December 19, 2024

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

One week after the flash rebel victory over the 50-year Assad regime in Syria, the stakes continue to grow higher for Israel, for Turkey, the US, Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and the entire region. It will be fascinating watching how things unfold in the coming days, weeks and months. As the President & CEO of the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC my lens is very much focused on Israel’s security, how the Jewish community here in South Palm Beach county is feeling, and how we are being perceived by our non-Jewish neighbors.

Here at the Levis JCC, we aspire to offer events and programming that make everyone feel welcome and safe. Our vibrant JCC is able to present such a wide variety of programs and events because of our generous contributors and sponsors. There are so many upcoming events that offerImage our community fun and exciting ways to connect with our Levis JCC and with one another. On January 8th, we are very excited to present Levis JCC X Clive Daniel Home In-Person Artist Showcase, featuring artist Hulbert Waldroup. 10% of sales from the artist’s paintings purchased during this event will benefit the Levis JCC. Learn more or register here. Next up is our Eastside Popup Happy Hour on Thursday, January 9th at “Bounce” on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach: register here. I am especially looking forward to the Marisa & Matthew Baker Jeans Jewels & The J – our Levis JCC’s signature annual event, this year held on Saturday January 25th at Boca West Country Club. Learn more here. Finally, if you’re looking for a fantastic way to “go good and win big” I hope you’ll consider entering the Boca West Children’s Foundation Benefit Raffle. Enter to win fantastic prizes (including Superbowl tickets) and support the Levis JCC Marleen Forkas Camps. Learn more or purchase raffle tickets here.

As this calendar year rapidly comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support. Whether volunteering, making a financial contribution, attending events or programs, the Levis JCC leadership and staff deeply appreciate all of our generous supporters and participants.

This week’s Torah portion is Vayeshev (And He Dwelt) in the Book of Genesis, the first in the Five Books of Moses. In it, we are introduced to Joseph. In prison, Joseph meets Pharaoh’s chief butler and chief baker, both imprisoned for offending their royal master. Both have disturbing dreams, which Joseph interprets; in three days, he tells them, the butler will be released and the baker hanged. Joseph asks the butler to intercede on his behalf with Pharaoh. Joseph’s predictions are fulfilled, but the butler forgets all about Joseph and does nothing for him. In life sometimes, we encounter people who disappoint us. For me, the learning in this portion has always been that how WE deal with those disappointments is what defines our character.

Light candles Friday night at 5:15 pm.
Shabbat ends on Saturday night at 6:11 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty