February 5, 2026

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

This Shabbat message comes just days after the birth of my first grandson, Otto Henry Haberer. Born on February 1, baby Otto already holds a very special place in my heart. His name carries the legacy of my father, Otto, who passed away 27 years ago, making this moment especially meaningful for our family. Otto, his big sisters Gabby and Ollie, and cousin Emi Lou (who has a little sister expected in May), bring Lori and me indescribable joy and gratitude. We truly feel blessed.

Here at our Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, we are grateful for this strong, active community that continues to come together week after week. On Sunday, we celebrated International Ladino Day with South Florida’s 12th Annual International Ladino Day Concert, featuring Lily Henley performing her 2022 album Oras Dezaoradas (Hours without Hours). Co-sponsored with the Sephardi Federation of Palm Beach County, the event brought Sephardic history and culture to our Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center, touching on the poignant themes of exile and transience. Then, the celebration continued on Monday, February 2, with our Marlene and Herb Levin Adult University “Fiesta Ladino,” an engaging panel discussion on opportunities to learn Ladino, followed by a Ladino Karaoke Party. That same morning, local news stations WPTV and WFLX FOX 29 featured our Helene & Roy Schwedelson Special Needs Department's Project L.I.F.E. Reporter T.A. Walker’s "Shining a Light" segment aired multiple times on both stations. Designed for young adults with special needs who have aged out of high school, Project L.I.F.E. is just one of over 25 programs offered through our Special Needs Department. I am so proud that this life-changing program, our dedicated staff, and our endlessly inspiring participants received the recognition they all deserve.

And finally, at our Betty & Marvin Zale Early Childhood Learning Center, our students have been busy participating in Field Day Fun Week. Throughout the week, our little ones have enjoyed dress-up days, Field Day challenges, and a Pep Rally on the Playground—featuring an Amazing Athletes PE demo, Stuff-A-Plush Zale Bears, and lawn sign and pennant making—all in support of the Levis JCC Zale Playground Fund.

This week's Torah portion is Yitro (Jethro), the fifth portion in the book of Exodus, the second in the Five Books of Moses. In it, the people of Israel gather at the foot of Mount Sinai to receive the Torah. Amid thunder, lightning, smoke, and shofar blasts, Moses ascends the mountain and G-d proclaims the Ten Commandments, providing the core tenets of Judaism and the foundation of our long and intricate religious tradition. Now, all these thousands of years later, my grandson Otto will take part in that tradition, entering our Jewish covenant through the mitzvah of Brit Milah next week in Arizona, and I could not be prouder.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 5:49 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 6:44 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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Marty