September 29, 2022

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

I’m writing this week’s Shabbat message on the second night of Rosh Hashana from our guest bathroom. I have no choice, as it’s the only room in our house without windows, and Lori and I are riding out the tornado warning that is covering our area. It’s a good opportunity to reflect!

During the preparations for Hurricane Ian and the subsequent weather craziness, we have been warmed and comforted by the love of family and many friends from our South Palm Beach County community. We were happy to spend Erev Rosh Hashana with our cousins in Miami and we celebrated the first night of this new year with Levis JCC President Emily Grabelsky and her husband, Stephen, along with their wonderful family, in their warm and beautiful home. Truly the “calm before the storm,” the Rosh Hashana holiday has left Lori and I feeling full of gratitude for all of the many blessings in our lives, and the opportunities before us in our new home and community here in Boca Raton.

This week’s Torah portion is vayelech (And He Went) in the book of Deuteronomy, the fifth book in the Five Books of Moses. In it, Moses recounts transferring his leadership to Joshua on his last day of life. Though it is certainly a small thing compared to the responsibilities of Moses or Joshua, a little more than five months ago, I was asked to take the professional reigns of the Levis JCC. It continues to be a great honor and great responsibility.

I wish each of you G’mar Chatima Tova. May each of you have a meaningful Yom Kippur.

Light Shabbat candles Friday night at 6:49 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday night at 7:42 pm.

Shabbat Shalom,

Marty