October 2, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

This week I'm writing to you from Charlotte, North Carolina, where I am attending the JCCA Southeast Regional Conference along with a few of my Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center colleagues. The conference brings together more than 130 participants—staff from JCCs across the southeastern United States to meet, learn and engage with our peers and counterparts across the region. It has been an eye-opening and inspirational experience for all of us. We have learned a lot, including that the JCC system overall employs more 50,000 people a year in North America and generated $1.6 billion dollars! I am so proud to be a part of this incredible network of wonderful JCCs positively impacting so many communities across the country and Canada.

Back home, our Levis JCC’s Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department’s Fit & Fun program began this past Sunday. Now in its 16th year, this innovative program pairs participants who have special needs with typical teen volunteers from area high schools. Credentialed coaches and the teen buddies help our participants through obstacle courses, relay races and other skill building activities. Fit & Fun runs sessions throughout the fall and again for a winter/spring session. Learn more about this and the more than 20 Schwedelson Special Needs Department’s programs here.

This week's Torah portion is Ha'azinu (listen) in the book of Deuteronomy, the last in the Five Books of Moses. In it, the parshah concludes with G d’s instruction to Moses to ascend the summit of Mount Nebo, from which he will be able to look into the Promised Land before dying on the mountain. “For you shall see the land opposite you; but you shall not go there, into the land which I give to the children of Israel.”

Sometimes we do not get to experience the fruits of our labors. This does not diminish our accomplishments as builders, visionaries and implementers. It does not take away from the experience of being part of something bigger than ourselves. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, and on the heels of coming together in a community of Jewish communal professionals, I am reminded of what a privilege it is to be a part of our global Jewish family and of this wonderful Jewish community here in South Palm Beach County. At this time of joy and renewal, more than ever, it is my hope and heartfelt wish for peace in Israel and for Jews everywhere.

Rosh Hashanah begins Wednesday night at 6:47 pm
Light Shabbat candles on Friday night at 6:45 pm Shabbat ends Saturday night at 7:37 pm

I wish each of you a Shana Tova U'mituka—a happy, healthy and sweet New Year.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty