The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, and, to us, he stood 9 ft. tall.

Sadly, many in this world have still not woken up to his dream. They continue to keep their eyes closed to the prejudice and hate against our African American brothers and sisters.

Dreams are amazing gifts. We even find dreams in the Bible itself. And the scriptures teach us, as Theodore Hertzl summed up saying, “If you will it hard enough, it is no dream.” In other words, it is up to us not just to dream the dream, but to walk the walk. There is still much work to be done in regard to equality. The Rev. Dr. King Jr.’s dream has come a long, long way; but, it is up to each of us to help bring that beautiful dream to full fruition.

As Jews, we know what it is like to be treated with hate and bigotry. As Jews, we know what it is like to struggle for fulfillment of a dream. As Jews, we know that there is still much work for us to do in this beautiful but broken world in which we live. As Jews, we know that we have to wake the world from its slumber.

Jews walked side by side with the great leaders of the Civil Rights movement, side by side with our African American brothers and sisters, and, just as we continue to struggle on so many fronts for the fulfillment of our dreams, it is also our Biblical imperative to work toward fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream as well.

Let us hope that the day does indeed come when all people, Black, White, Jew and Gentile, can walk up that mountain together and live in blessed peace with the knowledge that we are all, indeed, brothers and sisters as we all come from the same Father, G-d, The Almighty.

As we approach the special day set aside to honor the late, great Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach will present one of the greatest plays ever made about someone stuck in a long sleep who, finally, wakes up to a new world.

That’s right, the Temple will be showing a production of Washington Irving’s “Rip Van Winkle” … and not just any production, but one where the characters stand 9 ft. tall. The program will be enjoyed by people of all ages and it is the Temple’s hope that many will opt to purchase admission ($10 per person) so that tickets can be given to members of groups like the Boys & Girls Club of Deerfield Beach so they can enjoy this special play on Jan. 18 at 1 p.m., which is the day before this year’s official observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Rabbi Ezring is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Israel of Deerfield Beach (201 S. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach). His motivational sermons can be heard at the Temple’s weekly shabbat services (9:30 a.m. Saturdays). Rabbi Ezring is a member of the N.A.J.C. and of the A.P.C. He has served as a hospice chaplain and continues to work in pastoral care at several health facilities in the Broward County Area. For reservations, call 954-428-0578.

Friends of the Deerfield Beach Arboretum meet

Thursday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m.

Constitution Park 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Speaker: Roger Stone, owner of Stone’s Rose Gardening, Davie, FL. He will explain the basics of maintaining rose plants in our particular climate, and about proper species selection, environmental requirements, pruning techniques, tips on pests and disease, and tricks for obtaining the perfect blooms. He will end with answers to all your questions. Plant giveaway. Light refreshments served. Free and open to public. 954-480-4495. www.treezoo.com.

Burning of the Greens

Thursday, Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m.

Zion Lutheran Church 959 SE 6 Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

(Date changed from 5th). Enjoy this bonfire to commemorate the closing of the Christmas season. Info.: 954-421-3146.

Garden Club of Lighthouse Point meets

Thursday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m.

St. Paul’s Education Hall 2700 NE 36 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Program: “BEE Kind to our Bees and Pollinators.” Presented by Ivan Baratz, Broward County Extension Advisory Council, Horticulture Tip by Mona Johnston. W&M bee-attracting plants. Any questions, contact Program Chairman, Mona Johnston, 954-975-9157 or visit www.lhpgc.org.

Movies in the Park: Frozen

Friday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.

Villages of Hillsboro Park 4111 NW 6 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Bring the family, blankets and lawn chairs for a fun family night out. Concessions and glow merchandise will be sold for a small fee. For a full listing of this season’s movies and dates please visit www.deerfield-beach.com/moviesinthepark. For more information, call Constitution Park at 954-480-4495.

28th Annual Boca Fest

Saturday, Jan. 10 & Sunday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Shops at Boca Center 5250 Town Center Circle Boca Raton, FL 33486

More than 150 artists, live music and more. Animal aid, a pet rescue and recovery center, will have dogs and cats for adoption. For more information, call 561-746-6615 or visit www.ArtFestival.com.

Yard Sale

Saturday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church 1920 SE 4 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

A bicycle, clothes and misc. For info., call 954-687-8161.

3rd Annual District 2 Clean-Up

Saturday, Jan. 10, 7:30 a.m.

401 SW 4 St. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Volunteers will sign-in and enjoy some coffee, juice and donuts, which will be served between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Everyone will report back to the sign-in location at noon and pizza and refreshments will be served during a recognition and appreciation ceremony, which will run from noon to 1 p.m. Must be 12 and older. Teens who wish to participate in groups and are between the ages of 12 and 15 should be aware that there must be an adult present for every five teens. Proper attire is required. Wear boots or closed-toe shoes (no sandals or flip-flops), long pants and a hat. Bring sunscreen and wear the gloves that will be provided by the City. Please RSVP at 954-480-4391 and commit to volunteering. Certificate of Community Service (6) Hours will be provided during the ceremony. In addition, those who participate in Recycling Perks will receive 100 rewards points for volunteering. For any other questions and/or commitments to volunteer please contact the City Recycling & Solid Waste Management Dept. at 954-480-4391.

Hillsboro Lighthouse January Tour

Sunday, Jan. 11, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Alsdorf Park departure 2974 NE 14 St. Lighthouse Point, FL 33062

$25 per person, free to HLPS members. Must have flat shoes with rubber soles and closed toes. No sandals, flip-flops, or shoes with heels are allowed inside the Lighthouse. Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be a minimum of 48” (4 feet) tall to climb the tower. No pets are allowed. www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

An A Cappella Afternoon

Sunday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m.

Pompano Beach High School Gym 600 NE 13 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The New Presbyterian Church and The South Florida Jubilee Chorus present this concert featuring popular tunes, Broadway show music, gospel and a little comedy – all Barbershop style. FREE. No tickets needed. An offering will be taken. 954-946-4380 or www.newpres.org.

37th Annual Oshogatsu New Year Festival

Sunday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens 4000 Morikami Park Rd. Delray Beach, FL 33446

Celebrate the Year of the Sheep with unique Japanese games and customs, including Taiko drum performances, rice cake making, fortune telling, kids crafts, tea ceremony and more. VIP room offers craft beer, sake and more. Ages 11 and up: $12 online, $15 at gate; 3 and under FREE. VIP: (21 and up) $30 members, $35 non-members. www.morikami.org/newyear.

Pancake breakfast

Sunday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m. to noon

Elks Lodge 700 NE 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Hosted by the Benevolent Patriotic Order of DOES, Drove 142. Adults: $5; Children: $2.50. Open to the public. 954- 255-3130.

Relay Fiesta

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 5:30 p.m. until closing

Baja Café 1310 Federal Hwy. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Baja Café will donate 15 percent of all proceeds to Relay for Life on this day. Relay for Life will be held at Quiet Waters Park on April 18. Look at acsevents.org under Relay For Life and then Deerfield for more info. and to sign up to participate.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration The City of Pompano Beach and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Committee of Pompano Beach presents: “Color of Unity” by commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with several community events:

MLK Basketball Classic

Monday, Jan. 12 – Thursday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.

Mitchell Moore Gymnasium 901 NW 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Ages: 14-15 and 16-17

Registration: $50 per team

Parade/March 2015

Monday, Jan. 19, Line-up 8 a.m.

Mitchell Moore Park 901 NW 10 St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Celebration 2015

Monday, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m.

Blanche Ely High School Gymnasium 1201 NW 6 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Special Guest Performers: Canton Jones and T-DOGG For more information, call 754-217-6656.