Friday evening at 7:36 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday night at 8:31 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty