Bringing Israel Home for Real
My job at JCC Chicago affords me the opportunity to visit Israel many times each year, often as the leader of one of our community Israel trips. Trip after trip I observe participants marveling at the warmth and hospitality that is part of Israeli culture. We are invited into people’s homes for Shabbat, enthusiastically welcomed […] Learn More ›
A Passover Message from Alan
Passover has always been one of my favorite Jewish holidays. I love that the holiday is celebrated in the home and that it’s all about telling a story— a story that continues to define us a Jewish people. Telling the story of Passover is an important part of our religion and our culture. It’s our […] Learn More ›
More than a Taste of Israel
A little over two weeks ago, I embarked on what would be a life-changing experience: my first trip to Israel as staff for CFJE’s Ta’am Yisrael Trip. It is difficult to put into words my feelings about this adventure, but I am going to try. As the plane touched down at Ben Gurion Airport, I […] Learn More ›
Purim Connections
Purim has always been one of my favorite holidays. Whether dressing up in costume or hearing the Megillah and shpiel at my synagogue, I revel in all the special holiday traditions. Growing up, the thing that I most loved was always baking hamentashen with my mother and sisters. We always used my Bubbe’s recipe which […] Learn More ›
Thanksgiving Sweetness
I’m looking forward to Thanksgiving, spending time with my family and, of course, eating delicious food. Cooking and baking is one of the things that brings my family together for all holidays. This recipe is one of our favorites. Technically, it’s a Passover recipe, but we use it all year long. We serve this sweet […] Learn More ›
Sukkot Fest 2017: A Day to Celebrate with the Community
We loved celebrating Sukkot this past Monday at Bernard Horwich JCC in West Rogers Park. It was thrilling to welcome more than 650 people to our family event—familiar faces, kids, parents, grandparents and family visiting from out of town. These are the kinds of days that fill us with pride for the vibrancy, love and […] Learn More ›