August 28, 2025

I write to you this Shabbat following the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis yesterday, a community that has experienced several recent acts of violence. Two children were killed and 17 others injured. Our hearts go out to the families, the students, and the entire Minneapolis community as they grieve.

Here at home, as summer transitions to fall, our minds turn to Labor Day weekend, storm season, and – of course – the coming High Holidays. I am looking forward to hearing the sound of the Shofar and tasting the sweetness of apples and honey. Yet, even as we look forward to a new year, the approach of Sukkot is also a somber reminder that two years have passed since our hostages were first taken into Gaza. Fifty remain there, with 20-22 still living. We continue to pray for their swift and safe return.

At our Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, our new season is off to a great start! Last Thursday, more than 60 community members gathered at Mitzvah Mingle for Jewish Singles for a special night of connection and giving back. Together, we sorted and donated clothing and accessories to the Levis JCC Resale Boutique and B’nai Torah’s Meals with Meaning program. On Tuesday, our Schwedelson Special Needs Department hosted an orientation for Project L.I.F.E., a new life-skills day program for adults with special needs (ages 18-30+). Thirteen participants joined us for icebreakers and team-building activities to get to know each other and our dedicated staff before the official September 2 kickoff. I look forward to seeing their smiling faces around the JCC every day. And yesterday, our Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival concluded its Summer Film Series with A Real Pain, an award-winning film about two mismatched cousins traveling through Poland to honor their grandmother’s legacy.

This week's Torah portion is Shoftim (Judges) in the book of Deuteronomy, the fifth in the Five Books of Moses. In it, the Torah provides the foundation for a just society, establishing guidelines for judges and officers, refuge cities, witnesses, warfare, and the limitations of kings. These teachings emphasize that strong, inclusive, and impactful communities like ours are not created in a vacuum; they require structure, intention, and the pursuit of good causes led by good people. As the High Holidays approach, let’s continue to strive to be our very best. I think we’re already off to a pretty good start.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 7:25 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 8:17 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty