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The Jewish Press
Friday, October 30, 2020
Florida es or rabbis for inspiration. However, insight can sometimes come from unexpected sources. Gal Gadot, the Israeli actress famous for her depiction of Wonder Woman, was asked about what has shaped her incredibly positive attitude. Gadot revealed the source of her happiness: She said she finds it in her daily recitation of Modeh Ani, perhaps one of Judaism’s most understated oneline prayers. “You say ‘modeh ani,’ which means, ‘I give thanks,’” she said. “So every morning I wake up and step out of bed and I say, ‘Thank you for everything, thank you, thank you, thank you.’ Nothing is to be taken for granted.” We can all learn a lot from Wonder Woman and her key to a happy life.
SHELLEY BENVENISTE FLORIDA EDITOR
IT’S MY OPINION
Wonder Woman And The Key To Happiness Hakarot hatov, gratitude, is an important concept in Jewish thought. Despite the difficult times we find ourselves in, there is still a lot to be thankful for. It is easy to feel the negative impact of current conditions and the worldwide pandemic. We are all sick and tired of the lockdowns, the isolation, the ever-changing advice of our “experts,” and the feeling of uncertainty. Yet we still have many blessings, and we need to concentrate on the positive aspects of our lives. We feel sorry that we cannot get together with family and loved ones. Masks, social distancing, and Covid protocol have kept us away from each other. But perhaps we need to consider how fortunate we are to even have special relationships and loved ones. This too will pass and we can only imagine how much more we will appreciate the interactions that we used to take for granted. As Jews, we often go to our sag-
Correction: The October 10 Florida Section ran an article entitled, “Florida Couple Helps Pave The Way For FIDF Scholarship Fund.” The last sentence mistakenly referred to “making it the 31 scholarship program in providing community service in Israel.” It should have read “making it the #1 scholarship program providing community service in Israel.”
Chabad Lubavitch Of Greater Boynton Beach Announces 5781 Chasanei Torah Honorees At Simchat Torah Celebration Last year, the Simchat Torah festivities of Chabad-Lubavitch of Greater Boynton Beach were interrupted when Shlomo Bistritsky, the son-in-law of Heshy and Malca Fass, gave a unique challenge to all the boys in attendance. Bistritsky offered that any of the students who would learn the entire Chumash, including Rashi, by Simchat To(L to R) Heshy Fass presents Dovi Peikus and rah 5781, would receive Avraham Chaim Peikus their checks. Not pictured a gift of $500. is Levi Ciment, who also completed the challenge. The offer created great excitement and many of the boys raised their hands. ther the pandemic nor the driving Three boys, Dovi Peikus, Avraham rain could impede the rejoicing. The Chaim Peikus, and Levi Ciment, were magnificent kiddush Hashem the actually able to complete this monu- boys made crowned a wonderfully mental task. They came forward on inspiring Yom Tov that even allowed this Simchat Torah to proudly report for coronavirus-compliant hakafos to their success. The boys’ incredible safely include everyone who wished feat was accomplished by following a to dance with a Torah. rigorous study schedule that allowed Chabad-Lubavitch of Greater Boynthem to complete their goal. ton Beach is located at 10655 El Clair This year many gathered again Ranch Road in Boynton Beach. For in celebration of the holiday. Nei- more information, call 561-732-4633.
Southern NCSY’s JSU Increases Efforts In Holocaust Education
SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:30 -11:00AM ON WWNN 1470AM & WWNNradio.com
WWW.ShalomSouthFlorida.com
Southern NCSY’s Jewish Student Union (JSU) is intensifying efforts to provide high school students with meaningful Holocaust education. Their latest project will provide an unprecedented virtual tour of Auschwitz and Birkenau, two of the most infamous and deadly camps where the combined death toll was almost one million Jews. NCSY has been on high alert since last year’s controversy surrounding Spanish River High School’s principal William Latson. Latson, a Holocaust denier, was fired from his position and then rehired. After a slew of bad publicity, the board is currently in the process of reevaluating what to do next. The incident is especially disturbing to South Florida’s Jewish community, as it has one of the highest Holocaust survivor populations in the world. This live, innovative, and deeply meaningful virtual tour of Auschwitz is made possible by the generosity of community leaders and philanthropists, and will be provided at no cost to public and secular private high schools and other organizations. The recently developed program is not yet
available to the public. JSU Private Schools Give Back program has focused its efforts on connecting teens with Holocaust survivors. Recently, these teen leaders created personal videos for the survivors, made calls to them, and painted inspirational rocks for them. Southern NCSY is determined not to allow Holocaust denial to become acceptable. Through introducing meaningful programming geared for teens, they will continue to work towards this goal. JSU is a program of NCSY that runs more than 200 Jewish clubs on public high school campuses across North America, reaching 12,000 teens annually. The clubs provide teens with programs that strengthen their Jewish identity and connection to Israel. Locally, JSU has a presence in many Palm Beach County schools and is growing at a rapid pace. It operates in 60 high schools across the area and engages over 4,000 students in these schools. For more information about Southern NCSY and JSU, visit www.southern.ncsy.org.
Friday, October 30, 2020
The Jewish Press
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Florida Chabad Chayil’s Community Hebrew School Back In Session In North Dade County Hebrew School has always been important, and this year, when children have been exposed to a world filled with uncertainty and discord, there is a heightened reason to expose them to the importance of Judaism and make this part of their education a priority. Registration is now open for a new year of Hebrew School for children in the north end of Miami-Dade County. The supplementary program is designed for boys and girls ages 5-12 attending any of the nearby public schools: American Heritage, BridgePrep, Charter, Country Dade, Nova, Pine Crest, Riviera, and those in need of a daily after-school program. Classes are conveniently located in Highland Lakes, across from AWK8, just west of Aventura and north of Skylake/North Miami Beach at Chabad Chayil. Due to Covid, classes are smaller to accommodate proper social distancing. “This program of-
Calendar of Events WHAT: Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO) has a mission to care for abused and neglected children and those with developmental disabilities. “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” The Aventura/North Miami-Dade chapter presents: Chanukah Miracles Live! All reservations include access to the Virtual Program Sensational Silent Auction, Raffles, Online Boutique, and more. WHERE: From the comfort of your own home. WHEN: Thursday evening, November 19 at 7 p.m. COST: $54 per person - $118 per person for VIP tickets which include entry into special VIP Grand Raffle. CONTACT: 866-JAFCOKIDS - www.jafco.org - info@jafco.org
NEW FROM URIM PUBLICATIONS
Available at all fine bookstores www.UrimPublications.com
fers a first taste of Jewish learning in a creative, joyful, hands-on, and interesting way,” says school director Layah Kievman. “This is a Hebrew School of the highest quality that kids can’t wait to go to!” This year the school is also offering learning pods at different locations, and is working to bring the best virtual Hebrew School options for those who will be staying home. Jewish education is a proven factor in ensuring Jewish involvement and continuity. To reach as many children as possible, Chabad seeks sponsors to subsidize tuition scholarships for families unable to pay. “We seek to ensure that every single child has access to a high-quality Jewish education,” states Rabbi Moishe Kievman. “Chabad is the place where parents feel comfortable and where kids don’t want to miss a day!” The school welcomes every Jew, regardless of religious background or level of observance, and
does not require membership as a condition for enrollment. To register or learn about other after-school activities (Leadership 4 Kids, Homework Help, Bar Mitzvah Prep, Tutoring, and the daily Community Hebrew After-school Program), please call (305) 770-1919 or visit HebrewSchool. info. For more information, email Layah@ChabadChayil.org or call (305) 770-1919 and ask for Layah.
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