October 30, 2025

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

I'm writing this Shabbat message while feeling a bit woozy. I was up late watching the Dodgers take a 2–1 lead over the Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series…after nearly seven hours and 609 pitches! It was a truly riveting game, the second longest in World Series history. It was a long night, but well worth staying up late to watch! Even as we enjoy things such as baseball games, Jews all over the world continue to wait for the return of 13 deceased hostages who are still held by Hamas. Tensions remain high, and patience is wearing thin. We pray for their speedy return.

As “snowbirds” begin to return to the warmth of our South Palm Beach County community, it’s a busy and wonderful time at our Adolph & Rose Levis JCC. Last Friday, I had the immense privilege of joining our Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department’s Project L.I.F.E. participants in their weekly dance class, experiencing the joy of rhythmic drumming and movement. Later that afternoon, our Betty & Marvin Zale Early Childhood Learning Center families gathered around the Ryan F. Zackon Family Zale Playground on picnic blankets and lawn chairs for Shabbat Under the Stars. Dr. Emily led everyone in song and celebration as they welcomed in a beautiful Shabbat. The Zale joy continued on Monday, October 27, with a visit from Kindness Matters 365, a nonprofit that views kindness as a necessary life skill. They guided our youngest community members through some deep breathing exercises and helped them decorate bags for an upcoming community food drive. That afternoon, our Early Childhood Committee treated our Zale teachers and staff to a popcorn bar as a sweet display of staff appreciation!

This week's Torah portion is Lech Lecha (Go Forth) in Genesis, the first in the Five Books of Moses. In it, Abraham, Sarah, and his nephew Lot leave Canaan under G-d’s command, spreading the message of a monotheistic deity. G-d promises that Abraham and Sarah will become a great, holy nation, and Abraham circumcises himself and his descendants as a sign of this covenant. In just over three months, my own grandson will, G-d willing, participate in this sacred 5,000-year-old tradition and enter the covenant of our people.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 6:20 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 7:14 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty