September 18, 2025

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

Somehow, Rosh Hashanah is next week. Tomorrow, my wife Lori and I will be traveling to Arizona, where we will joyfully welcome the Jewish New Year surrounded by our family – our son Noah, our daughter-in-law Patricia and our granddaughters Gabby and Ollie. The High Holidays invite us to reflect on our actions over the past year, and I believe that it is never too early to begin the contemplative process. I am excited to see the ways we will challenge ourselves and continue to grow in the year ahead.

Here at our Adolph and Rose Levis JCC, our community has quickly fallen back into its familiar rhythm of school, cultural arts programming, and community connection. On Sunday, September 7th, members of the Levis JCC Board of Directors and senior staff came together for our Board Retreat. They participated in moderated sessions that facilitated invaluable conversations about how our Board can be strengthened and focused on our goals for the year ahead. It was an inspiring and energizing day!

Our JCC is all about connections. This past Tuesday, nearly 60 people gathered for our first JBiz networking luncheon of the season. Local professionals enjoyed lunch and a presentation from guest speaker Sal Saldaña, General Manager of Town Center at Boca Raton, and Chairman of the Board, Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. As our JBiz program expands, we are excited to introduce the JBiz Leadership Circle – a new membership opportunity offering premier benefits, including exclusive networking opportunities and recognition in JBiz communications. If you are interested in joining the Circle, I encourage you to learn more here. Finally, I am proud to announce that our Levis JCC Resale Boutique is expanding its hours of operation to include Sundays, making it easier to shop and support our mission. I hope to see you there!

This week's Torah Portion is Nitzavim (Standing) from the book of Deuteronomy, the fifth and final book in the Five Books of Moses. In it, G-d says, "life and death I have set before you, blessing and curse. And you shall choose life.” In these complicated and troubling times, I think it’s important for us to remember that we have the ability to act with intention. May all the choices we make bring greater peace, love, and strength to our community in the year ahead.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 7:02 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 7:53 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty