Rabbi Howard Shub speaks to the audience at Holocaust Survivor Day. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Tholl
The Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service honored nearly 100 Holocaust survivors from Palm Beach County during its sixth annual Holocaust Survivor Day, held June 4 at Temple Beth Tikvah in Lake Worth Beach.
Established in 2021 to recognize and lift up Holocaust survivors with a day of celebration and appreciation, the event featured a tribute to the significance of Holocaust Survivor Day and a presentation of proclamations by Palm Beach County and the state of Florida. But the highlight of the event was the recognition of the survivors in attendance. It included a musical performance by Gyorgy Lakatos. More than 150 guests attended.
The Alpert JFS is one of Palm Beach County’s leading providers of mental health and social services, serving more than 12,000 people annually. Find out more about the work at www.AlpertJFS.org or call 561-684-1991.
To learn more about Holocaust Survivor Day, visit holocaustsurvivorday.com.
Study shows prayer calms patients, lessens pain
There’s scientific evidence of the power of prayer.
A randomized controlled trial conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine has found that a five-minute session of proximal intercessory prayer (PIP) — in-person prayer offered by a trained volunteer — significantly reduced pain and anxiety in primary care patients. The study published in the May/June 2026 issue of The Annals of Family Medicine is among the first randomized controlled trials of PIP conducted in a standard primary care setting.
Prayer is the most common form of complementary medicine used in the United States. About 43% of people report using prayer to lessen pain or relieve anxiety. But it’s hard to show it works.
This study said positive results were reported by both the pain and anxiety groups. The pain group reported significantly greater pain reductions immediately after the session and at the two-week follow-up. The anxiety group participants showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety scores immediately after their treatment. This effect persisted at two- and six-week follow-ups, suggesting durable effects lasting at least a month and a half for the anxiety group.
According to the study, prayer worked regardless of the patient’s faith — or lack of faith. Research suggests that prayer influences the brain in several ways: It strengthens neural pathways of peace and gratitude and lowers stress by calming the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. It also promotes empathy and social connection because we often pray for others’ needs as well as our own.
So, a quick, drug-free, cost-effective answer to pain and anxiety might be as close as a friend who knows how to pray. And you can help. Many church ministries are devoted to this work. At Spanish River Church in Boca Raton, the Visitation Team is starting a new ministry that visits homebound and hospitalized people who need a bit of prayer. Learn about the vision and opportunities to serve at an interest meeting at 10:15-10:45 a.m. July 12 in Connect Center Room 1 at the church, 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. For more info, call 561-994-5000 or visit spanishriver.com.
New prayer circle forms at St. Gregory’s
Join the Center for Spiritual Formation at St. Gregory’s in Boca Raton for a new contemplative prayer experience.
The Lectio Divina Prayer Circle facilitated by Rose Sandoval takes place at 10 a.m. July 11 in St. Mary’s Chapel and features 40 minutes of Lectio Divina, the ancient Christian practice of using Holy Scripture to center prayer. Participants focus on a short piece of scripture to concentrate their prayers.
This circle will meet on the first Saturdays of succeeding months at 10 a.m. Beginners are welcome. For more information, contact Sandoval at Rose@rose-sandoval.com.
Also continuing in July: At 4 p.m. July 16, Yoga and Sacred Movement mixes gentle stretching movements and breath work with reflection on scripture and prayer.
Then, at 4 p.m. July 25, YogaMass is held in St. Mary’s Chapel. This is a time for graceful yoga, words of faith and contemplative meditation. Bring your yoga mat and water for both events.
Call 561-395-8285 or email rneville@st-gregorys.com.
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton.
Exploring Christianity class at Spanish River Church
Spanish River Church will hold a seven-week class beginning July 16 for people who have decided to follow Jesus and are asking, “What’s next?”
This introduction to Jesus through the Gospel of Mark features short films and guided discussions where questions are encouraged.
The course is designed for people who are new to the faith, but anyone looking to grow deeper in their understanding of Christianity will benefit.
The class meets 6:30-7:45 p.m. Thursdays beginning July 16 through Aug. 27 in the Education Building, Room 620 on the East Campus, 2350 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Info: 561-994-5000 or spanishriver.com/.
Boca Community Church catches World Cup fever
At 7-9 p.m. July 17 and 31, Boca Raton Community Church will host a little friendly soccer competition, open to men and women of all ages and levels of experience. The best news is that it takes place indoors in the gym at the church, 470 NW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. Info: bocacommunity.org or 561-395-2400.
First Presbyterian to host a church picnic
The Deacons of First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach are hosting a classic summer potluck picnic on July 26 beginning at 11 a.m. following worship services. This fellowship event connects the church family via a shared meal with plenty of food and conversation. Bring your favorite picnic dish to share.
Reservations are encouraged at firstdelray.com/upcoming-events/summer-picnic-rsvp/ to help with planning. First Presbyterian Church is at 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. For more info, call 561-276-6338.
Temple Beth El’s Giving Tree gets own space
The Giving Tree, Temple Beth El of Boca Raton’s charitable program that grants holiday wishes to thousands of local children and provides backpacks and school supplies to hundreds of students, is finally getting a space to call its own. After operating out of people’s garages and donated space for 30 years, the group now has a dedicated 2,400-square-foot area for its exclusive use. They certainly earned it! See my story about the work they do here: thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/list/tag/giving+tree.
— Janis Fontaine
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