Page 1 - The Jewish Voice - March '20
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VOL. 10 NO. 3 www.seabreezepublications.com MARCH 2020
Nearly 1,000 People Volunteer,
Gather in Solidarity During MLK Day
To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther individuals; a clothing and toiletry drive; making
King Jr., Jewish Federation of Palm Beach improvements at local homes, community centers, and
County and the Jewish Volunteer Center, community gardens; a beach cleanup; and more.
in partnership with Palm Beach Atlantic “It is our responsibility to make the world a better
University, spearheaded a meaningful day filled place for future generations and a vital way Federation
with solidarity and volunteerism to unite the accomplishes this is by preserving Dr. King’s legacy of
community in honor of Martin Luther King Day. standing against hatred of all forms and shining a light on
The annual event, which included an community leaders who are making a difference,” shared
emotional solidarity event that honored and Michael Hoffman, Jewish Federation President and CEO.
preserved Dr. King’s vision of a society that “We are inspired by the Jewish value of chesed (“kindness”),
unites against all forms of hatred, was even more and believe that acting upon our Jewish values is a powerful
moving because it came on the heels of a series way to respond to antisemitism and hatred of all forms.”
of violent attacks across the country aimed at
the Jewish community. Nearly 1,000 community Nearly 1,000 People Volunteer on page 2
members of all races, religions, and backgrounds
attended.
The day began as community members Beth Am Hosts
of all ages volunteered at 19 locations across Kate Magro, Palm Beach Atlantic University Assistant Dean of Student
Palm Beach County, including serving meals Development; Jervonte Edmonds, CEO of Suits for Seniors; Amy Fahnoe,
to the homeless, preparing meals, and gleaning creator of The Positivity Project; and Melissa Hudson, Director of Big Band Shabbat
vegetables for food-insecure families and Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Center
Alpert Jewish Family Service and Winter Open House. Congregants were encouraged
Temple Beth Am recently hosted a Big Band Shabbat
Recognizes Volunteer Mentors to come to temple before service and to bring their friends
to a Winter Open House and Shabbat Social. Guests were
able to mingle with other temple members and meet
TBA’s staff and clergy. The musical service was definitely
An annual mentor recognition luncheon attended by 70, memorable, as Rabbi Alon Levkovitz, Rabbi Brett Tancer,
including mentors, mentees, and parents of the children and Cantorial Soloist Marcy Morris were joined by a
involved in The Judith & Jack Rosenberg Mentoring 4 16-piece big band. Prayers were set to the music of some
Kids (M4K) Program of the Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish of the greatest songs from the big band era, including Cole
Family Service (JFS), was held last month at the South Porter, the Andrews Sisters, and more.
Florida Science Center & Aquarium. Photos courtesy of Jackie Alberts
Event sponsors included United Way of Palm Beach
County, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach
County, and a seven-year-old boy named Sonny who is
already a community philanthropist, volunteering to raise
money by asking his friends and family to donate to the
M4K program instead of buying him a birthday gift!
In addition to lunch, mentors and their spouses and
children and parents were able to play mini-golf and see
a show at the planetarium. All of the mentees gave their
respective mentors key chains inscribed with the words,
“Thank you for making a difference in my life,” and the
child’s initials.
The free-of-charge, non-sectarian M4K program
provides same-gender role models for children aged
6-14 years, living in a single-parent family, due to loss
or absence, helping fill a void in the child’s life. Mentors
Young philanthropist Sonny with his volunteer plaque, provide guidance, support, and friendship to children,
accompanied by his family taking them to a wide range of community-based activities.
Each quarter, participating
mentors and children meet
for an organized group
event.
Mentoring 4 Kids is a free,
non-sectarian program. To
become a mentor and help
make a difference in the life
of a child, contact Program
Director Jenifer DiSilvestro
at 238.0285.