RE: Deerfield POLITICS

Dear Editor:

I just read the newest issue of the Observer newspaper that was delivered today [April 3] only to read [on page 1] how some malcontents want to recall [District 4 Commissioner] Bill Ganz.

I have lived here for over 10 years and, in the past 5, I have seen this city go from a quasi political fiefdom to an actual functioning government that held slackers and time wasters accountable for our tax dollars paying their salaries.

I have known Mr. Ganz since he first ran for office, when he introduced himself on a weekend before the Election.

In him, I felt we had someone like myself, a hard working resident who wants the best for his community.

He has NEVER disappointed me! He is very visible and responds rapidly to issues residents may have, this I have experienced many times, getting a call back from him.

To those clowns who wore the T shirts: Do us all a favor and stay out of District 4! You are not welcome!

I surely hope Mr. Ganz or one of the other two commissioners being targeted run against the current mayor. Her time of cronyism and washing style of politics have to go. Style politics has to go.

Ira Goodstadt

Deerfield Beach

RE: Deerfield POLITICS

Dear Editor: Respect has to be earned, not voted on. Commissioners Bill Ganz , Joe Miller, Ben Preston and Richard Rosensweig [the four Deerfield Beach city commissioners] have earned my respect.

Mayor Jean Robb has not.

How the city functions has changed since Mayor Robb was last in office. We now have a city manager who oversees the daily running of the city.

Each commissioner who represents a fourth of the population each still has the power and the obligation to vote on all matters that concern the whole city.

The mayor also has one vote. She seems to think that her will and vote counts more than the rest. That is not true. Her conduct has become belligerent toward all who disagree with her and she constantly violates Robert’s Rules by interrupting anyone who disagrees with her. That does not get you Respect.

Her comments that all who speak against her will did not vote for her does not bode well. Did she open mail-in ballots or sneak into the polls to get that information? Her ethics need improvement and her tolerance for those who either disagree with her proposals or vote against them must improve — or we, the citizens, who demand decorum and dignity at City Hall, will move to replace her.

Bernie Parness, civic-minded citizen

Deerfield Beach

RE: Metering The Cove Parking Lot

Dear Editor:

This letter shall serve to address the Letter to the Editor which ran in the April 3, Observer written by Anthony Dispenziere concerning metering The Cove Parking Lot.

Saying that the business owners should be able to buy the parking lot so that the commission can focus on more pressing matters than car parking is simplifying a much more complicated issue.

What Mr. Dispenziere fails to understand is that the revenues derived by metering The Cove Parking Lot are desperately needed to replenish the city’s reserves.

Let’s not forget that the city commission was forced to raise our millage rate, which is now one of the highest in Broward County due to financial shortfalls.

Moreover, the Fitch Rating Agency was forced to reduce our credit rating and city employees were laid off due to lack of funds.

The fact is, that the city has few options in order to raise revenues.

Similarly, The Save Our Beach referendum has stifled any development in the city that can produce additional revenues on the beach — which is our most valuable asset.

460 South Ocean is a clear example of how the Save Our Beach referendum halted the development of a proposed condo development called “soleil 460” by refusing to lift current restrictions on development and, consequently, today, there sits a dilapidated drug rehab facility.

Unless this city is able to turn this ship around and produce revenue, our future will be subject to higher real estate taxes, lower property values and more drug rehabs occupying properties on the beach that can no longer be developed due to the Save Our Beach restrictions.

The income [that would be] derived by metering The Cove Parking Lot is a necessity and not an option.

I have not heard of any other option that can immediately produce the revenues for this city, other than metering.

To illustrate this point clearly, metering of The Cove Shopping Center can produce revenues of close to $3 million per annum.

If you were to put a valuation on that income stream at 10 percent, it would put a value on The Cove Parking Lot to be approximately $30 million. I do not think that businesses in The Cove Shopping Center are prepared to pay that price, nor do they have the ability to do so.

I believe that the above scenario dismisses any notion that purchasing this property is a viable option for the retail tenants in The Cove Shopping Center.

The only option that this city has to produce immediate revenues in order to help offset our financial shortfalls is to meter The Cove Parking Lot as soon as possible. Thank You!

Patrick Jolivet

Deerfield Beach

Grow Your Business… Create Jobs!

Thursday, April 10, 9 to 11 a.m.

City Commission Chambers 100 W. Atlantic Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Free workshop will address capital investment, grants, loans, incentives, training and local projects to help your business grow and create jobs. Provides an overview of assistance available from various resources. For more info., call 954-586-1111.

Sunset Kayak Social

Friday, April 11, 7 to 9 p.m.

Deerfield Island Park 1720 Deerfield Island Park Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Picnic features cheeses, desserts, snacks, water. All levels of paddlers welcome. Must be 21 or older. $15 with own kayak or paddleboard/$30 for kayak rental and life jacket. Bring own white navigation light/flashlight. Limited space/early registration recommended. Departure and return from Sullivan Park. 954-357-5100.

Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival

Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13

Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park 1100 Seabreeze Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

Concert to increase public awareness about issues impacting the world’s oceans and also support scientific research, education and ocean conservation initiatives. Performers include Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Ziggy Marley, Sheryl Crow, Train, Hank Williams Jr. and many more. Also see Guy Harvey’s Conservation Village. Visit www.tortugamusicfestival.com for ticket prices, times and other info.

Pompano Beach Relay-for Life

Saturday, April 12, 4 p.m.

Pompano Community Park 820 NE 18 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

4 p.m. – Kids’ activities (face painting, clowns, games, etc.), 5 p.m. – survivor’s lap and ceremony, 9 p.m.—Luminaria ceremony. Live entertainment and food during the overnight event. For more info., call 954-200-7536 or visit www.relayforlife.org/pompanobeachfl.

Deerfield Packer Rattler Fun Day & Training Camp Registration

Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Registration: 8 a.m.)

Westside Park 445 SW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL. 33441

Free food, drinks, games, music and football/cheer camps. Football & cheer season registration $50 on April 12 only… Requesting kids to wear black shorts. Free T-shirt will be given to everyone who registers for camp. 954-779-6471.

2nd Annual “Gas Buy Down”

Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Valero gas station 1380 N. Federal Hwy. (just north of Glades Road) Boca Raton, FL 33432

The Journey church will buy down the price of gas by $0.50/gallon for as many people as possible during the two hour time. Volunteers from the church, that meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at Boca High, will be to helping to give a break to the wallets of members of the community.

Hillsboro Lighthouse Tour

Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Transportation from: Sands Harbor Hotel & Marina 125 N. Riverside Dr. Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Transportation to and from the lighthouse grounds by boat. $25. Must have flat shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 4 ft. tall to climb the tower. No pets allowed. www.hillsborolighthouse.org.

GFWC Deerfield Beach Women’s Club meets

Wednesday, April 16, 7 p.m.

910 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For info., call 954-421-4700 or visit www.DBWC.org.

History at High Noon

Wednesday, April 16, noon to 1 p.m.

City Commission Chambers 150 NE 2 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Speaker: Historian Sally Ling, on “The Rum Runner Run.” Light refreshments served. For more info., call 954-429- 0378. www.sallyling.com.

Save the date: DBHS Senior IB Art Show

Thursday, April 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Deerfield Beach High 910 SW 15 St., 2nd floor in 270 corridor Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Work is for sale by seniors for their college funds.

American Legion Auxiliary dinner

Thursday, April 17, 5 to 8 p.m. 820 SE 8 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Post #162 is having a dinner with ziti, meatballs, salad, garlic bread and a special dessert. Price is $10. Proceeds help local girls go to Washington D.C. For more information, call 954-421-6097.

Easter is coming very soon and many people will be pouring into churches to celebrate. What are we actually celebrating? Do we make it all about the Easter bunny and the candy? Don’t get me wrong. I like candy, probably a little too much. As a matter of fact, I even think that Easter candy is better than Halloween candy. Easter candy is the absolute best candy of all time, in my humble opinion, but it is not about the candy. God loves you so much that He sent His son.

John 3:16-17

16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.

17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. NLT

God gave us all the wonderful gift of His son Jesus. Jesus did some amazing miracles while He was on the earth but, to me, the most amazing thing He did was the way He lived His life. Jesus lived a life without sin! Whenever I think about that, I cannot help but think “WOW.” I did not even make it through yesterday, let alone for my whole life. Jesus came and lived a sinless life.

Then He went to the cross to pay for my sins and your sins. Jesus deserved righteousness, but He took our place so His righteousness could be ours. Jesus took what I deserved so I could have what He deserved.

2 Corinthians 5:21

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. KJV

God loves us so much that He sent His son. The son loves us so much that He came. Jesus loves us so much that He suffered the pain of the cross to pay for our sins. We all know that the story does not end there because the Easter story is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The week before Easter is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Passion Week and, on Sunday, Jesus came because He had to finish what He started. We all may go through times where we feel unloved or feel like no one cares about us, but my prayer is that you will always remember how much God the Father loves you. Jesus had a hard time dealing with the fact that, in order for Him to go and pay for our sins, He would have to be separated from His father. Jesus did that for us so we would never have to experience being away and separated from God the Father. The Bible encourages us by telling us that God will never leave us or abandon us. I want to thank you, God, for the fact that you love us all so much that you gave your son. Have a great Easter.

Tony Guadagnino is the pastor at Christian Love Fellowship Church. 801 SE 10 St., Deerfield Beach, FL, 33441.www.CLFministries.org

By Gary Curreri

Junior pitcher Mitchell Carroll pitched a complete game, no-hitter, as Highlands Christian Academy’s baseball team topped host Calvary Christian, 6-0, in the championship game of the 4Him Classic during Spring Break.

“I don’t remember if I have thrown a no-hitter before,” said Carroll, 17, of Coral Springs, who received the tournament’s Outstanding Pitcher award. “I just compete against the execution of the pitch and control the things I can control. It is always nice to win a championship.”

Carroll ran his season record to 4-1 as he finished with 11 strikeouts in the contest in which he faced just three batters over the minimum. The victory avenged a 5-3 loss to the Eagles earlier in the season.

Senior second baseman Quinsley Balentine, 18, of Deerfield Beach, was awarded the MVP Award as he batted .500 for the tourney. Balentine went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs to lead the eight hit attack in the championship game.

“We became more disciplined mid-game at the plate and more patient,” said Highlands Christian Academy coach Bruce Charlebois, who is in his eighth year at the school. “We laid off the breaking ball out of the zone and let the game come to us.”

Charlebois said the bottom of his lineup also came through in the clutch, which was key to the title. Aryton Barbolina, James McGrath and Kyle Bombardier all had solid production in the tournament from the 7, 8 and 9 spots in the lineup.

Highlands Christian got the only run it needed in the top of the sixth when Drexler Macaay and Balentine reached on an error. After Macaay was caught stealing, Saul Velez doubled to left to score Balentine for a 1-0 lead.

The Knights put the game away with five runs with one out in the top of the seventh. Bombardier reached on a third strike passed ball and Kirvin Moesquit had a RBI double to score Bombardier for a 2- 0.

Moesquit stole third and both Bernedley Martina and Macaay both walked.

Balentine followed with a single to center to score Moesquit and Martina, and Macaay moved to third on the hit. Macaay scored and Balentine advanced to second on a wild pitch. Balentine stole third and scored on a groundout.

Highlands Christian opened the tournament with a 13-1 victory over Dade Christian and followed that up with a 6-1 win over Northeast in the second contest.

“We are exactly where we need to be at this point of the season, sitting 11-5 and gaining ground on our character, conditioning and chemistry,” Charlebois said. “It was the first goal of four goals we set for a championship season. We wanted to win the Spring Break tournament and the next three are districts, regionals and states. I am confident that we will make our annual strong run at the end.”

Highlands Christian Academy is currently 11-5 overall and 4-2 in the highly competitive District 14-3A, which includes Coral Springs Christian, Jupiter Christian, Lake Worth Christian, Oxbridge Academy, Trinity Christian and Westminster Academy.

“This is by far the toughest district that we have faced and I have to believe one of the strongest divisions in the state,” said Charlebois, whose team lost in the Class 1A regional finals in 2010 to state runnerup Miami Brito and in 2008 to the eventual state Class 2A champion, Westminster Christian, also in the regional final.

Coral Springs Christian will host the district tournament beginning on April 24.

“If we win this (district) and get home field advantage,” Charlebois added, “I like our chances to take care of the unfinished business from 2008 and 2010.”

Highlands Christian will travel to play Pope John Paul II on Saturday at 4 p.m. in a rematch of last year’s regional quarterfinal.

By Dave Montalbano

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

After three Iron Men, two Thors and one Avenger, Captain America gets his first stand alone sequel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. It is the best sequel from “Phase I” of the Marvel movie series. Next year, at this time, we will be bombarded with Avengers: The Age of Ultron media hype to kick off “Phase II” of the Marvel Movie series. Is all this exposition necessary to know before viewing Captain America: The Winter Soldier? Not one bit.

The brilliance of these Marvel superhero movies is that each film works as a stand-alone feature, each story is complete within itself. This film is a political thriller along the lines of 1970s paranoid thrillers like Three Days of the Condor, The Conversation and The Parallax View, Unlike those 1970s classics that feature losers portrayed by the likes of Robert Redford, Gene Hackman and Warren Beatty, respectfully, this film presents a hero with values personified by the likes of John Wayne.

Captain America, alias Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is adapting to the 21st Century after saving the world (Avengers) and waking up from a 70 year hibernation (Captain America: The First Avenger). Joining forces with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Brock Rumlow (Frank Grillo), Rogers rescue some S.H.I.E.L.D. agents from pirates. During the rescue operation, Captain America uncovers secrets kept hidden by Black Widow and their boss, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson).

When Captain America confronts Nick Fury, Fury confronts one of his bosses – Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford), a member of the S.H.I.E.L.D Security Council. Through the chain of communication, security becomes breached and explosive chaos ensues. As Steve Rogers attempts figure out who is an ally and who is an enemy, the Winter Soldier is called upon to eliminate Captain America.

This is a good movie. The story unfolds in a logical way and the character development seems real. The friendship that develops between Captain America and the Falcon (Anthony Mackie) is respectful and genuine. The action scenes have visual clarity that improve with each conflict. Yet, it is the humble character of Captain America that gives this big budget motion picture its soul.

For popcorn eating Saturday matinee fun, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the film to go see. This new Marvel film is first best movie of 2014.

For those who prefer more grounded cinema, the 19th Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) opens this weekend with special screenings at the Cinemark Palace in Boca Raton. Robert Morse, Rick McKay and Jason Priestly will be among those flying into town. Check out this website for events and times: www.pbifilmfest.org.

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

Dear buyers-of-my-house: Soon it will be yours. I walk around – actually, I jog from room to room every day – seeing, as if for the first time, all of its contents, from the furniture to the smallest artifacts. I see 20 years of the imprint of a retired couple – not just ANY retired couple – but now, half of THIS retired couple.

I leave you with exotic sunsets, filtering through trees, reflecting in moving waters, unmatched by any I’ve seen in the most remote corners of the world. I leave you with walls that cannot talk, but, if they could, would reveal the most sacred of life lessons, secrets of living a life of contentment and joy. I leave you with seeds of compromise and balance, and realistic expectations.

I leave you with a kitchen I would like to take with me – highly utilized and productive— the alternate hub of my life. Perhaps, the scents of eggplant and kale, and mushrooms and apple, and cookies are still lingering in the air. (I cook healthy!) And the two stovetops that visitors always wondered about as in … “Why Two?” We bought it that way! And neither was neglected.

And the actual hub of my life — the office (second bedroom) with its built-in 12 ft. desk, the surface of which is hardly visible, suffocated with files and papers and 21st Century technical gadgets and built-in draws and cabinets — and TV nook. Lord! How will I ever sort it all out – and dump most of it? And you will, no doubt, choose to remove it all from the walls!

And the lush, languorous, full-bodied orchids that I attached to a tree in the back, bursting with color and sensuality in May and November, lasting for months, visitors agape at it prodigious splendor…

Of course, the view, wide unobstructed water, ducks, fairway and trees, Anhinga and Ibis in flight, meditative moments stolen from a busy life – the aha moment as you walk through the door and view the lightness that infuses the house, even in gloomy weather.

I will take some of my many hundreds of elephants from the walls, floors, jewelry cases, clothing and show cabinets – my very good luck elephants. But which ones will I “let go?” I will leave one for you to transfer the “good luck” it had given us for so many years.

Every life has its phases, and I am looking forward to the next in mine. I leave you with a happy house filled with brightness and energy, and the fluidity of new experiences. May it continue to exude the joy and love that has emanated from it all these years, for you, as it has for us.

Yours for a smooth closing.

Emily

DEERFIELD BEACH

March 23 A woman reported her home at 904 Tidewater Way broken into and jewelry valued at $2,090 stolen from the master bedroom.

March 23 A home at 1171 NW 49 St. was broken into and watches were stolen. Total loss was estimated at $2,500.

March 24 A man reported his car stolen and stripped of its parts. The car was recovered. Incident was reported at 5236 W. Lakes Dr.

March 24 A home at 801 SE 15 St. was broken into and electronics, jewelry and a safe were stolen. Total loss was estimated at $3,800.

March 25 A car parked at 1421 SW 1 St. was stolen from a driveway.

March 25 A woman reported that her car parked at 837 SE 9 St. was broken into and a purse and cell phone were stolen.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT

March 17 Someone stole a sign, valued at $100, from the property located at 3310 N. Federal Hwy.

March 18 An unknown object dented the roof and hood of a car parked at 4500 N. Federal Hwy.

March 18 Someone pried open the front door of a residence at 4500 N. Federal Hwy. and stole a Swiss Army knife and other jewelry. Loss was $2,462.14.

March 20 Victim said someone stole his cell phone valued at $675 from his desk while he was at work at 4230 N. Federal Hwy.

RE: The Cove Car-park Conundrum

Dear Editor:

Is The Cove Parking Lot an untapped revenue source for Deerfield Beach or the primary utility for the conduct of The Cove’s various businesses?

The city [commission’s] answer to that question will ultimately guide the course of action taken toward resolution of the unsettled parking lot issues currently plaguing both the city and The Cove business and property owners. Make no mistake – these two conclusions currently could not be farther apart.

On the one hand, the city could create an additional revenue source where only maintenance expense and hassle currently exist. On the other, the city could manage the lot in the best interests of business and property owners.

Charging customers for parking in a dead-end cul-de-sac business plaza would do great harm to most of the plaza’s businesses by driving customers to the city’s other pizza parlors, florists, and bagel shops — where they are not charged to park.

Regardless of the amount charged, costs to customers will be driven up, and profit margins and traffic will be reduced. After all, The Cove, while charming in its own right, is not Las Olas Boulevard.

Charging to park [in The Cove Parking Lot] will likely create a spillover effect, and revenue projections will probably fall short once customers are driven away. People who want free beach parking will simply seek other areas like Sullivan Park or the Publix plaza instead of paying to walk a half-mile to the beach.

Conversely, if business owners (who do not currently pay maintenance costs for the lot – an unusual arrangement compared to most plazas) carry the day, we’ll likely have valet parking and large, threatening tow-away signs for unwanted beach-parking-fee fugitives.

What to do? Let’s take a middle course. The city should not own and operate a parking lot that exists primarily to service private businesses.

Its parking lot ownership should be restricted to public areas like beaches, parks, and City Hall.

Also, business and property owners should not get a free and well-maintained parking lot on the city’s dime.

The city should sell the lot to a newly-created Cove Property Owners’ Association, which would charge business owners to maintain common areas; a common arrangement for most plazas.

This way, the city earns income while business owners can manage the lot in their best interest.

The city attorney must negotiate a property release from the heirs of the original owner to get around the issue where the deed reverts to the original owner if the city relinquishes the property.

This is the only viable option that benefits all parties and allows the commission to focus on more pressing matters than car parking.

Anthony Dispenziere

Deerfield Beach

Pompano Beach Garden Club Flower Show

Saturday, Apr. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Emma Lou Olson Civic Center 1801 NE 6 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Theme: “Tribute to Elvis Presley, King of Rock & Roll.” Large horticultural exhibit and educational exhibits. Open to the public. 954-943-2699.

About Boating Safety

Saturday, Apr. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spanish River Park HQ Bldg. 3939 N. Ocean Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33431

Participants receive a certificate and will be sent a Florida Boating ID card, which is required for boaters under 22 years. The course also is valuable for anyone new to Florida boating or who needs a classroom “safe boating” class. In addition, many insurance companies give annual discounts for completing this course. The topics include boating terminology, boat handling, navigation rules, aids to navigation, federal and Florida regulations, safety equipment and other boating techniques. $35. For questions or RSVP, call 561-391-3600 and leave a message.

Boy Scout Troop 119 Annual Pasta Dinner/Raffles

Saturday, Apr. 5, 4:30 to 7 p.m.

St. Ambrose Catholic Church Rectory Social Hall 380 S. Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

$5, under 5 – free. Includes salad, dessert, beverage. Tickets available at door. 954-629-8304.

Jazz Concert Benefit

Saturday, Apr. 5, 7 to 9 p.m.

Westside Park 445 SW 2 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Presented by The Deerfield Beach High School Jazz Band. Entry fee: $20.

Kulcha Shok Surf & Muzik Festival

Saturday, Apr. 5, 7 a.m. until dark

222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd. (South side of pier) Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Surf contest starts at 7 a.m., music starts at noon. Festivities include bikini fashion show, a beach cleanup contest, a surfboard art session and auction.

Contest will attract the state’s best surfers. The surf divisions include groms (13 and under), junior men’s (14-18), open men’s (any age), open women’s (any age), longboards (men’s and women’s, any age), open sub surf, open skim and ol’skool. The ol’skool division will only have six surfers that will draw numbers from 1-6 and will pick one of six boards from the 1960s to the 2010s that will represent each era.

Division benefits Surfrider and the MSAP. Each participant will get a grab bag with goodies and T-shirt. Winners will receive homemade trophies, sponsor swag and a board. Trophies for first through third in each division. Pre-registration only, fees start at $20. Music includes T. Dezmam, Mike Maytin, Brett Staska, Red Lyte, Kolabo, Bezerk and Jahfe. For more information, call 305-534-6110 or the surf hotline at 786-276-6527. For registration, go to the surf page on www.kulchashok.com.

Yard Sale extravaganza

Saturday, Apr. 5, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Paul United Methodist Church 244 SE 2 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Clothing, household items, electronics, tools and more. Food and drinks will also be on sale. For more info., call 954-427-9407.

Relay For Life of Deerfield Beach, LHP and Hillsboro Beach

Saturday, Apr. 5, 4 p.m. to Sunday, Apr. 6, 6 a.m.

Quiet Waters Park 401 S. Powerline Rd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Opening ceremony—4 p.m.; Luminaria Ceremony — 9 p.m.; closing ceremony – 6 a.m. April 6. See pg. 1 for entertainment line-up. More info: www.Relayforlife.org, look under Deerfield Beach. Also find Deerfield Beach Relay For Life on Facebook.

Mendelssohn Elijah an Oratorio

Sunday, Apr. 6, at 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach High School Gymnasium 1400 NE 6 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Featuring the New Presbyterian Church 100 Voice Concert Choir, soloists and orchestra. Free Concert, no tickets needed. Offering will be taken. Call 954-946- 4380 or go to www.newpres.org.

Deerfield Beach Orchid Society Meeting

Tuesday, Apr. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Club of Deerfield Beach 910 E. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Dr. Brian Monk of Blullama Orchids will speak on warm growing miltonias. Guests/new members welcome. No charge for guest visit first two times. www.deerfieldbeachorchidsociety.org or deerfieldorchids@ gmail.com.

It is just two short weeks to the Festival of Pesach, or, as most of you know it in English, the festival of Passover (begins evening of Apr. 14). Many of us are in the midst of cleaning our house of Chometz, of any products that we are forbidden to have in our possession during this Feast of Unleavened Bread.

We search our houses from one corner to the next, making sure not to miss a single crumb of leavened bread so that everything is totally Kosher l’Pesach, that it is fit for use … meeting the requirements for food that is acceptable during this holiday.

There is a wonderful tradition that certainly grabbed me as a child. It added a lot of fun and anticipation to the start of the festival as my parents would hide little bits of bread in various places in the house and to prepare for the week.

We would shut off the lights and light a candle and walk around the house ,trying to find each and every remaining piece of bread. When a piece was found, we would use a large feather and gently brush the pieces of bread we found into a plastic bag that would later be taken out of the house and burned the next morning. The truth is, I didn’t really care for the feather … and I never particularly liked the heat from the fire that was created to burn the last of the bread. But the search for the bread, that search always filled me with awe, with joy, with excitement.

And sure enough, when the festival actually began, and the first and second night we held huge Seders in our house, there was yet another search that I anxiously awaited — the search for the Afikomen, for the special dessert served on Passover. But, for those of you who might be attending your very first Seder this year, don’t get too excited, because the dessert itself is just a plain piece of matza … no margarine, no jelly, just a plain, simple piece of unleavened bread.

After the luscious meal served at the Seder, the Afikomen for dessert might be quite a letdown, but the search, as I’ve already told you … I loved the search.

And isn’t that what we are all doing? We are searching. I guess the big question is what are we, better yet, what are you, searching for?

I know that to prepare for the festival many of our children will delight in searching the house for every last bread crumb they can find, so that our homes are totally free of any leavened bread. But ridding the home of such foods that we put in our mouths is not enough. If we really want to teach our children the importance of Passover and of ridding the house of breads that rise, if we really want to teach our children about making the house Kasher L’Peach, then we must not only get rid of those things that are forbidden from going into our mouths. We must also get rid of those things that are forbidden from coming out of our mouths.

Our body is a temporary home. It houses our soul. Our mouths are a doorway, allowing things to enter and to leave. May G-d give us the wisdom and the strength to watch not just the foods we put in, but the words we allow out.

Wishing you all a most joyous pesach,

Shalom my friends,

Rabbi Craig H. Ezring

Rabbi Ezring is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach. We welcome you to join our warm and caring family for Shabbat and festival services. We’ll make your heart glow…who knows, you might even fall in love with Shul all over again.