B’nai Torah Senior Rabbi David Steinhardt (second from right) poses with (l-r) President Scott Frank, Executive Director Leesa Parker and Executive Vice President Melanie Jacobson. Photo provided
Senior Rabbi David Steinhardt of B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton was honored with the 2025 Melanie Jacobson Inspirational Jewish Leadership Award during Shabbat services on May 3. The award, which recognizes individuals “who exemplify visionary Jewish leadership, spiritual integrity, and a deep commitment to community,” was first given in 2023.
B’nai Torah is the largest Conservative synagogue in Southeast Florida, and Rabbi Steinhardt has served it for more than three decades.
The congregation has grown to more than 1,400 families under his leadership. But Rabbi Steinhardt, who was honored by the city with a proclamation on May 27, plans to step down on June 30. Find out more in our interview in the July edition.
Former pastor of Ascension Catholic Church dies
Father Charles Hawkins, who served Ascension Catholic Church in Boca Raton as associate pastor from 1989 to 1991 and pastor from 2002 to 2014, died May 8. He was 77.
He was ordained a priest on June 10, 1978, and assigned to teach theology at the all-boys Cleveland Benedictine High School. On weekends, he served parish liturgies, beginning a long career of pastoring that brought him to Florida in 1989. Father Charles was remembered at a funeral Mass led by Bishop Gerald Barbarito on May 16 and buried at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach.
Ascension Catholic Church is at 7250 N. Federal Highway. Call 561-997-5486 or visit ascensionboca.org.
Spanish River announces summer program schedule
Through Aug. 3, Spanish River Church will offer one worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday in the Worship Center followed by coffee hour in the Connect Center. Newborns through fifth graders are welcome to attend SRC Kids.
The church hosts an Adult Vacation Bible School, noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays in June. It’s a study of Romans 8 led by Pastor David Cassidy.
Also, the church hosts the MammoVan, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 21. Schedule an appointment at spanishriver.com/connect or by calling 561-994-5000.
The church is at 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton.
Early morning beachside worship offered at park
The Christ-Consciousness Study Circle meets at 7:30 a.m. Sundays at Ocean Ridge Hammock Park, 6620 N. Ocean Blvd. Open to all faiths, this group gathers on the beach “to reconnect, breathe and explore deeper meanings in sacred text.”
Acoustic music and worship are followed by a study of sacred sources including the Bible, the Kabbalah, gnostic gospels and Buddhist texts.
Free but RSVP at eventbrite.com/e/christ-consciousness-study-circle-tickets-1103196112269?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Evening Bible school needs volunteers
Volunteers are needed for SHINE from June 16-19 in the Ministry Center Chapel at Boca Raton Community Church. The program — “a high-energy, faith-filled summer camp” for kindergarten through fifth graders — takes place 6-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Kids participate in crafts, code cracking, Bible study, snacking and building friendships. The cost is $30, or $75 per family.
The church is at 470 NW Fourth Ave. Contact Danielle Rosse at 561-395-2400 or visit bocacommunity.org.
Celebrate Juneteenth at St. Gregory’s Episcopal
“Celebrating Freedom,” a Juneteenth event hosted by St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, is planned for 5-8 p.m. June 21 in Harris Hall. Festive music by the Resurrection Steel Pan Orchestra, storytelling, crafts, praise and a supper are planned. Bring a dish to share (sign up online).
This event is organized by the Becoming Beloved Community Ministry. Contributions to its Juneteenth/Beloved Community fund, which supports the ministry’s healing events, educational program and pursuit of racial justice, are welcomed.
To RSVP (required), visit stgregorysepiscopal.org/juneteenth. For information about the Becoming Beloved Ministry, contact Cyndi Bloom at cyndibloom65@me.com or 617-461-3122.
St. Gregory’s is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton.
Church’s Yoga Mass combines prayer and poses
St. Gregory’s Episcopal offers the combination of prayer and yoga poses from 4 to 5 p.m. June 28 in St. Mary’s Chapel. The Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren and Father Andrew Sherman lead the Mass. All levels are welcome. Bring your own yoga mat. Call 561-395-8285.
Cason opens registration for spiritual conference
Registration is open for Cason United Methodist Church’s Worship Outside the Walls, a weekend of spiritual growth Aug. 1–3 at the Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center in Fruitland Park.
Guests from across the Florida Conference of United Methodist Churches will attend. Call the church in Delray Beach at 561-276-5302.
St. Lucy Catholic Church offering pilgrimage to Italy
Join Fathers Brian Horgan and Giuseppe Savaia of St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach on a pilgrimage to the shrines of Italy, Sept. 15-27.
The cost is $4,590 per person, which includes round-trip air from Miami, double occupancy lodging, two meals a day, sightseeing with English-speaking guide, airport taxes and fuel surcharges (which are subject to change), and tips to drivers and guides.
The priests will act as your spiritual hosts as you visit Milan, Venice, Assisi and Rome. This tour is arranged by Inspirational Tours Inc. A $300 deposit is required to hold your space.
Contact Moses or Nicole at moses@inspirationaltoursinc.com or 800-231-6287. Find more information at stlucy.net/13-day-italian-pilgrimage.
Church seeking donations to pay for packing meals
Ascension Catholic Church packed 61,144 meals for Cross Catholic Outreach during its food packing event in April, but the church is short of its goal to defray the $19,000 cost.
Donations are welcomed. Mark your donation of any size “Feed 60,000.” Ascension Catholic Church is at 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Call 561-997-5486 or visit ascensionboca.org.
— Janis Fontaine
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