beth - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-29T11:45:06Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/bethFinding Faith: Coronavirus alters services for High Holy Dayshttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/finding-faith-coronavirus-alters-services-for-high-holy-days2020-09-01T17:59:11.000Z2020-09-01T17:59:11.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
<p>The Jewish High Holy Days — Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement — both take place in late September.</p>
<p>In Judaism, these are two of the most important holy days, and services featuring special prayers, feasts with significant foods, and 25 hours of fasting are planned. Congregations gather together with great joy to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the universe during Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 18-20).</p>
<p>Then the devout come together again a week later for Yom Kippur (Sept. 27-28), the holiest day of the year. Having spent time evaluating their lives, repenting their wrongs, praying and fasting, the worshipers are granted acquittal and the cleansing of their sins. The congregation dresses in white for solemn — but not sad — services at the synagogue.</p>
<p>This year, because of COVID-19, communal worship is limited, and some synagogues won’t have in-person services.</p>
<p>Rabbi Shmuel Biston of Chabad of East Delray expects 30 or 40 people to attend his socially distanced, carefully abbreviated services.</p>
<p>“The service will last about 30 minutes,” he said, “and if we get more people wanting to come, we’ll add a second staggered service and clean in between.”</p>
<p>For those who still don’t feel comfortable in a group setting, Chabad of East Delray offers “Stay at Home” kits, so people can mark the holidays at home. The Chabad resumed weekly services in August and Biston meets in private (socially distanced, masks required) with people who are struggling.</p>
<p>“We want to offer any type of safe interaction we can, any way we can connect,” Biston said.</p>
<p>Most of what he does is listen and talk things through, so the phone is good, but in-person is better for some people. “A lot of people are lonely and they really need that personal connection. It’s been tough for some people to adapt.”</p>
<p>Rabbi Joe Fishof of Temple Beth Ami in Boca Raton agrees. “Many are afraid, and we don’t want to subject them to a situation that makes them uncomfortable.”</p>
<p>So, this year, a limited number of members will come to services, but most will watch them on Zoom, Fishof says.</p>
<p>Many synagogues depend on the sale of tickets for these two important holidays for financial support throughout the year, but most have received special donations from members.</p>
<p>“We reminded them, ‘Don’t let the shul suffer,’” Fishof says, “and people were generous.”</p>
<p>Tickets for services are lower in cost this year, from $50 to $120, but these are suggested donations and no one is ever turned away because he can’t pay.</p>
<p>Leaders of Temple Beth El in Boca Raton suggest that with so many in the congregation suffering as a result of COVID, members who have purchased High Holy Day tickets in the past should consider making a donation in the amount they would have spent.</p>
<p>At Beth Ami, two 90-minute services are planned. Guests will be limited to 50. Cleaning is planned in between services. Fishof is keeping most of his sermon under wraps, but he plans to comfort and encourage people whose routines have been disrupted.</p>
<p>“With so many people suffering, we should make an effort to be more compassionate,” he said. “I also want to remind them to be grateful for what they have. I want to tell them to have hope, to pray and stay in faith.”</p>
<p>To Fishof, Yom Kippur is about “cheshbon hanefesh,” a spiritual accounting of the soul. Self-improvement, perfecting one’s character and forging closer relationships with God and our fellow men are the essence of Yom Kippur. </p>
<p>“It’s about introspection,” Fishof said. “Look inside yourself and ask, ‘How can I be a better person, more compassionate, more understanding this year?’” </p>
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<p><strong>Local services</strong><br /> • Temple Beth Ami — 1401 NW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. <a href="http://www.bacboca.org">www.bacboca.org</a>.<br /> Temple Beth Ami will hold both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services by reservation only and by following CDC guidelines. Masks will be required. Bring your own hand sanitizer. Temperatures will be taken at the door. Two 90-minute services are planned: 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with cleaning planned in between. Call for tickets: 561-347-0031.</p>
<p><br /> • Temple Beth El — Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. <a href="http://www.tbeboca.org">www.tbeboca.org</a>.<br /> Temple Beth El’s services will be celebrated online. The synagogue invites everyone to watch services livestreaming on the website, Facebook page or YouTube channel. For members, there are additional benefits, like a special High Holy Day gift bag for pickup and the ability to borrow a High Holy Day machzor (prayer book). For more info, call 561-391-8900.</p>
<p><br /> • Boca Beach Chabad — 120 NE First Ave., Boca Raton. 561-394-9770 or <a href="http://www.ChabadBocaBeaches.com">www.ChabadBocaBeaches.com</a><br /> Rabbi Ruvi New said the synagogue plans to host its services at Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, instead of its facility. He said Mizner Park has enough room to accommodate everyone even with social distancing. Ages 12 and older. Some programs require tickets. <br />Services are as follows: <br /> Rosh Hashanah evening: 7:05 p.m. Sept. 18 <br /> First-day Rosh Hashanah: 9 a.m. Sept. 19<br /> Mincha: First-day Rosh Hashanah: 7:05 p.m. Sept. 19<br /> Second-day Rosh Hashanah: 9 a.m. Sept. 20<br /> Shofar sounding: 11:30 a.m. Sept. 20<br /> Mincha: 6 p.m. Sept. 20, followed by tashlich and second shofar blowing at the Intracoastal at the northwest corner (Wildflower) of east Palmetto Park Road and Fifth Avenue, Boca Raton, at 6:45 p.m. <br /> Kol Nidrei: 7 p.m. Sept. 27. Reservations required. Seats are $120.<br /> Yom Kippur morning: 9 a.m. Sept. 28<br /> Yizkor memorial: Noon Sept. 28. Reservations required. Seats are $72.<br /> Mincha: 5:15 p.m. Sept. 28<br /> Neilah closing service: 6:15 p.m. Sept. 28</p>
<p>Additional events: <br /> The synagogue will host Mincha at 3:15 p.m. Sept. 27 at the synagogue. <br /> Three special children’s programs are planned at the synagogue: first-day Rosh Hashanah at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19; second-day: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 20; and Yom Kippur: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28</p>
<p><br /> • Chabad of East Delray — 10 SE First Ave., Delray Beach. <a href="http://www.jewisheastdelray.com">www.jewisheastdelray.com</a>. <br /> An outdoor shofar-blowing and shortened services in both Hebrew and English are planned complying with social distancing guidelines. All seats are reserved. Adults only. Masks required. Between services, the shul will be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly. A donation of $50 is suggested. <br /> For congregation members who feel more comfortable staying at home, kits are available for pickup with a selection of the key prayers and insights, apple and honey, challah and candles. To reserve a kit, email rabbi@jewisheastdelray.com.<br /> Services are:<br /> First-day Rosh Hashanah: 10-10:45 a.m. Sept. 19.<br /> Second-day Rosh Hashanah: 10-10:45 a.m. Sept. 20.<br /> Outdoor shofar blowing: 5 p.m. Sept. 20 (location TBA)<br /> Kol Nidrei: 7:15-7:45 p.m. Sept. 27<br /> Yom Kippur day: 10-10:45 a.m. Sept. 28<br /> Neilah: 7:15-7:45 p.m. Sept. 28</p></div>Religion Notes: So Is Life to headline 12th Dubov Memorial Concerthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/religion-notes-so-is-life-to-headline-12th-dubov-memorial-concert2020-01-28T20:07:18.000Z2020-01-28T20:07:18.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960927061,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960927061,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960927061?profile=original" /></a><em>So Is Life, featuring (l-r) Josh Nelson, Rosalie Will, Ellen Dreskin and Dan Nichols, will perform March 1 at the Temple Beth El Schaefer Family Campus in east Boca Raton. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
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<p><strong>By Janis Fontaine</strong></p>
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<p>Cantor Stephen Dubov arrived at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton in 2006 with high hopes, but after just one month in Palm Beach County, died suddenly from an aortic dissection. He was 55.</p>
<p><br />He had been on his way to Detroit to help his family prepare for its big move from Michigan when he died.</p>
<p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960927467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960927467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="246" height="246" alt="7960927467?profile=original" /></a>The Stephen Dubov Memorial Concert has since become an annual tradition that rotates from year to year between Temple Beth El and Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton.</p>
<p><br /> This year, its 12th, the concert will feature the musical group So Is Life at 3 p.m. March 1 at the Beth El Schaefer Family Campus in east Boca Raton.</p>
<p><br /> So Is Life features cantor Ellen Dreskin, Josh Nelson, Dan Nichols and cantor Rosalie Will, and it will be led by New York composer/performer Elana Arian in a program of music that goes from sacred to secular and traditional to contemporary.</p>
<p><br /> It reflects Dubov’s diverse life. He was born in Miami Beach, earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of Miami and his cantorial investiture and master’s degree from Hebrew Union College.</p>
<p><br /> What set the cantor apart was his career as a professional actor. He had roles in more than 100 movies and television shows — including a regular role in the daytime soap <em>The Guiding Light</em> — as well as stage acting and performances on Broadway, with the Palm Beach and Miami operas, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.</p>
<p><br /> The Schaefer campus of Temple Beth El is at 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton.</p>
<p><br /> Tickets are $100 for reserved benefactor seating, $36 for preferred seating, $18 adults and $10 students for general admission. <br />Call 561-391-8900 or visit <a href="http://www.tbeboca.org">www.tbeboca.org</a>.</p>
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<p><strong>Why is happiness elusive?</strong></p>
<p>Community Church will host a seven-week series called Life Explored, a safe, informal conversation about faith and God, beginning Feb. 24 at the church at 600 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton.</p>
<p><br /> Questions up for discussion include this big one: “Why is lasting happiness so hard to find?”</p>
<p><br /> Guests are encouraged to ask questions, share doubts and join the conversation.</p>
<p><br /> Life Explored will meet from 5:30 to 7:10 p.m. Mondays through April 6. Food will be provided. Admission is free but you must register in advance at 561-395-2811 or <a href="http://www.graceboca.org">www.graceboca.org</a>.</p>
<p><br /> For more information about the program, email Lori Harding at lorih@graceboca.org.</p>
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<p><strong>Jewish Film Festival</strong></p>
<p>The Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival continues through Feb. 16 at four locations in Palm Beach County: Cinemark Boynton Beach, Cinepolis Jupiter, Cobb Theatres at Downtown at the Gardens and PBSC’s Eissey Campus Theatre.</p>
<p><br /> These are the showtimes for films at the Cinemark at Boynton Beach Mall, 1151 N. Congress Ave.</p>
<p><br /><em>• Jewish Partisans</em> — 1:30 p.m. Feb. 2 <br /><em>• The Last</em> — 4:30 p.m. Feb. 2<br /><em>• Leona</em> — 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2<br /><em>• Amnesia</em> — 1:30 p.m. Feb. 3<br /><em>• Fiddler: Miracle of Miracles</em> — 4:30 p.m. Feb. 3<br /><em>• Winter Hunt</em> — 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3<br /><em>• A Cantor’s Head</em> — 1:30 p.m. Feb. 4<br /><em>• Gloomy Sunday</em> — 4:30 p.m. Feb. 4<br /><em>• The Keeper</em> — 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4<br /><em>• The State Against Mandela and the Others</em> — 1:30 p.m. Feb. 5<br /><em>• Latter Day Jew</em> — 4:30 p.m. Feb. 5<br /><em>• The Mover</em> — 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5.<br /><em>• Witness Theater</em> — 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6<br /><em>• The Last Supper</em> — 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6<br /><em>• Crescendo</em> — 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6.<br /><em>• Back to Berlin</em> — 1:30 p.m. Feb. 7<br /><em>• The Rabbi Goes West</em> — 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8</p>
<p>For more info: 877-318-0071 or <a href="http://www.pbjff.org">www.pbjff.org</a>.</p>
<p>— Janis Fontaine</p></div>Philanthropy Notes: Enjoy picnic in Old School Square, help feed homeless childrenhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/philanthropy-notes-enjoy-picnic-in-old-school-square-help-feed-ho2019-10-01T19:30:00.000Z2019-10-01T19:30:00.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><strong>By Amy Woods</strong></p>
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<p>Delray Beach’s Old School Square will be the site of <strong>Picnic in the Park</strong>, an Oct. 20 fundraiser where businesses, clubs, families, friends and organizations can each throw a picnic on a 12-by-12-foot square.</p>
<p><br /> Making its debut, Picnic in the Park will run from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and raise money to feed homeless children.</p>
<p><br /> For $250 apiece, groups get a designated spot on the Old School Square lawn and are encouraged to choose an international theme, create cuisine that matches the theme and then wear costumes keeping with the theme.</p>
<p><br /> Groups can bring tables, chairs, blankets and tents, as well as decorations and even musical instruments to accent the fun.</p>
<p><br /> “The picnic is an America classic where people get together and have fun,” said Maura Plante, founder of Living Hungry, which has partnered with the Delray Beach Homeless Task Force on the event. “It’s all about having a fun afternoon and raising money for a good cause.”</p>
<p><br /> For more information, call 573-5092 or visit <a href="http://www.livinghungry.org">www.livinghungry.org</a>.</p>
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<p><strong>Nonagenarian to be honored for his service</strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960902075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960902075,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960902075?profile=original" /></a><br /> A 91-year-old man is helping alcoholics and drug addicts into recovery in Delray Beach.</p>
<p><br /> For such efforts, Tony Allerton, executive director of The Crossroads Club — a nonprofit founded in 1982 — will be honored at Crossroads’ inaugural Gratitude Luncheon at noon Nov. 7 at the Seagate Country Club in Delray Beach.</p>
<p><br /> “We are so pleased to honor Tony Allerton for his 60 years of service to our community,” said Delray Beach Deputy Vice Mayor Bill Bathurst, co-chairman of the event. “Through his compassion and experiences, he has touched the lives of countless individuals and serves as an inspiration to all who meet him.”</p>
<p><br /> Every day, Allerton, who has been sober longer than most of his clients have been alive, helps those he sponsors overcome addiction. In 2006, he spearheaded renovations at an old city-storage building to create The Crossroads Club’s current home, which offers more than 150 meetings a week.</p>
<p><br /> Tickets for the luncheon are $175 and can be purchased at <a href="">www.thecrossroadsclub.com or</a> by calling 278-8004, ext. 106.</p>
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<p><strong>Food delivery to needy cut due to loss of aging truck</strong></p>
<p><br /> Boca Helping Hands has raised nearly $35,000 from the community, and an anonymous donor has committed to match the next $25,000 that comes in, but even if that is generated, another $65,000 will still be needed to replace a large truck used to deliver food to needy people.</p>
<p><br /> The 25-year-old truck regularly picked up items at Feeding South Florida and had the capacity to carry 10 pallets of food. Some of that food was delivered to elementary schools in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach for children to take home in donated backpacks so they had meals for the weekend. The truck also brought pantry bags to a satellite location that distributed them directly to families.</p>
<p><br /> “With the loss of this truck, we’re having to use multiple vehicles to fill these needs, resulting in double the fuel and paid drivers,” said Greg Hazle, the organization’s executive director, noting that the Thanksgiving Box Brigade program might be in jeopardy if the vehicle is not replaced in time. “We are asking for the community’s help to replace this truck.”</p>
<p><br /> For more information, contact Karen Swedenborg, development manager, at 417-0913, Ext. 202 or karen@bocahelpinghands.org.</p>
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<p><strong>Community Foundation welcomes three to board</strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960902289,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960902289,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" alt="7960902289?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p>Michael Bracci, Beth Neuhoff and Jeffrey Stoops have been elected to serve on the board of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.</p>
<p><br /> Bracci, president of Northern Trust’s Palm Beach and Treasure Coast regions, leads all aspects of the bank’s wealth-management business in the area. Neuhoff, CEO of Neuhoff Communications, is known for brand-building strategies both locally and nationally. Stoops, CEO of SBA Communications Corporation, oversees nearly 30,000 wireless sites in 13 countries.</p>
<p><br /> “We are pleased to welcome these outstanding business leaders and community representatives to our board,” said Bradley Hurlburt, the foundation’s president and CEO.</p>
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<p><strong>Arc program aims for national recognition</strong></p>
<p><br /> The Arc of Palm Beach County has developed a model to improve acceptance for those with disabilities.</p>
<p><br /> Stand Up is a leadership-training program that matches high-performing teens with same-age peers at the nonprofit.</p>
<p><br /> “One of our goals at the Arc is to create positive experiences for the people we serve and open the minds of those who interact with them,” said Kimberly McCarten, the Arc’s president and CEO. “The interactions that happen in this program bridge differences, highlight varied communication styles and establish lasting bonds.”</p>
<p><br /> The Arc adopted Stand Up in 2018. It has been nominated for an award and is on its way to getting implemented on a national level.</p>
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<p><em>Send news and notes to Amy Woods at flamywoods@bellsouth.net.</em></p></div>