Dear friends,
I hope you have had a good week and look forward to another special Shabbat weekend at the JCC.
We start off with services on Friday evening at 7:30 and Saturday morning at 9:30. This week, we begin the book of Exodus and with that, the countdown to Passover begins! Even though it is still three months away, the study of the book of Exodus provides the framework for our reading and discussion of the Pesach seders and deepens our appreciation of the holiday and all that it implies regarding freedom and responsibility.
Once again, we are participating in the annual Martin Luther King Day celebration on MLK Day, Monday, January 20th. We will be gathering at the JCC parking lot that morning and then carpooling to the Union Missionary Baptist Church at 6235 Pine Hill Road in Port Richey. From there, we will march a very short distance in solidarity with our religious and civic communities to the historic Booker T. Washington Schoolhouse at 6105 Pine Hill Road for a program starting at 11 am that will include music, drama, and short presentations from community and religious leaders. I will once again be speaking. Afterwards, we are invited to a smorgasbord of dessert treats brought by many of the participants. It is certainly not required, but if you are willing and able to bring a dessert, please contact Dan Callahan at callbookso@msn.com to let him know. Also, we have a tradition of wearing out JCC t-shirts at this event. There are shirts in multiple sizes at the JCC from small to triple x-large so there is surely one to fit you. So lets show our support for and solidarity with the community and against hatred and prejudice with a huge turnout. Please let me know if you will be coming and whether you will meet us in the JCC parking lot at 10 am or drive directly to the church.
Our 613 Mitzvot class and the adult Hebrew reading class will meet on Sunday at 11 am and 12 noon respectively.
The monthly dine-out will also take place on Sunday, January 19th at 3 pm at Argento's Italian Bistro at 10042 US-19, Port Richey, FL 34668. If you haven't already RSVP'd, please do so by calling Barbara Johnson at 727-862-4359 and let her know how many are coming and if you need a ride. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal from their regular menu and to enjoy the company of congregants and friends who we don't often see.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon and wishing you the best!
Ron Becker
Spiritual Leader