15 Shevat 2024

The 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar—celebrated this year on Thursday January 25, 2024—is the day that marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. Commonly known as Tu Bishvat, this day marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.

We mark the 15th of Shevat by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. On this day we remember that “man is a tree of the field” (Deuteronomy 20:19), and reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botanical analogue.
Read more about 15 Shevat (https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/468738/jewish/Tu-BiShvat-What-and-How.htm)

Hanukkah Bag Sponsorship

A big thank you to Ivania Perez and her family who sponsored Hanukkah Bags this year to honor the memory of their “adopted grandfather”, Mr. Donal Light. Mr. Light was part of the L’Chaim spiritual enrichment hospice service and recently passed away. Ms. Perez was so thankful for the care that her grandfather received that she wanted others to feel the appreciation of this special service. She purchased Hanukkah items and with the help of her daughters and Rabbi Gold, they put together holiday bags to be handed out to other patients of L’Chaim. Hanukkah begins on Thursday night, December 7th. Hanukkah Sameach!

Working together for Unity and Solidarity for Victims of War

Chaplain services were held on October 19th at the Miami VA Main Chapel. Our very own, Rabbi David Gold of L’Chaim Hospice, was a guest speaker along with Imam Bilal Karakira.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski’s recent statement on the outbreak of violence in Israel, “The situation in Israel after Saturday’s terrorist attacks on innocent citizens causes great apprehension and sorrow among all people of good will. The Catholic community of South Florida expresses its condolences to all who have suffered the loss of loved ones this week in Israel where violence has caused hundreds of deaths and injuries. We stand in solidarity with those suffering from these events. We hope for a swift and just resolution of this conflict. And we pray for a lasting peace for all”

Mishkan Miami

The Jewish custom is to visit a cemetery where our loved ones are buried before the Jewish Holidays. Yesterday, September 10th, L’Chaim Hospice, a program of catholic hospice, co-sponsored the event, with the Jewish Federation, in four locations in Miami-Dade counties. Local clergy, chaplains and cantors lead the memorial, giving words of encouragement, inspiration, and meaningful lessons for the participations. We also provided apple sauce and honey packages for all whom attended. Wishing each one a Happy and healthy Jewish New Year.

It Ain’t Over Until It Is Over: Shortening Rosh Hashanah Services

L’Chaim Hospice’s Rabbi Nathan Rose is hosting another course titled, “It Ain’t Over Until It Is Over: Shortening Rosh Hashanah Services” in collaboration with Bet Shira Congregation in Miami! The course will be hosted on Wednesday, September 6, virtually at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, September 7, virtually and in-person at Bet Shira Congregation at 11:30 a.m. See the flyer above for more details and how to join! For questions about the course, contact our team at info@lchaimhospice.org.

For questions about the event, please contact Orit.

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