The Magic of Kindness
We’ve been talking a lot about inclusion. I’ve touted grants received to support accessibility and recognition of our staff leading the field. But it wasn’t until this past weekend that I truly understood the impact of what we do every day. Charlie is my youngest of four. And he’s the youngest by far in our […] Learn More ›
Join the Movement
Every Friday morning at 10:30am, children in our early childhood programs, from age six weeks to five years, gather to celebrate the Sabbath. They sing songs, light candles, say Hamotzi, drink grape juice. They joyfully experience the traditions of Shabbat that are engaged in throughout the city and around the world. With summer upon us, […] Learn More ›
Measured By Who Is Included
I officially took up golf last summer. It took some time to get the ball lofted, longer to move beyond the par three course near my house, and even longer to feel comfortable playing with anyone other than family. It’s an intimidating sport and you really can’t help but feel like everyone out there is […] Learn More ›
A Weekend Of Reflection
February is Jewish Disabilities and Inclusion Awareness Month. We have shared and posted widely about how we approach inclusion as a community center and across our Jewish community. As the month was winding down, a group of 11 JCC Chicago team members were heading to the JCC Association Professional Conference. The day before was the […] Learn More ›
Moving a Mountain
The Jewish Community Center movement includes more than 350 JCCs, YM–YWHAs, and camp sites in the United States and Canada, as well as 180 local JCCs in the Former Soviet Union, 70 in Latin America, 50 in Europe, and close to 500 smaller centers in Israel. Having just returned from the JCC Association Executive Conference, where I spent six […] Learn More ›
How Might We 2019?
After a recent meeting convened by JUF and the Associated Talmud Torahs, I walked to my car with a pocketful of business cards for schools interested in learning more about JCC Chicago and our program offerings. Turns out, most in attendance didn’t know we provide on-site after-school care and enrichment classes. “How might we work […] Learn More ›