At dress rehearsal for the B’nai Mitzvah are (l-r, back row) Cantor Paul Goldstein, Mel Reingold, Saul Schildhorn, Elliot Packer, Jerry Deener, Jack Shaicovitz and (l-r, front) Ed Williams, Jewel Prince, Charlotte Temple, Sondra Rose, Claire Zimmers, Ron Weiner and Rabbi Evan Susman. Photo provided
On April 11, people ranging in age from 82 to 88 at B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton celebrated a milestone typically reserved for teenagers — becoming a B’nai Mitzvah.
For some, it was their second time marking the occasion. For others, it was a new experience. The group is part of B’nai Torah’s “Eight-Three Club,” now in its fourth year, designed to give older adults the opportunity to study the Torah and celebrate this meaningful coming-of-age ritual at any age.
B’nai Torah is at 6261 SW 18th St. Call 561-392-8566 or visit btcboca.org.
St. Paul’s Episcopal to host Masterworks concerts
The Delray String Quartet has two concerts in May at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. At 3 p.m. May 3, “Masterworks 4” features duos, trios and quartets performing a repertoire of salon music. At 3 p.m. May 24, “Masterworks 5” features Dvořák: Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 81 and Schumann: String Quartet No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 41, No. 1.
General admission is $35, preferred seating is $50. St. Paul’s is at 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.
Get tickets at ticketor.com/delraystringquartet; email concerts@delraystringquartet.com or call 561-808-5084.
Tapestries of Life choir to sing at Temple Beth El
The Temple Beth El choir Tapestries of Life will perform “A Celebration of Love, Laughter and Spirit” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. May 3 at the Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. The program features selections from Broadway shows plus folk and pop classics. The concert is free but registration is required at tbeboca.shulcloud.com/event/tapestries-of-life-choir-concert-a-celebration-of-love-life-and-spirit.html.
Church set to host monthly CityLead Boca meeting
Boca Raton Community Church hosts CityLead Boca from noon to 1 p.m. May 7 at the church at 470 NW Fourth Ave. This monthly event for the business community is designed to inspire leaders to use their influence to serve others and transform the city. Reservations are recommended. $20 includes lunch. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. 561-395-2400; citylead.com.
Master Chorale to perform ’Heaven & Earth’
The Master Chorale of South Florida will perform “Heaven & Earth,” a multimedia experience highlighting the beauty and fragility of the natural world, at 8 p.m. May 17 at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. The evening features “Mass for the Endangered” by Sarah Kirkland Snider, written as “a love letter to the natural world,” she said. It’s also a prayer for and a call to action to save the disappearing species of animals and the imperiled environments in which they live.
The Chorale also presents the world premiere of a Marques Garrett piece, “The Sky Remembers,” about the unique flora and fauna of South Florida.
Tickets are $40, $60 preferred seating, at masterchoraleofsouthflorida.org.
Choir of St. Gregory’s to perform Choral Evensong
Choral Evensong, a performance of beautiful and time-honored liturgies rich in history and tradition, will take place at 6 p.m. May 24 in the sanctuary at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. The Choir of St. Gregory’s performs under the direction of Tim Brumfield, director of music, organist and choirmaster. 561-395-8285; stgregorysepiscopal.org
Temple Beth El offers ’A Taste of Judaism’
A three-week introductory course led by Temple Beth El rabbis explores what is “delicious about Judaism: our faith, our customs and our community.”
“A Taste of Judaism” meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday May 20, 27 and June 3. The course is a good introduction for interfaith couples, in-laws of Jews, unaffiliated Jews and individuals exploring conversion.
It is available both in person at the Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton, and virtually on Zoom. The course is free, but registration is requested. Register online at tbeboca.shulcloud.com/event/taste-of-judaism1.html. Contact Aileen Spilka at ASpilka@tbeboca.org with any questions.
Yoga programs offered at church and synagogue
St. Gregory’s Episcopal, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, offers two programs that combine movement and prayer. At 4 p.m. May 14, Yoga and Sacred Movement mixes gentle stretching movements and breath work with reflection on scripture and prayer. The program is led by parishioner and yoga instructor Daphne Lombardo under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Robyn Neville. Bring your own yoga mat and water.
At 4 p.m. May 23, join YogaMass in St. Mary’s Chapel, a combination of graceful yoga, words of faith and contemplative meditation with Neville and the Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren leading. Bring your yoga mat and water. Call 561-395-8285 or email rneville@st-gregorys.com.
Temple Beth El offers “Integrating Mussar and Movement,” led by Rabbi Amy Pessah and yoga instructor Amy Appel, at 6:30 p.m. May 14 at the Schaefer Family Campus, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton.
It blends the physical discipline of yoga with the spiritual wisdom of Mussar, a Jewish ethical practice focused on personal growth and character development.Sessions focus on a human attribute such as perseverance, generosity, awe or orderliness and explore how to cultivate it through mindful movement and breath work that nurture the mind, body and spirit.
Bring a yoga mat. Register at tbeboca.org/event/mussar-and-movement-2025/2026-05-14/ or call 561-391-8900.
Also at Temple Beth El is Beth El Circles. Appel leads a members-only session of rejuvenating chair yoga twice a month at the Schaefer Family Campus. This gentle practice for all levels improves balance, mobility and flexibility. It is also a way to relax, recharge and connect with other members. No mat needed. Chairs provided. Classes meet at 10:45 a.m. on May 12 and 26 and June 9 and 23. Free, but registration is required at tbeboca.org/event/beth-el-circles-chair-yoga-7/ or call 561-391-8900.
St. Lucy seeking donations for new vestments
St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach needs new vestments.
Father Brian Horgan and Father Giuseppe Savaia sent out an appeal for two complete sets in the four liturgical colors at a cost of about $30,000. Donations begin at $5,000, and each vestment will be tastefully embroidered in honor of the donor or a loved one. Contact the Parish Office at 561-278-1280, ext. 2.
— Janis Fontaine
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