Page 4 - The Jewish Voice - November '20

Page 4, The Jewish Voice

LocaL happenings

High Holidays Reimagined Federation Kicks off the pandemic, its significance is quite meaningful.
Mitzvahs in general have a way of impacting us. Speaking

Despite the great Annual Campaign with kindly influences the tongue, while acting generously elevates
challenges of celebrating the arms we use. Submerging our entire being in the sukkah is
the Jewish holidays this Virtual Celebration the one time a year that every aspect of our being is touched.
year, Chabad of Palm How often do we speak for thee but not for me?! Say the
Beach Gardens was able While we may not be able to words but apply a double standard? To eat in the sukkah is
to present a solution for celebrate Hanukkah in person to affect profound change on every single one of our limbs.
everyone, to allow every this year, Jewish Federation of To allow all that is G-dly and true to permeate not just our
Jew to experience the High Palm Beach County is inviting minds and our souls but every movement that we make and
Holidays no matter their the community to join together truly become one with who we are as people.
comfort level of spending on Wednesday, December Also, sitting in the sukkah acknowledges that we are at the
time outside of their home. 16, at 6 p.m. for some much- mercy of the elements. It is not always cozy in the sukkah.
Chabad’s leadership needed laughs and a reminder Growing up in New York we’d sit in the frigid cold bundled
catered to three comfort of the incredible work that is in winter coats and gloves. Here in Florida we are always
levels, offering each one happening in the Palm Beaches damp from either rain or sweat.
two different options thanks to the support of generous To sit in the sukkah is to raise our eyes past the flimsy roof
for participation and and committed community and look to the stars as we realize that all we have on this
experience. members. This year’s campaign earth is from His kindness alone. And we are oh so grateful.
For those uncomfortable kickoff, “Lights & Laughter: An Entertaining Evening of
leaving their homes at Tzedakah,” will be a lively virtual celebration featuring Kevin Mark Your Calendars for
all, Chabad presented a Pollak, actor, impressionist, and co-star of The Marvelous
Pre-High Holiday Zoom Mrs. Maisel. Upcoming Events from JFS
Concert with British cantor The evening is chaired by Brian Seymour and Ronda Starr
Shlomo Simcha, America and is open to those whose households contribute $365 or Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert
Jewish philosopher Simon more to Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County in 2021; JFS) has an exciting line-up of events for the 2020-2021
Jacobson, and Israeli sand donors under 40 are invited at a gift of $180 in 2021. For season, from a virtual benefit for Holocaust survivors, to
artist Aryeh Zev Bernstein. questions and to register, please contact Sarah Rogers at raising awareness about abuse, and its first scheduled on-
These concerts were held 561.242.6633 or sarah.rogers@jewishpalmbeach.org. site event for this season, the inaugural Alpert Cup Golf
before Rosh Hashana and Tournament and Auction.
Yom Kippur, respectively, Step Inside Your Sukkah On December 3, 2020, the agency’s annual “Never
in close proximity to the Again” Holocaust Survivors Benefit will be online from
holidays. In addition, By Rebbetzin Chana Vigler 7 to 8 p.m. The featured guest will be Matthew Orton,
Chabad ran a Do-it-Yourself Rain or shine, Jews around the world dined al fresco last writer and co-producer of “Operation Finale,” which is
crash course on how to month. And while it may have been a welcome change during based on the true story of the team of secret agents sent
observe the High Holidays to track down Nazi Officer Adolf Eichmann in Argentina,
at home, taught his arrest, and subsequent trial in Israel. Skip Randolph
by Rabbi Dovid and Maggie Zeidman, chair and vice chair, respectively, of
Vigler on Youtube. Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians and Jews are event
These courses were honorees.
accompanied by an On February 16, 2021, the virtual 17th Annual “No
abbreviated High Excuse for Abuse” (NEFA) event will be held from 7 to 8
Holiday Handbook p.m. Abduction survivor, advocate, author, and foundation
that was sent to all founder Elizabeth Smart will be the keynote speaker.
the members of Attendees will have the opportunity to shop online, with
Chabad in print. A a percentage of proceeds donated to Alpert JFS.
digital version of the On April 15, 2021, the Inaugural Alpert Cup Golf
book was emailed Tournament and Auction will be held at High Ridge
and made available to Country Club in Lake Worth. The golf event will be from
every Jew in the area. 1 to 5 p.m. with play, a boxed lunch and cocktail hour,
For those followed by an auction/cocktail party from 5:30 to 7 p.m.,
Jews comfortable featuring Artist/Entertainer Michael Israel.
attending services at
shul, Chabad held Local Happenings on page 5
full High Holiday
services with social-
distanced seating
and capacity caps as
well as masks. Those
Jews who wanted
to come to shul, but
only outdoors, were
invited to abbreviated
outdoor services.
A special service
was even held for
nearly 100 members
of Ballenisles who
were not comfortable
leaving their
neighborhood.
And for those
Jews who couldn’t
come to shul but
didn’t want to stay
home, Chabad
of fered private
sanctuary visits at
the Holy Ark before
and during the High
Holidays, when no one else was in the sanctuary. In
addition, all members were invited to pick up High Holiday
Gift Boxes before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur that
included everything they needed to be able to observe a
meaningful and uplifting holiday.
There was 100 percent compliance of all protocols
during the High Holidays, with everyone wearing masks
and social distancing. Aliyahs to the Torah were conducted
without actually rising to the bimah. Everyone was
impressed with the careful planning and high spiritual
content that was present at Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens.