Our Promise To Persevere
The Jewish value of hatmadah, “to persevere,” is about not giving up. Perseverance is commitment, pride, and a positive attitude. Perseverance is the ability to stick to something even though circumstances make it challenging. Perseverance is about trying despite obstacles or discouragement. Reflecting on the past year, perseverance is the most powerful word that comes […] Learn More ›
Good and Important Work
When I took my position three years ago, I was excited about the good and important work that was ahead. Over the past 18 months, “good and important work” took on a whole new meaning. While myself and our leadership team dug in for what I now refer to as “saving the J,” our staff […] Learn More ›
A Lifetime Dedicated to Community
Remember and Honoring Two Extraordinary Women On the evening of Rosh Hashanah, we heard the news that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg had passed away. There have been many who connect the timing of her death to righteousness, becoming a tzadikka and bestowing justice in our world. While scholars may not be unified on […] Learn More ›
Your Compass Has Been There: Thoughts about Leadership and Friendship
A friend texted me over the weekend, “I am sure you are ridiculously crazy but I just wanted to say I’m thinking about you. Pretty sure ‘Pandemic Management’ wasn’t in your JCC CEO job description initially.” Immersed with my “Quarenteam” (coined by our Chief Experience Officer’s clever son), it is clear that this is the only work […] Learn More ›
Doing the Work
It’s been about a year and a half since my appointment as the first female President & CEO for JCC Chicago was announced. There was quite a bit of talk about being a “first” and some asked why the need to talk about it at all. Of course we talked about it—we’re still talking about […] Learn More ›
The Unifying Power of Sports and the Undeniable Divide
Though I never believed it would happen, I have become a die-hard sports fan. I watch football, baseball and golf (yes, even golf on TV I find thrilling!). I followed March Madness for the first time last year and checked the standings regularly. I cheer wildly in my orange and blue t-shirt with my kid’s […] Learn More ›