Page 6 - The Jewish Voice - February '25

Page 6, The Jewish Voice

Local Happenings from page 4 Honoring 10 Wounded IDF

Soldiers

Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens recently honored 10
wounded IDF soldiers in person at the shul. The young men,
all in their 20s, were brought to Chabad in collaboration
with Belev Echad, a New York-based nonprofit founded and
operated by Rabbi Uriel and Shevy Vigler, brother of Rabbi
Dovid Vigler.
Rabbi Dovid Vigler introduced one of the wounded
soldiers, who spoke about how he managed to survive the
October 7 massacre. At the end of his speech, he pulled up
his pants leg and showed the crowd that he was wearing a
prosthetic limb, the same kind that are donated to wounded
soldiers by Belev Echad. A second soldier shared his story
of being a driver of an armored vehicle on October 7.

themed books and workbooks.
The backpacks, along with
handwritten holiday cards,
were distributed to children at
a Title I elementary school in
Boynton Beach. This initiative
was supported by the Brooke
Jackman Foundation.
• Beach cleanup:
Volunteers of all ages collected
hundreds of pieces of garbage,
including plastic caps,
wrappers, and straws, from
Ocean Reef Park in Riviera Beach. This effort was conducted
in partnership with the Beach Bucket Foundation.
“The success of 8 Days, 8 Ways demonstrates the true
power of community and how much even small acts can
make a big difference and create a powerful ripple effect of
kindness,” said Amy Gordon, Director, Kohl Jewish Volunteer
Center. “We are grateful to our volunteers of all ages as well
as our community partners who are leading so many critical
initiatives throughout the year.” Local Happenings on page 7

the eight days of Hanukkah. The program, which is produced
through Federation’s Kohl Jewish Volunteer Center, featured
an array of service projects to address critical needs, from
feeding families to supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Highlights include:
• Thanksgiving food drive: Community members donated
nearly 200 turkeys, hundreds of pounds of non-perishable food,
and grocery gift cards to Place of Hope and the Soup Kitchen
of Boynton Beach, ensuring a holiday meal for locals in need.
This effort was supported by J-Teen at the Mandel JCC.
• Thanksgiving family mitzvah project: More than 150
volunteers packed 200 bags of Thanksgiving food and donated
more than $600 in gift cards to help 200 local families enjoy
a holiday dinner. This initiative was made possible through
partnerships with Temple Israel, Temple Beth El, and PJ Library.
• Support for victims of domestic violence: More than
70 hygiene bags and essential items, including bed sheets,
baby bottles, and diapers, were donated to Aid to Victims of
Domestic Violence (AVDA). This effort was supported by
Federation’s Jewish Women’s Foundation, The One School
at Temple Beth Am, and Torah Tots Early Learning Center at
Temple Torat Emet.
• Hanukkah meal packing and delivery: Nearly 250
volunteers prepared, packed, and delivered over 1,000
healthy, festive meals to homebound seniors and individuals
facing illness or crisis. This project was conducted in
partnership with The Kind Kitchen of Palm Beach.
• GR8 Hanukkah Gift Wrap: Over 40 volunteers
wrapped nearly 400 donated gifts and essentials for families
in need during the Hanukkah season. This initiative was in
partnership with Alpert Jewish Family Service.
• Holiday book-packing event: Seventy volunteers
assembled 600 backpacks containing nearly 2,000 holiday-

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