September 5, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

This week Lori and I are joining 21 other travelers on what promises to be a wonderful and meaningful experience as we journey to Jewish Medellin, Colombia with the Levis JCC’s Travel with the J program. I cannot leave without expressing my devastation and deep sadness at the brutal murders of the six hostages executed by Hamas this past weekend -- with little heard from the worldwide community. Our Jewish world is a small one with just a few degrees of separation between most of us. Many in our community have personal connections to the hostages. Collectively, our thoughts are with all of the families of those who were murdered, as well as with the families still waiting and praying for the safe return of their loved ones. We hold each of them in our hearts!

As Jews, we recognize that even as we mourn great loss, we understand the need to persevere and to live meaningful lives. At times like these, it can be such a comfort to be together in community. That notion of togetherness is at the core of everything we do at the Levis JCC. This week, we are proudly announcing our upcoming season of Arts, Culture & Learning at the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center. I’m incredibly proud of our hardworking Sandler Center leadership and staff for curating an exceptional season of programming. I invite you to explore the catalog of more than 220 programs, classes and events. Click here to view the catalog online.

This week’s Torah portion is Shoftim (Judges) in the book of Deuteronomy, the fifth in the Five Books of Moses. In it, Moses instructs the people of Israel to appoint judges and law enforcement officers in every city. “Justice, justice shall you pursue,” he commands them, and you must administer it without corruption or favoritism. Crimes must be meticulously investigated and evidence thoroughly examined. Today, justice must be pursued for the crimes committed against our hostages by Hamas terrorists. Together as one community, one deely connected Jewish family, we pray for the hostages still held in captivity to return home safely, and NOW.

Light Shabbat Candles on Friday night at 7:16 pm
Shabbat ends Saturday night at 8:08 pm

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty