May 29, 2025

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

I'm writing this Shabbat message to you from the "show me" state of Missouri where Lori and I spent the Memorial Day weekend with our daughter Dani, son in law Colin, and our precious granddaughter, Emi Lou, who recently turned 3. We had so much fun being together, visiting the Botanical Garden, enjoying the park and doing some shopping at the mall. It has been wonderful spending time with them all—connecting with family is always a joy.

At our Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center, each year summer brings connection – and SO much joy – for families whose children join us for one of our Levis JCC Marleen Forkas Camps programs. It is almost time for our campus to be filled with the sound of more than 700 campers enjoying fantastic daily activities, reconnecting with (and making new) friends, and making memories of summertime fun! The first day of camp is June 9th and there are just a few spots left in some groups, so if you haven’t made summer plans yet and would like your happy camper to join us, please visit us at levisjcc.org/camp or contact our Marleen Forkas Camp team at 561-852-5090.

This week's Torah portion is Bamidbar (desert), the first portion in the book of Numbers. In it, in the Sinai Desert, G-d says to conduct a census of the twelve tribes of Israel. Moses counts 603,550 men of draftable age (20 to 60 years); the tribe of Levi, numbering 22,300 males aged one month and older, is counted separately. According to the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Jewish population worldwide is 15.3 million – just about 0.2% of the world’s 8 billion people. Although we may be scattered across the globe, we remain connected as one extended Jewish family. I am reminded of this often, but especially each Friday afternoon during the summer, when it is my privilege to lead our campers and staff in welcoming in Shabbat at our Oneg celebration. It is so gratifying to know that in addition to enjoying fun-filled activities and making friends, our campers are also connecting to our shared Jewish heritage and values. It’s going to be a great summer at our Levis JCC!

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 7:50 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 8:48 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty