Page 23 - Boca Exposure - December '23

Boca Exposure, Page 23
Levis JCC Opens

Eighth Annual Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival

The Adolph & Rose Levis JCC (Levis JCC) opened its ranging from comedies and love stories to political and a debilitating stroke halting his storied career, will perform live.
eighth annual Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival historical dramas. Audiences will also enjoy special guest This is the story of his determination to come back, playing with
on Dec. 6 with a preview of what’s to come with trailers of appearances and discussions. just his left hand. General admission is $180.
engaging and entertaining documentaries, shorts and feature- “This is not merely a film festival – it’s a celebration of The festival’s closing night on Monday, March 4 at
length, Jewish-themed films from around the world that will be Jewish culture, reflecting the dynamic community that supports 7 p.m. in Zinman Hall will feature Yiscah Smith, subject
screened during the festival. it,” said Stephanie Owitz, vice president of Arts, Culture and of the documentary, I Was Not Born a Mistake. Smith, a
The three-week festival, viewed by more than 3,000 film Learning, Levis JCC. “Films have a distinctive ability to share teacher, spiritual mentor and public speaker, is dedicated to
enthusiasts in 2023 returns to Cinemark Palace in Boca Raton, universally resonant stories, and there has never been a more helping people navigate their own personal spiritual journeys.
Movies of Delray, and the Levis JCC in Boca Raton, from Feb. relevant time for us to tell and share these stories.” Transitioning from living as an Orthodox man to embracing
10 through March 4. More than just movies, the multi-access The festival will also feature three signature events. her identity as a woman, Yiscah offers insights that encourage
festival connects people to one another, to the community and The Red Carpet Event on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. at authentic living. A Q&A session with Yiscah will follow the
to a variety of experiences and stories through film. Boca West Country Club will include a dinner and the Southeast film. General admission is $54.
One of the country’s largest niche film festivals and a premiere of Left Alone Rhapsody: The Musical Memoir of “We take great pride in being Boca Raton’s original
premiere destination for Jewish and international films, Pianist John Bayless, a documentary by Stewart M. Schulman. Jewish film festival,” said Grand Benefactor Judy Levis
the event meticulously cultivates a variety of film genres Internationally acclaimed pianist John Bayless, who experienced Krug. “Through the medium of film, we are not only
entertained but educated, allowing us to understand and
appreciate the diverse tapestry of our shared heritage.
CP Group’s Eighth Annual Tree Lighting from page 22 Palm Beach County. CP Group presented a check for $7,000 There has never been a more crucial time for us to share
to the Junior League of Boca Raton, as 100 percent of VIP the strength that emerges from standing together.”
audition-based ensemble. Santa’s Workshop offered free Hospitality Tent ticket sales were donated to the nonprofit. Cultural arts programming demand remains strong
holiday-themed children’s activities and such crafts as holiday “Trying to raise the bar each year, we are proud that throughout the season, and with two new film series, including
bookmark designing led by ArtNEST Studios and letters to we were also able to exceed donation goals,” said Giana the Sunday Morning Israeli Film Series and Fascinating
Santa organized by the Boca Raton Historical Society and Pacinelli, director of communications for CP Group, which Sephardim, A Film Series, presented in partnership with The
The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. After the tree fosters a vibrant and engaged ecosystem at BRiC that hosts Sephardi Federation Palm Beach County, audiences will gain an
lighting, children of all ages enjoyed “taking the stage” for and supports nonprofit fundraisers, cultural events, and appreciation and understanding for diversity within the culture.
an interactive dance party and games. community programming throughout the year. It examines places in the world where wandering communities
At the winter wonderland of memory-making fun, Owned and operated by CP Group, the state’s largest office of Sephardic Jewry took root, expanding the diversity of world
eventgoers were mesmerized by the illuminated “Snowflake landlord, BRiC is the largest single-facility office building Jewish history and heritage. Screenings are one Wednesday a
Lane,” the LED Cirque performers on stage and roaming, in Florida at 1.7 million square feet. Designed by iconic month at 1 p.m., from December to January and March to May,
and the Hula-Hoop contortionist spinning with over 30 Hula- Brutalist architect Marcel Breuer, the campus was originally at the Levis JCC. General admission is $10 per film.
Hoops. All enjoyed the holiday playlist curated by Celebrity built in 1969 for IBM and is home to the invention of the first The Israeli Film Series will be screened one Sunday a
DJ Dennis Michael Stelling (who has opened for John Mayer personal computer. CP Group acquired the campus in 2018 month at 9 a.m., from December to February and in April,
and others). WPTV was the exclusive television sponsor; with the vision of transforming BRiC into a technology and at the Levis JCC, moderated by Mort Plotnick. General
Boca Raton Magazine was the exclusive magazine sponsor. life sciences hub for the Southeastern United States with admission is $18 per film.
As always, the event benefited Spirit of Giving and the unparalleled amenities, including two coffee shops, event For more information about dates, films and ticket
Junior League of Boca Raton. Spirit of Giving left with an space seating up to 1,000, an autonomous grab-and-go, art purchases, visit https://levisjcc.org/filmfestival or contact
abundance of unwrapped new toys and monetary donations exhibitions, and more. Tenants include Boca Raton Regional Festival Director Lisa Barash at lisab@levisjcc.org.
for the nonprofit’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive that brings Hospital, Kroger, Modernizing Medicine, and Canon. To Sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Levis
holiday cheer to 7,000-plus underprivileged children in learn more, visit workatbric.com. JCC is located at 21050 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton. Zinman
Hall is located at 9901 Donna Klein Blvd., Boca Raton.