October 31, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

This weekend my wife, Lori, and I will be in St. Louis visiting our daughter Danielle, son-in-law Colin, and granddaughter Emi Lou, who is now 2 and half years old. We are excited join them for “trick-or-treating;” Emi Lou will be decked out in her caterpillar costume and Lori found cool grandparent caterpillar shirts so we match. Like many families, we are scattered across the country, so it is always so special when we can all be together, and we are particularly excited for the opportunity to celebrate this childhood tradition!

At home in Boca Raton, on Monday, our Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center presented the annual Gutmann Family Golf Classic. Held at Stonebridge Country Club, golfers enjoyed 18 holes of championship-like golf followed by a dinner and awards reception during which individuals and foursomes, including our grand Benefactor Judy Levis Krug’s husband Dr. Stewart Krug, were recognized for their accomplishments. Proceeds from this event directly support vital Levis JCC programs. This is just one of the many community events that the Levis JCC presents each season, and all of them help to raise critical funds so that we can continue to offer meaningful, exciting, fun, and thoughtful programming that brings our community together.

This week’s Torah portion is Noach (Noah) in the book of Genesis, the first in the Five Books of Moses. In it, G-d destroys a world filled with evil by bringing a 40-day flood. G-d swears never again to destroy all of mankind because of their deeds, and sets the rainbow as a testimony of His new covenant with man. All these millennia later, with the many “deeds” mankind has exhibited, this parsha is a good reminder that collectively, we must find our way to peace, love, and consideration of all. This is why Lori and I named our own son Noah 28 years ago, it is why I find such meaning in my work as a Jewish communal professional, and it is why I feel so much joy in spending time with my family. Wishing you all a peaceful and meaningful Shabbat.

Light Shabbat candles on Friday night at 6:19 pm
Shabbat ends Saturday night at 7:17 pm
Remember to turn your clocks back one hour this weekend.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty