Dear Friends, 

This weekend we celebrate the beginning of the month of Adar and as we approach the joyous festival of Purim, we can't help but reflect on the timeless lessons embedded in the Purim story, ones that continue to resonate in our modern world. The words spoken over two millennia ago by the Persian viceroy Haman echo eerily in today's discourse, where differences among people are sometimes misunderstood and wrongly perceived. 

"There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws; and it is not in Your Majesty’s interest to tolerate them.” (Esther 3:8) 

Yet, as we dive into the Book of Esther, we find that this tale of intrigue and resilience is not merely a historical account but a timeless guide for navigating the complexities of all eras. The narrative unfolds with Mordecai's refusal to bow to the viceroy, setting off a chain of events that, in many ways, mirror challenges we face today. 

But fear not, for Purim is a celebration of triumph over adversity, of courage in the face of uncertainty. It's a reminder that even in the most unexpected places and times, we can find ourselves positioned to make a difference. 

As we gather for our Purim festivities at the JCC, let's not only revel in the joyous atmosphere but also carry with us the spirit of resilience and the commitment to stand against prejudice. Join us for our JCC Purim celebration and mark your calendars for an exciting collaboration with the Zoo the following week! Find more information about both events below.

Let's make this Purim a time of unity, joy, and purpose, celebrating our shared strength as a community. 

Shabbat Shalom and wishing you a vibrant and festive Purim, 

Rabbi Moriah SimonHazani 

Please join us for our third annual Philadelphia JCC Maccabi Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 21st at 12pm!

We are thrilled to be celebrating an incredible class of inductees, as well as recognizing the strong connections and memories that Maccabi brings into our community. We hope to see you and your families at our JCC for a day full of fun festivities as we induct the 2024 Hall of Fame class! To RSVP and to learn more, visit us online!

High School Students in the Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey area – Apply now to Join AJC’s premier advocacy leadership program for the 23-24 school year.

Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) is the American Jewish Committee’s innovative advocacy leadership program for high school students. 

LFT is designed to empower today’s generation of young Jewish leaders to advocate on behalf of the Jewish people.

LFT instills in teens the knowledge, confidence, and passion to serve as positive changemakers among their peers and in their communities.

LFT cohorts meet monthly for seven three-hour sessions during the school year.

These sessions are facilitated by a local AJC staff member and feature guest speakers, including AJC experts, diplomats, and other thought leaders and opinion shapers. Sessions are student focused and allow for robust discussion amongst the students and

with the featured speaker. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual LFT Advocacy Trip to Washington, D.C.

In addition to developing critical thinking, leadership, and advocacy skills, the program will explore:

• Jewish identity and the role of being a Jewish advocate

• Identifying and combating rising antisemitism at home and abroad

• Being a Jewish leader in high school, on college campus, and beyond

• A wide-ranging critical understanding of Israeli history and the current dynamics of the modern State of Israel

Learn more here and apply online here. 

Questions: Please contact Aaron Bregman, Director of AJC’s high school programs at bregmana@ajc.org.