November 16, 2023

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

On Tuesday, like many of you, I watched the live stream of the March for Israel rally, where nearly 300,000 people gathered on Washington, DC’s National Mall in the largest pro-Israel gathering in history. The crowd heard from politicians, celebrities, and family members of hostages, and together lifted their voices to chant “Bring them home!” While I wish I could have attended this historic event, I am so proud of the many friends, colleagues, and South Palm Beach County community members who were there, including Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Board Chair Steve Clarfield and Board Member April Leavy.

Here at home, we continue to strengthen one another through our collaborative spirit and by sharing our resources and initiatives. We look forward to presenting an Israeli “Shuk” at our Levis JCC, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. We will welcome Israeli artists and artisans to our J December 14 -15, and we invite the whole community to support Israel by supporting these Israeli merchants and businesses.

This week’s Torah portion is Toldot (Generations) in Genesis, the first book in the Five Books of Moses. In it, G-d tells Rebecca “there are two nations in your womb and that the younger (Jacob) will prevail.” We later learn that Jacob’s name is changed to Israel. Thousands of years later, we continue to defend our homeland, and the promise of this land to and for the Jewish people.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 5:11 pm. Shabbat ends Saturday night at 6:06 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

Marty