July 14, 2022

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

This is the first week in in almost a month that Lori and I were not engaging in catching up with family. As you’ve read each week, it was so good to be with the people I cherish most, making memories and enjoying quality time together. That said, it really was nice, though, to spend a weekend here in Boca focusing on making our house a home: adding paintings to the walls, cute tables in empty spaces and even a cozy chair and ottoman for our sitting room. We also started to binge watch season 4 of Stranger Things (surprisingly spooky)! Quality family is precious; some “down time” is essential.

Here at the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center, we are gearing up to proudly present the 12th Annual “Run, Sweat & Beers” 5K Run/Walk on July 21, 2022. Paul Markhoff Racing with the J Chair Ryan Zackon, along with Levis JCC leadership and staff, invite running enthusiasts and guests to participate in person at South County Regional Park in West Boca Raton for the organization’s traditional sunset run. The race begins at 7:00 pm. Following the race, runners and guests can stay to enjoy an after-party with vendors, music, refreshments, and beer for those 21 and older (ID required). The first 400 participants will receive a Dri-Fit T-shirt, Commemorative Finisher Medal & swag bag. Proceeds from Run, Sweat & Beers benefit Levis JCC programs and services utilized by children and families in our community. I hope to see you all there – it’s a great event and I am looking forward to my first Levis JCC 5K!

This week’s Torah portion is Balak (Balak is a Name) in the book of Numbers, the 4th in the 5 books of Moses. In it, Bilam declares the famous curse “mah tovu ohalecha Yaakov mishkenoyecha Yisroel” which translates to “how good are the tents of Jacob, the Tabernacles of Israel.” Just as in biblical times, in our modern Jewish community, connecting our community is so important. This continues to be the role of the Levis JCC. Bringing people together, as we have done for nearly 40 years, remains a key component of our mission and the driving force behind what we do each and every day in a variety of ways through our many wonderful programs and services. We hope to see everyone at RSB, but there are also so many outstanding programs and events being planned for this coming season. We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy them with us.

Light Shabbat candles Friday night at 7:57 pm Shabbat end Saturday night at 8:54 pm

Shabbat Shalom!

Marty