The Mic’s Yours.
We’re Listening.
Introducing Ignite Broward — a community-wide listening journey that engages Broward residents to reimagine Jewish life in Broward. A Jewish community that is relevant for all, no matter how or where we live our Jewish lives.
We need your input. Please join the conversation and make an impact.
To partake in a listening forum at a location near you, visit Jewishbroward.org/Ignite or scan the QR code to register for the option that works best for you.
6750 University Drive ∙ Parkland, FL 33067
Phone. 954.346.7878
Fax: 954.346.0881 www.koltikvah.net
Rabbi Bradd Boxman
Cantor
Debbie Hafetz
954.346.7878/ 954.816.0416 (cell)
954.346.7878/ 954.682.5268 (cell)
Executive Director
Justin Pollack
954.346.7878 x-223
Director of Engagement and Youth Education
Jessica Smiley
954.346.7878 x-224
Director of the Phylis J. Green Early Childhood Center
Sydney Berlin 954.346.4281
Director of Finance
Lali Karni
954.346.7878 x-228
Board of Trustees
Alan Rosen, President
Josh Miller, 1st Vice President
Fran Nieporent, 2nd Vice President
Linda Zarin, Secretary
David Hirsch, Treasurer
Andrew Rader, Immediate Past President
Barbara Weinstein, Past President
Robert Cohen
Lani Fornaro
Brad Pepper
Jason Portnof
Cindy Seltzer
Jenny Shane
James Weiss
Nat Nussbaum, Men’s Club Representative
Randi Carr, Sisterhood Representative
Shara Pipitone, ECC PTO Representative
Committees and Chairpersons
Adult Education, Meryl Rome/Gail Siminovsky
ARZA (CKT Israel Connection), David Beale/Hedy Sussman
Building & House, Norm Kale/Dave Rosenof
Caring Committee, Irina Hecht/Nat Nussbaum
Connections Committee, Robin Day/Jenny Shane
Finance, David Hirsch
Ritual, Jeff Levine
Social Action, Nancy Nussbaum
Rabbi Bradd BOXMAN
hockeyrav@koltikvah.net
Ascending in Holiness... Here’s how!
This year, strange as it may seem, Chanukah falls on Christmas day. As the holy day of Christmas ends, the holiness of lighting the first candle begins on December 25th at sunset.
As is the custom, we will light one candle each night until the Chanukiah is aglow with 9 candles burning brightly. But while that is the custom, it wasn’t always a given.
We are told Bet Hillel and Bet Shammai differed in their prescriptions for lighting the menorah. Bet Shammai held that we should start with 8 lights and reduce one each night corresponding to the number of days that are left. He argued that the biblical custom of offering bulls on sukkot (upon which Chanukah is really based) was one of reduction for each day of the holiday.
Bet Hillel argued that we should start with one light and increase corresponding to the number of days which have passed. His winning argument however taught that “in matters of Holiness, we never descend, we only ascend.” Hillel taught that when we strive for Holiness, we ought to always try to ascend to greater spiritual heights. That is why we rise on our tippy toes 3 times during the “k’dushah” prayer when we chant “kadosh kadosh kadosh.” Physically, we are training ourselves to reach for the heavens and beyond.
So how can we ascend in Holiness, especially during this season of Thanksgiving and Chanukah? First, I would suggest that we desire to acquire an attitude of gratitude.
In Hebrew “Hakarat Tov” means to acknowledge what is good. This Thanksgiving may we truly stop and count our blessings, as Rabbi Ben Zoma teaches, “Who is truly happy? The one who is happy with what he/she has.” I invite you to join our congregation as we gather with our interfaith community for our annual Interfaith Unity Thanksgiving service on November 26th at 7pm at St. Andrews Catholic Church. Before gathering on Thanksgiving day with family and friends, join with our larger community to truly given thanks in a joyful celebration of the Holiness of gratitude.
Secondly, I would suggest that ascending in Holiness has to do with our rededication to our Jewish faith and traditions. The word Chanukah itself means “re-dedication” recalling how the Maccabees rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after defeating the Syrian-Greek oppressors who had desecrated it with idols and pigs.
This year may we ascend in Holiness by committing to a new mitzvah. Perhaps, you would like to increase your Jewish learning. Then join us on Shabbat mornings at 9am for Bagels & Bible.
Perhaps you would like to increase your involvement in helping those less fortunate. Then join us each last Monday of the month in dropping off peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which are delivered to the homeless. .
Perhaps you would like to increase your joy by attending Shabbat services. Then join us every Friday at 6:30 pm, but especially Friday December 6 for our Rock Shabbat under the stars at Pine Trails Park at the amphitheater. Bring a picnic dinner and join in all the “pre-game” activities beginning at 5:30 pm.
This holiday season may we all truly rise to the occasion, ascending in Holiness through our gratitude and through our rededication to Jewish life.
From my home to yours and from heart to heart, I wish you a “Chag Urim Sameach”, a joyful celebration of the festival of lights.
LShalom,
Rabbi Bradd Boxman
Cantor Debbie HAFETZ
Hi Friends!
I am so excited to be contributing to the return of the Voice! Many of you may not know that I worked at Kol Tikvah from 2009-2013 as the Director of Lifelong Learning. I left to serve as the Cantor at Ramat Shalom for 9 years and returned to Kol Tikvah in 2022 to serve as your Cantor. The Voice was an important means of communication with our community back then and I look forward to its comeback.
Since returning to Kol Tikvah, it has been so incredibly meaningful to provide music for worship, life cycle events, school assemblies and so much more. From the beginning of humanity, music has always been the “language of the soul.” Music transcends the spoken and written word and has the capacity to reach deep into people’s hearts and souls, to lift the fallen spirit, and to unlock expressions of deep joy.
Here at Kol Tikvah, I have the pleasure of leading both an adult and a youth choir, playing with our Kol Tikvah bands, and directing our musical Purim Shpiels. These are wonderful opportunities for involvement for those in our community who love to sing and act. I am always looking for more of you to take part in these amazing groups. If you are interested, don’t hesitate to reach out.
In addition to leading all of the musical aspects of our congregational life, I also cherish the opportunities I have to teach students of all ages in Bagels and Bible, ECC Judaics, Mensch U and Sisterhood gatherings. From a very early age, I have felt compelled to spread the beauty and spirit of Judaism wherever I am able. Actualizing this “calling” here at Kol Tikvah is such a gift to me. Thanks to each and every one of you for all that you contribute to making Kol Tikvah such a loving, caring and inspiring community!
L’Shalom,
Cantor Debbie
Alan ROSEN President
president@koltikvah.net
It is my honor to write my first letter as President to you, my fellow congregants, in this first edition of the Voice since before the COVID pandemic. Bringing back the Voice is just one of the many projects we are undertaking to rejuvenate Kol Tikvah. I am thrilled to see our clergy, staff, and lay leadership working together, united in our shared goal of making our congregation the center for egalitarian Judaism in Northwestern Broward County.
For those of you who attended Rosh Hashana services, you heard me lay out my vision for the future of Kol Tikvah, breaking down invisible walls within our Kol Tikvah community and with the Jewish community at large. If you were not at the service and would like to hear my ideas, you can visit the Kol Tikvah website for a recording.
A lot is going on at our temple right now! Our regular activities are back up and running, including religious school and youth programs, the Rabbi’s Thursday afternoon Talmud 101 class, committee and auxiliary events, and so much more. Please save the evening of February 22 for our annual temple social and fundraising event, WoodstoCKT. It will be such a fun night, and I am thrilled that we will honor this year’s well-deserved Zaphir Award winner, Tami Isenberg.
We are also embarking on two significant endeavors right now. As most of you know, Rabbi Boxman is retiring in June 2026. Please try to come to services, Bagels & Bible, and/or Talmud 101 in the next year and a half to take in his wisdom while he is still our Chief Spiritual Officer. In honor of the Rabbi’s retirement, we are embarking on a campaign to secure Kol Tikvah’s future for our children and grandchildren. There will be opportunities to make a difference now and down the road through our Life & Legacy program. We hope to secure complete participation from our CKT congregants in whatever manner works for each individual. Please join us on this journey.
The other endeavor underway is our Rabbi search. We have formed a committee to start the process and are also looking for complete participation as we ask for input on what our community wants from our future spiritual leader. Please watch for surveys and invitations to social groups to be a part of this sacred process.
Thank you for being part of the Kol Tikvah community. I hope you take advantage of all we have to offer in a manner that suits your needs from your Jewish home.
On behalf of the Board or Trustees, I wish you a sweet healthy and peaceful 5785.
Sincerely,
Alan Rosen President
Justin POLLACK
Executive Director
justin@koltikvah.net
Dear Kol Tikvah families -
Allow me to begin by thanking you - over the last 18 months of my tenure, this community has not only embraced me as your Executive Director, but embraced my family as part of our community as well. My family has had our fair share of bumps along the road these last months, and we are truly fortunate to be a part of the Kol Tikvah community.
As we re-launch THE VOICE after a 5+ year hiatus, our professional team has attempted to answer the question of “if we are going to produce this incredible piece on a quarterly basis, what is the goal - the why - for the efforts we are going to put forth?”
My answer and vision is simple - I hope to leverage THE VOICE as an opportunity to showcase and highlight you - our congregants and families who are the reason we exist. These last few years have brought a series of divisions and silos into our small patch of earth, and my hope is to now bridge those gaps, tear down those silos, and get back to the reason why we chose the name Congregation Kol Tikvah - the people are the most critical and important piece of who we are as a community.
THE VOICE will reconnect our community, sharing vignettes and stories of what our members have been up to and how they are advancing our efforts and mission within the Jewish community and the community as a whole.
THE VOICE will highlight those businesses who opt to support our community, knowing that in business, you can do well while doing good. For our business owners and those working to achieve their family’s dreams, you know that the key to “sealing the deal” is doing business with someone you know, like, and trust. Kol Tikvah can be the medium through which you get to know someone, gain their trust, and hopefully grow your relationship beyond business and into friendship.
THE VOICE is just a small piece of the puzzle to achieving our leadership’s vision of making Kol Tikvah not only the center of Jewish life in Northwest Broward County, but a beacon and role model for all other synagogues and institutions in the state for what Jewish life COULD and SHOULD look like. This vision begins with you - not just by reading THE VOICE (and contributing when asked with picture submissions or articles!), but by being present with your fellow Kol Tikvah members and families.
Join us for a shabbat service....
Send your kids to a youth group program....
Volunteer to make Peanut Butter &Jelly Sandwiches with our Social Action Committee....
Participate in an auxiliary event or program...
And when you do, be fully present and meet your neighbors. Engage with them, get to know them, and let them be a part of your lives.
Our name means “The Voice of Hope”.... and its time for us to start actualizing that name.
B’shalom, Justin Pollack
Preschool News: A w oNderful s tA rt to the school Ye A r
We are thrilled to share that our preschool is off to a fantastic start! Since school began in August, the children have adjusted beautifully to their new classrooms. They’ve been busy making new friends, growing, and learning every day. It’s a joy to see how quickly they’ve settled into their routines, and the excitement they bring to each day.
We have just wrapped up all the Fall Jewish Holidays, and the learning has been both fun and meaningful. In honor of Rosh Hashanah, the children enjoyed tasting apples dipped in honey and learning about the shofar, celebrating the Jewish New Year with joy. During Yom Kippur, we taught them about the importance of saying sorry and reflecting on how we can be better. Sukkot was another highlight, as we enjoyed the mitzvah of eating in our beautifully decorated sukkah and even had the special opportunity to shake the lulav and etrog with Rabbi and Cantor. This week, the children are diving into the celebration of Simchat Torah and were thrilled to visit the Torah scrolls in our sanctuary.
A big announcement to share is the successful completion of phase one of our preschool security project, which was made possible by the incredible support of our PTO and ECC families last year. Through their fundraising efforts, we were able to build a new security wall around our playground area, further securing our campus. We are happy to report that the gates have just been installed, and we look forward to completing phase two of the project in the coming months.
As we move forward, we are excited for the year ahead, watching our children continue to grow and thrive in their learning. We are also preparing for the next academic year, and we want to remind you that registration for the 2025-26 school year and our 2025 summer camp will open in January.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making our preschool such a special place!
Lights, Camera, Shop!
JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY OF GREAT
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024
Congregation Kol Tikv 6750 N. University Drive, Parkland, FL Boutique - 11:00AM-12:00PM
OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY COMMUNIT
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TTEND THE BOUTIQUE YOU MUST RSVP. PLEASE EMAIL SYDNEY@KOL AH.NET.
Phylis J. Green ECC at Congregation Kol Tikvah
Jessica Smiley Director, Engagement and Youth Education
jessica@koltikvah.net
Dear Mensch University Families,
We hope you had a joyful and festive holiday season! Now that the holidays are behind us, we are excited to be back in full swing at school, and our students are doing great.
At Mensch University, we believe that Jewish education is not just about learning traditions, but about instilling values that shape character and community. Our curriculum integrates Jewish teachings with everyday life, encouraging students to explore their heritage, develop a strong sense of identity, and cultivate a commitment to social responsibility. By fostering a love for learning and a deep connection to Jewish identity, we empower our students to grow into proud, informed Jews who contribute meaningfully to their communities and uphold the values of our tradition.
Please pay close attention to our school and youth calendars for any upcoming special events. We have many activities planned that will enrich our community and enhance our students’ experiences. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at Jessica@koltikvah.net. Together, let’s make this school year a memorable and enriching experience for our students!
L’Shalom, Jessica Smiley & the Mensch University Team
OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT AT MENSCH U!
$50 PER PERSON
Richard C. Schwartz Mensch of the Year Award in honor of invite you to the SATURDAY SATURDAY 7:00PM DECEMBER 14, 2024 CONGREGATION
SOCIAL ACTION at CONGREGATION KOL TIKVAH
“I choose to be God’s par tner in repairing the world one mitzvah vah at a time”
The Kol Tikvah Social Action Committee seeks to involve the congregation to participate in Tikkun Olam “Repairing the World” by ser ving those who are disadvantaged or in need. We strive to educate and provide avenues for adults, youth and children to do social action and advocacy to help local, national and international causes and promote greater social justice.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Collection Dates
So many families have participated in our monthly PBJ sandwich collection to help feed the homeless. Drop off under portico between 9:30AM-10:30AM.
Monday, December 16
Monday, Januar y 13
Monday, Februar y 24
Monday, April 28
Monday, May 19
Monday, June 30
Impor tant Dates
Social Action Shabbat…Friday, Januar y 17, 2025
Mitzvah Day…Sunday, March 9, 2025
SOCIAL ACTION
2024-25 DATES
SOCIAL ACTION at CONGREGATION KOL TIKVAH
“I choose to be God’s par tner in repairing the world one mitzvah at a time” time”
The Kol Tikvah Social Action Committee seeks to involve the congregation to participate in Tikkun Olam “Repairing the World” by ser ving those who are disadvantaged or in need. We strive to educate and provide avenues for adults, youth and children to do social action and advocacy to help local, national and international causes and promote greater social justice
A variety of social action and social justice projects are planned throughout the year. We seek to encourage, inspire and engage ALL our congregants to participate.
ANNUAL HIGH HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE---congregants donate non-perishable food items to benefit the WECARE Pantr y at the Soref JCC
MONTHLY MITZVAH MONDAY PROJECTS---families prepare PBJ sandwich lunches which are delivered to Our Fa ther’s House Soup Kitchen to provide an extra meal for those who are homeless and hungr y
ANNUAL MITZVAH DAY---Kol Tikvah families enjoy participating in “hands-on” projects that benefit many organizations in Broward County which ser ve both adults and children
MITZVAH SUPPLY COLLECTIONS---throughout the year, donations are collected to help fill the specific needs of many different charities such as: In Jacobs Shoes, JAFCO, Kids in Distress, Hope South Florida, Lifenet4 families and Women in Distress.
SOCIAL JUSTICE---Our Kol Tikvah community was proud to partner with RAC-FL, Florida reform synagogues and organizations such as Floridians Protecting Freedom, Planned Parenthood, National Council of Jewish Women and the League of Women Voters to help collect petitions for a ballot initiative to ensure that reproductive rights would be on the November 2024 Florida ballot. During this process, not only did we learn about Jewish views on abortion and the value that is placed upon the life of the mother, but congregants collected signed petitions at temple events and outside functions and delivered them to the mandated locations to be counted by state election officials.
The collection throughout the state was a success! Our focus is now on encouraging people to check their voter registration, to have a plan to vote and to be educated about the importance of “Vote Yes on 4”. Phone banking and post card mailings are just a part of our activities before the November 2024 election.
