December 12, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

Though the Chanukah holiday is still about two weeks away, I find the events in Syria this past week force my hand in making this early connection. As many of you know, Chanukah is the celebration of the Jewish Maccabees, a small army, who defeat none other than the Syrians, whose King Antiochus Epiphanes outlaws Jewish practices and desecrates the alter in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem with a sacrifice of pigs to the Greek God Zeus Olympios. Almost 2,200 years later, this week the world witnessed the dramatic and speedy fall of the 50 year rule of the Assad dictatorship in Syria. We do not know what will come next in terms of leadership in Syria, but I feel comfortable saying that very few tears are being shed about the fall of a brutal dictator and the weakening of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.” I may light an extra candle this year to recognize this modern Chanukah miracle.

The idea of miracles is a popular theme threaded throughout this season in many ways. That got me thinking about how little “miracles” happen every day at our Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center through the vital, beautiful and truly meaningful programs and services that enhance the lives of so many people every single day. This week, I’m highlighting our Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department which presents a variety of opportunities for the individuals who participate in them, as well as their families – to access a variety of excellent programs. More than 30 participants enjoyed Dine Around Town. They gathered for dinner at a local Chili’s restaurant with their friends and I am told the laughs -- and the lemonade -- were flowing! Fit and Fun Fall Session came to an end. This popular and enduring program had 20 participants and 40 volunteer buddies who assisted them as they took part in strength training, yoga and group fitness. Last Saturday, our Weissglass Family Parents Night Out & Kids Night Out enabled parents of children with special needs to have a night on the town while their children played games, did arts and crafts, and played outside in the beautiful fall weather. Our Schwedelson Sunday Social Scene/Schwedelson Young Adult Social Scene participants enjoyed doing some holiday shopping at the Palm Beach Outlets Mall, and will be getting together for the program’s annual Holiday party at Outback Steakhouse this weekend. You can learn more about all of our Schwedelson Special Needs programs as well as learn about volunteering by visiting www.levisjcc.org/specialneeds.

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 encounters the angel that embodies the spirit of Esau, with whom he wrestles until daybreak. Jacob vanquishes his opponent, who bestows on him the name Israel, which means “he who fought with the divine” and won. Facing our maker at difficult moments requires strength of character and faith. It can also provide us with tremendous comfort as we each wrestle our way through our own individual lives. Fortunately, none of us has to wrestle alone. It is a distinct honor and truly a pleasure to lead the Levis JCC, an organization that is so committed to creating a warm, welcoming and inclusive community, a place for all of us to come together – a place we can all call home.

Light candles Friday night at 5:12 pm.
Shabbat ends on Saturday night at 6:08 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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Marty