Page 1 - The Jewish Voice - November '23

VOL. 13 NO. 11 www.seabreezepublications.com NOVEMBER 2023

Annual Hanukkah Volunteer Initiative

Offers 8 Days, 8 Ways to Give Back

As our hearts continue to be with the people of Israel, “As our Jewish & Volunteer Engagement, Federation of Palm Beach
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Kohl Jewish community has County. “8 Days, 8 Ways provides an opportunity, through
Volunteer Center’s (JVC) is proud to announce the been reeling from the Kohl JVC, for all ages to support people in need within
return of its 8 Days, 8 Ways of Giving Back, filled with the horrific attacks the Palm Beaches, in Israel and around the world.”
ample opportunities to give back – locally and in Israel in Israel, we are Those who volunteer are encouraged to tag @Kohl
– and be reminded that community service is one of the reminded how we Jewish Volunteer Center – PBC on Facebook and @
most important gifts we can give at Hanukkah time and must continue to kohljewishvolunteercenter on Instagram along with the
particularly during times of crisis. honor our core hashtag, #8Days8Ways. The following outlines a complete
Now in its seventh year, 8 Days, 8 Ways, offers eight days Jewish values of calendar of events for 8 Days, 8 Ways. For the most current
of opportunities to do good deeds around the community spre a di n g l ove details and to register, visit jewishpb.org/8days.
while showing compassion and gratitude for others and and kindness and
celebrating the eight days of Hanukkah. Opportunities exist helping others,” Annual Hanukkah Volunteer Initiative on page 2
for all ages, from making cards filled with love and hope for shared Melissa
the children of Israel to ensuring those in need have warm Hudson, Assistant
Thanksgiving and Hanukkah meals. VP of Community
Alpert JFS Opens Center for Belonging and Wellbeing

Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service hosted
a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the organization’s new
Center for Belonging and Wellbeing, which featured
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast, who is responsible for
securing an $825,000 federal earmark for the buildout.
Florida House Representative Mike Caruso and Palm
Beach Gardens Mayor Chelsea Reed were also present.
The Alpert JFS Center for Belonging and Wellbeing
in Palm Beach Gardens will create an inclusive and
supportive environment where all individuals can
thrive and achieve their full potential. The center
will be the hub of social interaction for adults with
disabilities in the Levine JRFS Supportive Living
program, while also serving the broader community
of those with disabilities through the launch of its new
Day Socialization program. Mike Caruso, Brian Mast, Chelsea Reed, Marc Hopin
Temple Israel Hosts Civil Rights Leadership Journey

Temple Israel is a community of learners and worshipers, trip to America’s Deep South. Driving from Atlanta, GA, to Civil Rights Leadership Journey recommit to leading the
with a shared commitment to continual growth intellectually, Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham, AL, they learned about congregation and local Jewish community in making the world
emotionally, and spiritually through study and sacred practice. the struggles of Black Americans in the 1950s-1960s, discovered better and more hospitable for all people.
Together they celebrate, travel, and do the work of tikkun olam, how the Jewish community actively participated in the Civil
which means “repairing the world” in Hebrew. In these pursuits, Rights Movement, and met American heroes who participated
they discover profound meaning, foster deep connection, and in the movement and remain committed to pursuing justice
find enduring relevance in Judaism’s ancient teachings and today. In the span of just a few days, participants delved deeply
modern expression. into history, engaged with local community heroes, and forged
These three guiding principles of meaning, connection, profound connections with one another.
and relevance converged beautifully during a recent Civil After returning to Florida, the group is dedicated to bringing
Rights Leadership Journey. Last month, the temple’s rabbis, the insights gained during the trip back to West Palm Beach.
accompanied by a dedicated team of staff members and 40 They understand that their journey should not conclude at the
congregants, embarked on a transformative four-day road Atlanta airport, as Jewish teachings encourage not just learning
about justice and praying for
peace, but the ongoing pursuit
of peace and justice. Anchored
by the wisdom of our tradition,
Temple Israel has stood as
the welcoming face of the
Jewish people on Flagler Drive
for a century, serving as the
address for social action in the
community. Now back home,
the participants of the recent