December 4, 2025

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

It’s been a wonderfully busy few weeks between an incredible Travel with the J adventure, and Thanksgiving celebrations in Arizona surrounded by my family. I am happy to return home to Boca Raton feeling joyful, grateful, and refreshed. This week also brought the news that Hamas has returned the body of one of the last two deceased Israeli hostages. I find solace in knowing that almost all our hostages are home and pray for the return of the final hostage so our families can begin to feel closure.

Here at our Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, we are delighted to be celebrating the season of giving with our caring community. The show of community spirit on Thanksgiving Day, when more than 2,200 community members joined us for 17th Annual Levis JCC Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk, was followed by a successful Giving Tuesday. You came together with open hearts, providing generous support that ensures our programs and services remain vibrant and accessible to everyone who calls our Levis JCC home. Thank you.

Last night, more than 100 of our Levis JCC Board members, community partners, leadership, and senior staff gathered for our annual Latkes, Laughter & Light Leadership Holiday celebration. Once again, I found myself surrounded by family! We ushered in the holiday season by lighting our menorah, posing for photos with our life-sized “Mensch on a Bench,” and enjoying spending time together as one extended Levis JCC family.

This week's Torah portion is Vayishlach (And He Sent) in the book of Genesis, the first in the Five Books of Moses. In it, Jacob wrestles with an angel embodying the spirit of his brother, Esau. He prevails, emerging with the new name “Israel,” which means “he who prevails.” All these years later, and we continue to wrestle, day and night, for our homeland. Just as Jacob conquered the angel, we too shall overcome these challenges with the help of our community and shared values.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 5:10 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 6:06 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty