Weekly Message 04.03.2026

Dear friends,

Chag Pesach Sameach!

We launched the festival with a beautiful well attended community seder thanks to much hard work from those that organized and implemented it and to the Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast whose funding helped us to greatly augment it. Now we have reached the intermediate days of the holiday which I look forward to sharing with you beginning with our Shabbat religious services which include the reading of Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) and special melodies for the season. Also, on Tuesday, April 7th at 6 pm we will gather at the New Port Richey City Hall at 5919 Main Street in downtown New Port Richey for the City's annual Yom HaShoah proclamation. We are fortunate to be living in a city and region that has been so supportive of our community and welcoming all interfaith efforts. So please attend this very short but significant presentation if you possibly can. Then on Thursday, April 9th, we observe the last day of Passover with our religious service which includes the Yizkor Memorial prayers when we recall and pay tribute to the memories of those family and friends who came before us and helped shape our lives. And check out the schedule below for the many activities at your synagogue.

Friday, April 3 We will observe Shabbat Chol Hamoed (Intermediate days of Pesach) with the reading of Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs), the beautiful love poetry attributed to King Solomon at our religious service beginning at 7 pm in-person and virtually on Zoom.

Saturday, April 4 Shabbat Chol Hamoed continue with our religious service beginning at 9:30 am in-person and virtually on Zoom. Our Torah reading (Exodus 33:12-34:26) includes the commandments to observe the three pilgrimage festivals: Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The Haftorah authored by the Prophet Ezekiel (37:1-14) is the famous parable of the "dry bones". The bones are knitted together and brought back to life just as the fractured community in exile will be redeemed just as at Passover, we recall past deliverances and look forward to future redemption.

Tuesday, April 7 We will observe Yom HaShoah at 6 pm at the New Port Richey City Hall at 5919 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652 with the annual proclamation and presentations of the Mayor and City Council.

Thursday, April 9 We will observe the last day of Passover with services beginning at 9:30 am in-person and virtually on Zoom which will include the Yizkor (Memorial) prayers. Our Torah reading (Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17) contains further instruction on the observance of the three pilgrimage festivals. The Haftorah (Isaiah 10:32-12:6) prophesizes the Messianic Age as we recall opening the door to allow the Prophet Elijah into our midst at our Passover seder.

Saturday, April 25 We are one of the sponsors of the annual African American Club Scholarship dinner at 4 pm at the Seven Springs Country Club at 3535 Trophy Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655 just off Little Road. We will carpool from the synagogue. All are encouraged to attend this important community fundraising event. See the flyer below.

Thursday, April 30 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK

Sunday, May 3 Please plan to attend the gala Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast Women of Distinction celebration. This year we honor Ana Calderon for all that she has done for our synagogue and the community. The event will begin at 1 pm. Please register at Women of Distinction - Reaching New Summits | Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast The cost is $36/person for the program and reception, and we will carpool from the synagogue.

Thursday, May 21 We will gather on Zoom for our Annual Erev Shavuot study night held jointly with Temple Beth David at 7 pm. Each presenter will speak for 10-15 minutes followed by discussion. Please consider leading a session on any religious, historical or cultural topic. Zoom link to be provided.

Friday, May 22 We will observe the first day of the holiday of Shavuot with services at 9:30 am including the chanting of the poem Akdamut followed by the reading of the Ten Commandments. Then at our evening service at 7 pm, we will read excerpts from the Book of Ruth.

Saturday, May 23 We will observe the second day of the holiday of Shavuot with services at 9:30 am including the Yizkor Memorial Service, the last one before Yom Kippur.

Tuesday, May 26 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK