David Harris will speak March 11 at Temple Beth El about his recently published book and the dangers of antisemitism. Photo provided by the American Jewish Committee
David Harris, a Jewish activist who was CEO of the American Jewish Committee from 1990 to 2022, will speak about “Antisemitism: Where Are We Today and Where Are We Going,” at 7 p.m. March 11 at the Schaefer Family Campus of Temple Beth El, 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton.
The late Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres called him the “foreign minister of the Jewish people.” Harris has been honored more than 20 times by foreign governments for his international work, making him the most decorated American Jewish organizational leader in U.S. history.
Harris also will discuss his recently published book, Antisemitism: What Everyone Needs to Know, and will share his insights and answer questions.
The event is free, but registration is required at tbeboca.org/event/antisemitism-where-we-are-today-and-where-we-are-going-with-guest-speaker-david-harris/. You can also call 561-391-8900.
Community seders planned to mark Passover
Pesach or Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the Jewish emancipation from Egyptian slavery, begins before sundown on April 1 and ends after nightfall on April 9.
The holiday is celebrated with a seder meal featuring traditional foods and strictly devoid of any leaven. It also includes retelling the story of the Exodus.
Some local chabads and synagogues have community events planned where members and guests can enjoy a special Passover seder:
L’Dor Va-Dor’s Community Pre-Passover Seder Luncheon — 1-4 p.m. March 29; 6100 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach. A meaningful and musical Passover Seder with all the traditions and foods specific to the holiday. Music and song will be provided by Cantor Carol Garrett. Reservations are required at 561–968–0688. Info: ldorvador.org/events/ldor-va-dors-community-pre-passover-seder-luncheon-boynton-beach-save-the-date/
Temple Sinai of Palm Beach County’s First Night Passover Seder — 6 p.m. April 1; 2475 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Conducted by Rabbi Steven Moss and Cantorial Soloist Shir Rozzen, enjoy a traditional Passover menu with a Seder Plate on each table. Members: $85 adults, $35 ages 12 and younger. Nonmembers: $90 adults, $36 ages 12 and younger. Reservations are required at 561-276-6161, Ext. 128 or register online at templesinaipbc.net/#Seder.
A First Night Community Passover Seder at Temple Adath Or — 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 1; 440 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. “From Mitzrayim to Moonlight” will feature the Exodus drama and community seder with traditional food. Parking is available at Trinity Lutheran’s back Early Childhood lot. Contact Rebekah at rebekah@taocenter.net or 404-217-4331.
Temple Beth El’s Classic 80s Second Night Passover Seder with Rabbi Dan Levin and Cantor Lori Brock — 5:30 p.m. April 2; 333 SW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton. Mixes the timeless story of Passover with the modern music and neon colors of the ‘80s. Dust off your leg warmers, tease your big hair and celebrate with the temple’s band. Members: $95 adults, $55 ages 4-12, $25 ages 3 and younger. Guests: $110 adults, $65 ages 4-12, $35 ages 3 and younger. The prices increase by $10 on March 18. Registration closes at noon March 25. Register online at tbeboca.org/event/passover-second-night-seder-with-rabbi-dan-levin-and-cantor-lori-brock/ or call 561-391-8900.
Cason concert to celebrate keyboard partnership
Cason United Methodist Church presents the 20th Anniversary Organ & Piano Concert by Ed Krynicki and Elaine Reinhardt at 3 p.m. March 15 at the church, 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach.
These talented musicians, who have been playing together for 20 years, plan to perform spiritual and classical renditions of beloved works. A reception in their honor follows the concert. A love offering will be taken to help with the restoration of the pipe organ. Call 561-276-5302.
Miami Dolphins legend joins with CROS Ministries
Miami Dolphins Hall of Famer Dwight Stephenson joined local nonprofit CROS Ministries as its guest at the inaugural Jeans & Jerseys event on Jan. 31 at Coastal Karma Brewing Co. in Lake Park.
Chaired by Joe Black and emceed by CBS 12's Jack Wu, the evening blended football with raising money to help end food insecurity.
CEO Ruth Mageria told the gathering, “About 192,000 individuals here in Palm Beach County struggle to make ends meet and have food on their table, and CROS wants to make sure people have food to eat. Not just during the holidays, not just during the summer but all year round.”
CROS has a 48-year legacy of service and leadership in the fight against hunger, running programs six days a week and including food pantries at 10 locations, hot meal services, and gleaning initiatives that recover fresh produce from local farms.
Grace event will bring attention to foster care
Grace Community Church will host a free family-friendly event with local bands, personal stories, an artist, and a spoken word poet at 5-7 p.m. March 8 at the church, 600 W. Camino Real, Boca Raton.
The principal sponsor is the Declare No More Foundation, whose traveling events engage churches and other organizations to bring attention to the nearly 400,000 kids in foster care in the United States. The event will feature expert speakers in the field.
“Our goal is to put as many faces to the need as possible, and to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to connect to what is needed and respond to that need with action,” foundation co-founder Tami Kent says. “We want every person who comes to the event, whether they are in college, retired, or any stage of life in between, to see how they can personally make a difference in the life of a child.”
Learn how churches can aid push for affordable housing
“New Ground: Transforming Faith-based Land Into Affordable Housing” is the topic of discussion at a seminar from 9 a.m. to noon March 19 at the André Fladell Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach.
Learn more about YIGBY legislation. YIGBY is an acronym for “Yes In God’s Backyard” and a direct response to the NIMBY (Not in My Backyard)-like movement that opposes the development of affordable housing and necessary infrastructure in certain areas.
Discover how faith-based organizations are leading a charge to develop housing on church properties which will help break the cycle of homelessness. The Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County and Faith in Action plan to attend.
The free event is organized by Palm Beach County Community Services. Register at lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qmeyz2x. For more information, call 561-355-4700 or email communityservices@pbcgov.org.
Boca church partners with nonprofit to host job fair
Better Together is partnering with the International Bible Church to host a community job fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 19 at the church, 470 NW Fourth Ave., Boca Raton.
Better Together (bettertogetherus.org) is a privately funded, Naples-based nonprofit. Its mission is to build strong families and communities by helping parents going through hard times keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the causes of their struggles so that they can reunite as a family.
Better Together started by asking: What if the church got there first — to catch families before they fall? Now the organization works with churches, employers and neighbors to build a volunteer-powered safety net that parents can trust for help. The job fair features free one-on-one coaching sessions and résumé reviews along with prospective employers.
Registration is open for job seekers and employers, which include AWP Safety, Pollo Tropical, Ring Power and the School District of Palm Beach County. Register at BetterTogetherUS.org/IntBible or text “JOBS” to 844-987-3949.
‘Revelation’ class offered at Spanish River Church
David Cassidy, lead pastor at Spanish River Church, will teach a five-week adult learning series on the Book of Revelation, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evenings, April 8 through May 6.
Explore what the Bible really says about the second coming of Christ, cutting through confusion with clear, Scripture-based teaching. Each week will include an opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussion.
Classes take place in the Connect Center Auditorium at the church, 2400 Yamato Road, Boca Raton. Child care is available for kids up to age 5. Register at spanishriver.com/study. For more information, call 561-994-5000 or email hello@spanishriver.com.
Join Yoga Mass and Sacred Movement at St. Gregory’s
St. Gregory’s Episcopal continues to offer two programs that combine movement and prayer. At 4 p.m. March 19, 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.
At 4 p.m. March 28, join Yoga Mass in St. Mary’s Chapel, a combination of graceful yoga, words of faith and contemplative meditation with the Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren and Neville leading.
For both events, bring a yoga mat and water. The church is at 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Call 561-395-8285 or email rneville@st-gregorys.com.
Retreat to teach skills of Byzantine chant
The Young Aspiring Chanters are hosting a retreat March 6-8 to educate, inspire and unite the next generation of Orthodox chanters in an attempt to preserve the sacred art of Byzantine chant for generations to come.
The retreat at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, 2100 Yamato Road in Boca Raton, is hosted by the Chant Stand, a nonprofit that teaches the skills required for chanting the sacred hymns of the Orthodox Church. The retreat’s classes, for ages 18 to 35, are taught by Samuel Herron and John Michael Boyer, who are protopsaltis, a kind of choir director.
The retreat will feature interactive workshops, meals, course materials and certificate of participation. Registration ($100) is at thechantstand.org.
St. Lucy Catholic Church seeking more ushers
Father Brian Horgan at St. Lucy Catholic Church in Highland Beach sent out a call in the church bulletin for ushers. He wrote, “Ushers serve in a unique way. They are often the first to greet those who enter the church, offering a word of welcome and assistance.
“During Mass, they help with seating, collections, and attending to the needs of parishioners. They also assist in maintaining a sense of order and awareness, helping to ensure that our worship may take place in a prayerful and respectful atmosphere. In many ways, ushers are a visible sign of hospitality and care for all who come to worship. At present, we are in serious need of additional ushers.”
If you feel called to help, contact Chris Sifuentes, parish operations manager, at 561-278-1280 to register.
The church also has two festive (and delicious) events in March. At 6 p.m. March 14 in Parish Hall, the St. Lucy Sisterhood hosts “La Dolce Vita Dinner and Dance” with food and wine, door prizes and live music. Tickets are $100.
The Brotherhood of St. Lucy invites everyone to its annual Lenten Fish Fry, which is offered 5-7 p.m. Fridays through March 27 in Parish Hall.
This year promises to be better than ever with no charge for the meal. In the true spirit of Lent and Christian generosity, donations are welcome and will help support the charitable and spiritual works of the parish.
St. Lucy is at 3510 S. Ocean Blvd., Highland Beach. Call 561-278-1280 or visit stlucy.net.
Pop-opera trio to play at First Presbyterian Church
The First Delray Concert Series at First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach continues with “The Latin Divos… and Friends” at 4 p.m. March 29 at the church, 33 Gleason St. The pop-opera trio Fernando Gonzales, Ernesto Cabrera and Will Corujo will be joined by instrumentalists on piano, saxophone, violin, bass, guitar and percussion, as well as special guest vocalist Gabriela Corujo. Tickets are $20 each, available at firstdelray.com/concerts/upcoming-concerts.
Lou Ann Frala contributed to this column.
— Janis Fontaine
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