Dear Friends,
In the wake of October 7, American Jewry witnessed an unprecedented surge in engagement with Jewish life. As detailed in a recent JFNA survey reported by eJewishPhilanthropy, among the Jews affiliated with Chabad, 44 % reported deeper involvement in Jewish life since Oct. 7. This can refer to both someone who was already engaged Jewishly but became more so, or someone who was previously uninvolved who has started taking part in Jewish activities. This a higher rate of engagement than any other stream of Judaism….
This surge has not been fleeting. Nearly one year later, a follow-up found that 31% of respondents remain more involved in Jewish communal life than before October 7.
As Mimi Kravetz, JFNA’s chief impact and growth officer, put it, “The Surge has shown staying power… people continue to feel the pain of this moment and… continue to seek connection,” adding that “our community cannot wait—we must step up and respond now”-eJewishPhilanthropy.
Here at Boca Beach Chabad, we're living the surge. As we mark the one-year anniversary of our acquisition at 490 East Palmetto Park Road, the transformation is unmistakable: minyanim are fuller, classes are lively, Shabbat gatherings are rich with warmth, joy and energy. People are coming not from obligation or sorrow—but from a heartfelt urge to reconnect to the G-d of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the Land of Israel.
This week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, presents a verse that resonates deeply with our times:
“כִּי פָתֹחַ תִּפְתַּח אֶת יָדְךָ לוֹ... נָתוֹן תִּתֵּן לוֹ וְלֹא יֵרַע לְבָבְךָ בְּתִתְּךָ לוֹ”
“You shall surely open your hand to him… you shall surely give him, and your heart shall not be distressed when you give to him.” (Devarim 15:10)
On its surface, this verse teaches us to give generously. Yet, the repetition—“נתון תיתן”—echoes twice, beckoning us to give earnestly and then again. And “ולא יֵרַע לְבָבְךָ” isn’t just about giving without regret—it is about giving not out of discomfort or pity, but out of purpose and love.
This is the very essence of “Noson Titein”—you shall give, and then you shall give again. It calls us to give not only because there is need, but because the moment demands it—from a place of love, purpose, and divine urgency. And the Torah assures us: “V’lo yera levavcha”—let your heart not quiver with regret or pity, but shine with resolve and joy.
As we celebrate our new home’s first anniversary and look ahead to a new year, may our community continue to embody that dual power of the surge and the urge. Let us give of our time, our hearts, and our support—not reluctantly, but joyfully, purposefully, continually. In doing so, we affirm who we are and what we are here to do. Because the times call for nothing less.
Good Shabbos and Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Ruvi New
