February 12, 2026

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

This week’s message comes to you from Gilbert, Arizona, where my grandson Otto Henry Haberer just celebrated his Brit Milah. His Hebrew name is Ori Chayim, which translates to “my light/life.” In Jewish tradition, names carry meaning, and little Ori has already brought so much meaning and light into our family while carrying my father’s name and legacy into the next generation. We feel so blessed to have him.

Here at our Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, we are also feeling that sense of light and tradition as our community continues to come together through meaningful programs and shared experiences. Last Saturday, more than 150 community members gathered for the Opening Night screening of the 10th Annual Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival, featuring Ken Scott’s drama, Once Upon My Mother, sponsored by Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services. All week, the Festival has brought powerful stories of Jewish resilience, culture, and connection to the big screen, and—with over one week remaining—there is so much more to enjoy. View the lineup at bocajff.org. Meanwhile, on Sunday, February 8, our Nina & Martin Rosenzweig West Boca Theatre Company opened its production of Paul Rudnick’s I Hate Hamlet, delighting audiences with a hilarious exploration of ambition and creative risk. There are six performances remaining; I hope to see you at the theater! And finally, tonight, community members joined us for our “Levis JCC North End Tables of 8” event, dining across Delray Marketplace restaurants before coming together for dessert and connection at Terra Fiamma.

This week's Torah portion is Mishpatim (Ordinances) in the book of Exodus, the second in the Five Books of Moses. In it, the people of Israel receive 53 mitzvot that ground our Jewish values in systems of justice and ethical action. And now, countless generations later, my grandson Ori Chayim has joined that same covenant. May he grow up in a world full of empathy, faith, and the light that his name so aptly reflects.

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 5:54 pm.
Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 6:48 pm.

Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!

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

Marty