Actress Patricia Heaton accepts the Eternal Light Award at B’nai Torah Congregation. Photo provided
Actress-turned-activist Patricia Heaton brought a message of support for Israel to Boca Raton on Dec. 9 when she spoke to 250 people at the American Friends of Magen David Adom event at B’nai Torah Congregation.
Before the program, two ambulances were dedicated to the MDA, Israel’s emergency services system. One was given by Selma Lee Weiss and Daniel Weiss in honor of Rabbi David Steinhardt, and the other by Beatriz and Harold Jacobsohn in honor of their children and grandchildren.
Heaton, best known for the popular sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, is the co-founder of the October 7 Coalition, a “network of Christians standing visibly and vocally against the rise of antisemitism,” with her friend Elizabeth Dorros (october7coalition.com).
Heaton said, “We can’t sit by. We have to do everything we can in our power, with God’s help, to make sure that the cancer of antisemitism does not spread any further.”
After she spoke, Heaton accepted the Eternal Light Award for her unwavering support for Israel. Then, Jonathan Conricus, former IDF spokesperson and a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joined Rabbi Steinhardt to discuss Israel, security and resilience.
The event raised money to support MDA training and equipment for Israel’s paramedics and EMTs.
B’nai Torah Congregation, at 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton, is the largest conservative synagogue in the southeastern United States with more than 1,300 member families. Info: 561-392-8566 or btcboca.org
New bishop named for Palm Beach diocese
Just a week before Christmas, Palm Beach County’s Catholic community learned it would be led by a new bishop in 2026.
On Dec. 14, Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, currently pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Corona (Queens), New York, as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach. It also includes Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.
He succeeds Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, Palm Beach’s bishop since 2003, who submitted his retirement letter to the Holy Father when he turned 75 on Jan. 4, 2025, as required by canon law. Now, Bishop Barbarito assumes the status of Bishop Emeritus of Palm Beach. He has been appointed its apostolic administrator until the day of Bishop-elect Rodriguez’s ordination, which has not yet been set.
Bishop Barbarito introduced Bishop-Elect Rodríguez at a Dec. 19 news conference in the Family Life Center of the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens.
Rodríguez, 50, a native of the Dominican Republic, was ordained to the priesthood July 3, 2004. A canon lawyer with extensive experience in penal canon law and pastoral leadership, he became affiliated with the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, in 2012. Rodriguez, whom Bishop Barbarito said is described as "a priest who walks with the people," speaks four languages.
Father Rodríguez said he was surprised by a Sunday afternoon phone call on Dec. 14 telling him he was being appointed bishop. Feelings of “utter disbelief” were replaced by new ones. “I was terrified,” he said at the news conference.
Humbled by the enormity of his new position, Father Rodríguez said, “I do not bring much with me — only myself and my faith in Christ Jesus, whom I follow as my Lord and Savior, and whom I will serve all my life. For this reason, I make my own the words of Saint Peter when he once encountered a poor man, crippled and begging at the gate of the Temple in Jerusalem: ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but what I have I give you.’”
As chief shepherd of the Diocese of Palm Beach, the bishop is responsible for about 260,000 Catholics in 54 parishes and missions with nearly 300 ordained priests and deacons, and 20 Catholic elementary and high schools.
For more information, visit diocesepb.org.
Journey Church mourns pastor killed in crash
Journey Church and the local community are mourning the death of a pastor who was killed in a motorcycle crash on Nov. 25 on Congress Avenue near Atlantis.
Joshua Rene, 39, served as an executive pastor of the non-denominational Christian church with campuses in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Boynton Beach.
Pastor Josh, as he was known, was honored at services at all three churches following his passing. Pastor Scott Baugh said the father of four was “always joyful, always had faith. There was never a person he didn’t make time for.”
First Presbyterian to host distinguished speaker
On Jan. 11 at the 9 and 11 a.m. services, First Presbyterian Church welcomes its first Distinguished Preacher of 2026 to the pulpit.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Tewell, a graduate of Princeton Seminary, has more than 40 years’ experience as a pastor, including his tenure at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City during 9/11.
He is the founder of the Macedonian Ministry and has received awards for his social justice ministry, particularly with the homeless in New York. First Presbyterian is at 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. Info: 561-276-6338 or firstdelray.com.
Discover Spanish River Church at open houses
Spanish River Church is holding two open house events in January. The Presbyterian PCA Church at 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton, hosts Discover SRC, to invite the community to learn about this vibrant church community, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8.
Then 10-11 a.m. Jan. 11 during coffee hour, and noon-1 p.m. after the second service, the church hosts a Ministry Showcase to illuminate all the ways available to get involved with the church. Both events take place in the Connect Center. Call 561-994-5000 or visit spanishriver.com.
Tim Tebow and Life Surge coming to West Palm Beach
Tim Tebow, former NFL and University of Florida quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, headlines a powerful day of Christian worship at the Palm Beach County Convention Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 17.
The day is designed to inspire, teach and spread a biblical message to make a positive impact on family and community.
Besides Tebow, the featured speakers include author and podcast host Ed Mylett; Pastor Craig Groeschel; Australian evangelist Christine Caine; and the stars of Duck Dynasty, Willie and Korie Robertson.
Music is by 11-time Dove Award-winning and Grammy-nominated Bethel Music. As of Dec. 27, tickets were $22.40 plus fees at lifesurge.com, and include a boxed lunch. The Convention Center is at 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.
Night to Shine prom for people with special needs
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, 701 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton, will host Night to Shine on Feb. 13 for the 10th year. This annual prom for people with special needs is held simultaneously around the world at more than 600 churches and celebrates God’s love. The event also highlights the work of its sponsor, the Tim Tebow Foundation. To register, visit nighttoshineboca.com.
Saint Mark Greek Festival to offer food, live music
The annual Saint Mark Greek Festival takes place Jan. 29-Feb. 1 and features food, beer and wine, live music and dancing, family activities and an international marketplace. Hours are 4-9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-9 p.m. Sunday, at Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Call 561-994-4822 or visit saintmarkboca.net/greek-festival.
Participate in Yoga and Sacred Movement activity
St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church offers two programs that combine movement and prayer in January. At 4 p.m. Jan. 22, 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 and is open to seniors and families. Bring your own yoga mat and water.
At 4 p.m. Jan. 24, join YogaMass in St. Mary’s Chapel, a combination of graceful yoga, deep words of faith in the Eucharist, and contemplative meditation with Neville and the Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren leading. Bring your yoga mat and water.
The church is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 561-395-8285 or email rneville@st-gregorys.com.
New program created to fight homelessness
The Interfaith Committee for Social Services recently announced a program to help local nonprofits serve their homeless clients.
The new Homeless Prevention Program is designed to provide a one-time-only gift to prevent individuals or families in southern Palm Beach County from becoming homeless.
Judy Fenney helped establish the program with Kathleen Megan, both parishioners at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Delray Beach. They have helped people with past-due utilities, first- and/or last-month rent, security deposits, move-in expenses, household necessities and appliances. Allocations ranged from $600 to $3,200.
Requests for assistance must come from a partner agency, congregation, or civic group.
Personal requests will not be considered. Checks are issued to the requesting organization, or directly to the organization providing the service (like the landlord or utility).
Agencies can complete the Interfaith Homeless Prevention Request form, available at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfY24JsFvbTZmKV0B3UCW8jaWc1MYV14_gbrtCdIPz7LMC53w/viewform.
Questions can be emailed to judyfenney1@gmail.com or interfaithcss@gmail.com.
Registration underway for annual Grace Race 5K
Register now for Grace Community Church Boca’s annual fundraising 5K and 1-mile run/walk at 8 a.m. Feb. 14. The race begins and ends at the church at 500 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton. All the race proceeds benefit programs including 4KIDS of South Florida, Trail Life USA Troop 6:33, and the outreach efforts of Amped Student Ministries. Fees are $15-$30. Register at runsignup.com/Race/FL/BocaRaton/GraceRace5KRunWalk.
— Janis Fontaine
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