Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Shalom
Havana!
JCC Association Board
Brings Support and
Supplies to Cuban Jews
contents which are significant aspects of our mission), we feature the many other ways
JCCs serve our communities that are not as well known:
Edward H. Kaplan
Ann P. Kaufman
Jerome B. Makowsky
• We learn of several JCCs that serve ultra-Orthodox populations, providing Morton L. Mandel
2 The Glatt Kosher JCC specialized services to more observant Jews who need the same programs, Lester Pollack
Daniel Rose
5 JWB Asks Rabbis to Be but within their own religious discipline.
Vice-Chairs
All That They Can Be • We see a diversity of social-action projects and initiatives, where JCCs play Lisa Brill
key roles in supporting important causes and issues, such as the fight against Donald Brodsky
6 Out-of-the-Box Fundraiser AIDS/HIV and the push toward “greening” the JCC, which has become a Cheryl Fishbein
Gary Jacobs
significant continental-wide JCC effort. Virginia A. Maas
8 A (Compact Fluorescent) Stephen R. Reiner
Light Unto the Community • We focus on the special challenges of encouraging young people to build their Toby Rubin
careers in JCCs, and how new lifestyles and technology have changed the Stephen Seiden
10 Never Forget, Never Again workplace. Paula Sidman
• We delve further into the critical JCC/Israel relationship, and lay out specific Secretary
11 Special Insert: Shirley Solomon
directions for JCCs to bring their agencies and memberships much closer to
JCC Israel Office Israel, both at home and in the Jewish State. Our Israel Office stands ready to Assoc. Secretaries
Enid Rosenberg
15 Let My Parents Go work with local JCCs on a variety of exciting Israel programs. Michael Segal
• We hear again of the special work of our Jewish military chaplains, Michael Wolfe
16 Bridging the Gap: Generational and the efforts of JWB Jewish Chaplains Council to recruit rabbis of all Treasurer
Differences in the Workplace denominations to continue to make these critical connections with Jewish Edwin Goldberg
armed services personnel wherever they may be stationed. Assoc. Treasurers
20 JCC Association Board Brings Stephen Dorsky
Support and Supplies to • We focus on the unique ways that JCCs educate their members and guests Andrew Shaevel
through various media including art, photographic exhibits, and literature. Doron Steger
Cuban Jews
Our continental board followed the Miami Biennial with an extraordinary visit President
22 JCC Happenings to the Jewish community in Havana. This trip provided another perspective on Allan Finkelstein
Jewish life for so many of us who had only heard about the situation in Cuba. jcccircle:
Cover photo: Fani Magnus Monson It was a tremendous opportunity to do tikkun olam, and we brought much-
Sr. Vice-President,
needed medical supplies to special clinics at two of the city’s synagogues. JCC Marketing & Communications
Association is organizing another trip to Cuba in November, and I encourage Robin Ballin
you to take advantage of the opportunity. Several JCCs have also fielded such
jcccircle sponsors
Creative Director
humanitarian missions. Peter Shevenell
The following sponsors have made this issue of JCC Circle possible. As you see, there is much more to see, experience, and learn at the Jewish Communications Manager,
JCC Association thanks them for their generosity. JCC Circle Editor
Community Center. The beauty of the JCC is the opportunity to take part in Miriam Rinn
programs and services beyond those for “which you came.” We are proud of the
Association of Jewish Macrolease The Redwoods Group To help support the work of JCC Design
Chaplains of the United States www.macrolease.com www.redwoodsgroup.com Association and JCC Circle, please diverse contributions that JCCs make to their communities, and the high level of Jeremy Kortes
contact Fani Magnus Monson, engagement of leadership in these efforts. Dan Hertzberg
Chase Paymentech Mondo Schlesinger Newman & vice-president of development, at:
www.chasepaymentech.com Recreational Flooring Goldman
www.mondousa.com www.sng.ca JCC Association Sincerely, For address correction or Information about JCC Circle
The Coca-Cola Company® 520 Eighth Avenue contact info@jcca.org or call Alina at (212) 786-5096.
www.cocacola.com Nautilus Staples Business Advantage New York, NY 10018
tel: (212) 532-4958, x5136 ©2008 Jewish Community Centers Association
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of North America. All rights reserved.
CSI Software fax: (212) 481-4174
www.csisoftwareusa.com Network Services Company Star Trac e-mail: FaniMM@jcca.org 520 Eighth Avenue | New York, NY 10018
www.nsconline.com www.startrac.com Phone: 212-532-4949 | Fax: 212-481-4174
Cybex International Allan Finkelstein e-mail: info@jcca.org | web: www.jcca.org
www.cybexintl.com New Leaf Sterling & Sterling, Inc. JCC Association of North America is the leadership network of, and central agency
www.newleaffitness.com www.sterlingrisk.com President, JCC Association
for, 350 Jewish Community Centers, YM-YWHAs and camps in the United States
Freemotion Fitness and Canada, who annually serve more than two million users. JCC Association
www.freemotionfitness.com The Ostroff Group TechnoGym offers a wide range of services and resources to enable its affiliates to provide
www.ostroffgroup.com www.technogym.com educational, cultural and recreational programs to enhance the lives of North
Landscape Structures American Jewry. JCC Association is also a U.S. government-accredited agency for
www.playlsi.com Power Plate serving the religious and social needs of Jewish military personnel, their families
www.PowerPlate.com and patients in VA hospitals through the JWB Jewish Chaplains Council.
Les Mills North America, Inc.
www.lesmillsusa.com Precor JCC Association receives support from the UJC National Federation/Agency
www.precor.com Alliance, local federations and Jewish Community Centers.
ISSN 1065-1551
Think of the typical JCC user. Are you imagining a man dressed children on outings to amusement parks and bowling. The
primary obstacle to more programming, according to Rand,
work in small community businesses or as tradesmen if they
can’t get jobs in the many yeshivas. The Y offers programs
in a black suit and black felt hat in August? A woman wearing is financial. Like many frum communities, the Breuer kehilla
is not wealthy—“The all-mighty dollar is not what they
to help people get GED degrees, and has run some ESL
and computer programs. Despite the widespread poverty,
an ankle-length skirt, long sleeves, and a sheitel, or wig? worship,” she says—and Rand is grateful to sponsors such as the ultra-Orthodox community has a well-established and
the Jeannette & H. Peter Kriendler Charitable Trust, who fund pervasive tzedakah network and believes in taking care of
Probably not. Yet there are JCCs that successfully serve the her program. “We’re not turning anyone away because they its own, so Jews are fed and dressed and educated, whether
can’t pay,” she says. they have money or not. But income level affects whether
ultra-Orthodox community, and upend common stereotypes they can support their JCC, and whether they can serve on
In Borough Park (usually spelled Boro Park by residents), a its board.
about JCCs and the ultra-Orthodox while doing so. large group of modestly dressed women, their hair covered by
close-fitting turbans or kerchiefs, exercise vigorously to
N
by Miriam Rinn that the Y is more than just “gym and swim.” Sensitive
to the norms of her members, Kastel programs so that
ot surprisingly, most of these Jewish survivors, the Y serves Hispanic, African-American, and men and women are rarely in the building at the same
Community Centers are in the Russian residents, as well as the Breuer kehilla or community. time. Programs are segregated by sex and by age, except
metropolitan New York City area, where Not well known even in New York City, this ultra-Orthodox for special community-wide events, such as a health fair
the mass of ultra-Orthodox Jews live. group settled in Washington Heights when they left Frankfurt, sponsored by a local hospital.
Two hundred and fifty thousand frum, Germany in the 1930s, escaping the rise of Hitler. Seeking to
or highly observant, Jews live in Borough reconstitute themselves, the new immigrants established the Because of their devotion to Jewish learning,
Park, Brooklyn alone, the largest Yeshiva Samuel Samson Hirsch, named after the great rabbi frum Jews aren’t looking for the kind of Jewish
community outside of Israel. Overall, the who founded the original kehilla in opposition to the Reform education that JCCs usually offer. Many of them
ultra-Orthodox population in the United States is estimated at movement. “It’s a Yekkisheh (German) community,” Rand says, don’t participate in popular culture, and they take
a half million. Since JCCs are committed to serving the people “very respectful, very proper.” The kehilla supports several political direction from their leaders. Social and
who live in their neighborhoods, as well as all Jews, those JCCs
located in frum areas work hard to understand the needs of
synagogues and shtiebelach, or small prayer groups, as well
as a preschool, an elementary school, and the yeshiva. Rand
mental-health services also come from the rabbis. The mix
of JCC programming that interests them tends to be limited Any JCC program for the
ultra-Orthodox must be
their neighbors and how to satisfy them. devised a program for preschool and elementary-aged boys and to fitness and practical skills. Of course, there’s always the
girls, which offers arts and crafts, drama, sports, karate, and exception, and a group of women at the Boro Park Y were
To the unknowing eye, frum Jews may seem all alike, but that’s computers in same-sex groups. “It runs on Fridays because the happily expressing their creativity through oil paintings—
not true. The community is varied, and includes Hasidim
(those loyal to specific rabbinic dynasties, such as Satmar or
kids get out of school at 12 o’clock,” Rand says, and mothers still lifes and portraits. totally on their terms
are eager for some free time to prepare for Shabbat. The Rav, or
Ger); yeshivish (non-Hasidic, with an allegiance to a specific chief rabbi, approved hiring non-Jewish counselors as long as “We are very alert and cognizant of their needs,” says Ava
yeshiva or school of learning); modern Orthodox gravitating Blau, program and membership director. Still, Kastel knows “It’s very expensive to live a Jewish life,” says Rina Shkolnik,
Rand could guarantee that the children would not interact with
toward the right and taking on the lifestyle choices of the more that some of the local rabbis urge their followers not to use the executive director of the JCC of the Five Towns in
children who were not Jewish. Since these children are in public
rigorously observant; and people who move from one group the Y. They are fearful, she says, that their children will meet Cedarhurst, New York, an affluent area on Long Island
school on Friday afternoons, Rand could comply.
to another, such as the businessman who works with women kids from other groups. Her goal is to convince them “that that has become increasingly ultra-Orthodox over the last
during the day and dons a Hasid’s shtreimel, a flat hat trimmed Any JCC program for the ultra-Orthodox must be “totally on what we do here is not treyf.” This is not a small matter when 15 years. Shkolnik, who is a native Israeli, describes her
with fur, and a long black coat for Shabbat. Add to these their terms,” she said, an observation echoed by all the JCCs working within an ultra-Orthodox community; another community as very diverse, with “those who go with the skirts
distinctions ancestral geographic divisions, such as Hungarian, who work with frum Jews. Rand emphasized that she must Brooklyn Y in Williamsburgh, also a Hasidic neighborhood, to the knee and those who go with the skirts to the ankle.”
German, Polish, Bukharan, and more, and the general socio- cooperate with leaders of the community to be successful, closed many years ago over mixed dancing among seniors. Although she has several ultra-Orthodox members on her
economic features of education and income level, and you which means in practical terms that she has to sell the rabbis board of directors, she understands that it’s hard for many
have a real mix. JCCs serve all of these different groups, on the worth of any program she wants to offer. She believes Boro Park is not a wealthy community, although Kastel says to support the JCC. “Those who live in Far Rockaway can’t
adapting to meet the needs of their individual communities. they recognize that children need social and recreational that the population ranges from billionaires to paupers. support like those who live in Lawrence. But as a JCC, we
outlets. “You live in Manhattan, you don’t have a backyard. According to the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, should support everyone,” she says. Despite the area’s high
The YM-YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood at the They don’t have television, they don’t go to the movies. No an agency that advocates for New York’s Jewish poor, two income level, Shkolnik says the JCC feeds 125 families from
northern tip of Manhattan is located in a community in central air conditioning.” Because she herself is Orthodox and thirds of the community lives below or near the poverty its food pantry every week—“we’re talking about young
transition. “Up here, it’s like a mini UN,” says Cyndi Rand, sends her five children to day schools, she believes the rabbis line. Thirty percent of residents below 25 have no high- families as well as elderly”—including more than fifty families
the Y’s Jewish educator. In addition to a group of Holocaust and the parents trust her, and she’s been able to take the school degree and the great majority do not attend college. from the ultra-Orthodox community.
Many speak English poorly, according to Kastel, and they
I
one such group frequents the Park Heights branch of the t takes flexibility, ability to compromise, and a of experience,” and an intriguing one for him. His parents
in admitting that her being Israeli is an asset. The rabbis are
JCC of Greater Baltimore. JCC Vice-President Phil Miller, an commitment to the totality of the Jewish people to support his decision. “My dad is a sixties liberal,” Sherwin
impressed by her fluent Hebrew and “they can’t categorize me said, “but all politics aside, they’re very proud.”
Orthodox rabbi himself, says, “This is a traditional yeshiva- be an effective Jewish chaplain in the armed forces,
as a Reform or Conservative Jew.” Since one of her academic
based community…with a remarkable infrastructure. They according to Rabbi Barry Baron, deputy director of JWB
degrees is in Bible studies, “I can talk to them in their language,” Jewish Chaplains Council. The U.S. Armed Forces, facing a Like many children of immigrants, Rafael Kaiserblueth
she says, and all that makes a difference. But she was also are looking to the JCC as a place for recreational, fitness- feels a sense of gratitude towards the U.S. “I feel very
shortage of chaplains, is eager to recruit candidates, said
honest as to what she could and could not do, based programming for adults and youth-sports Baron. “They are aware they need chaplains, and they are strongly that everyone should serve their country in some
she says, and the rabbis understood that programming for their kids.” As do other happy to have rabbis.” way,” the chaplain candidate said. Kaiserblueth was born
the JCC has to serve everyone. “We offer JCCs working with this population, in Puerto Rico, but his parents came from Latin America
Park Heights splits their four-lane pool JWB has been endorsing rabbis as military chaplains where his grandparents landed when they escaped
programming for the entire community,
schedule into men and women-only since World War I, and in the last year it has stepped up Europe just before World War II. A fluent Spanish speaker,
and they pick and choose.” The Kaiserblueth is eager to bring Judaism to people who
times. Of the two fitness centers, one its efforts to find new candidates. The staff visited five
agency is glatt kosher to make it more rabbinical schools, adding the Academy of Jewish Religion haven’t had much, as well as to non-Jews. “My job as a
inclusive, and the fact that the JCC has divides its time between men and chaplain is to provide for the spiritual needs of everyone,”
and the Reform seminary in Cincinnati to the Jewish
no fitness center or pool makes many women, and the fitness classes cater Theological Seminary, REITS, the seminary at Yeshiva he said, explaining that he believed an important part of
problems moot. “And I don’t fight to women only. On Friday afternoons, University, and Hebrew Union College in New York City. the job is to expose people to Jews. “ A lot of people have
them. I don’t want to go with my when women are preparing for “That was our first broadening of the net,” said Baron. never seen a Jew, forget a rabbi.”
head to the wall,” Shkolnik says. “I Shabbat, “almost the entire [boys] high “There are a couple more we’ll add to this, schools on the
school comes here to play basketball or West Coast, and we hope to add the Reconstructionist Kaiserblueth did his basic training in Rhode Island, spent
want the people to feel comfortable.”
We want to try to help go swimming,” Miller says. Rabbinical College in Philadelphia.” Baron also reached out a week on a ship, a week in a hospital, and a few days with
the U.S. Coast Guard. All of these experiences gave him
Although the Five Towns JCC to rabbinical students who had expressed interest in the
attracts ultra-Orthodox children to everyone out to be a Because of the community’s modest chaplaincy at some point, and worked closely with chaplain “the ability to see the human aspect of military life,” he
said. “It’s a connection that you can’t really describe.”
incomes and large families, the Park candidates to make a commitment as they neared the end
its preschool, that’s unusual. More
commonly, frum children come to
member of the JCC. Heights JCC has found that their of rabbinical school. Those young people feel a great need for solace and
connection. “I know that I can make more money in a
the JCC for sports and recreational camps have been put out of business One of those candidates, Josh Sherwin, a student at JTS, synagogue,” Kaiserblueth said, “but there’s no reason that
programming, or special-needs programs. The ultra- by a phenomenon that Miller calls backyard camps. Teenage spent the summer in Newport, Rhode Island at officer these guys should not get the same spiritual guidance.”
Orthodox community has significant numbers of special- girls or young mothers organize summer playgroups in their development school. This was his second summer with the
needs children, and Bob Friedman, executive director at the homes for very little money. “We do programming for these program, which is a five-week course for professionals— Not surprisingly, money is an issue for new rabbis, just as
backyard camps, and we charge three bucks a kid.” The JCC doctors, lawyers, chaplains—to learn how to be officers. it is for new doctors and lawyers. Like other professionals,
Central Queens Y, is hoping that providing such services is
rents out the pool and gym to them too. “This is a model we Sherwin, whose father is also a rabbi, said, “When I decided rabbis now graduate with a lot of debt, and the substantial
a way to reach out to a sometimes distrustful community. difference between military pay and synagogue salaries
“We want to balance special needs with the purpose of a invented because we really didn’t have a choice,” Miller says. I wanted to be a rabbi, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go into
the congregational world.” When he met Chaplain can discourage candidates, according to Baron. To help
community center, which is to build one Jewish community,” “We’re sold out for the summer.” eliminate that obstacle, JWB is working hard to raise
Maurice Kaprow, “it seemed that chaplaincy might
Friedman says. The Y is trying to address the health care be a place I wanted to be.” Sherwin said. scholarship funds and/or income supplements for
needs brought on by a very sedentary lifestyle, too. Another The JCCs of Chicago has instituted similar programs, new chaplains. Former Jewish Chaplains Council
shared interest is Israel. “Zionism is one of the binding forces according to Emily Minkow, director of the North Central Last summer Sherwin spent three weeks at Chair Rabbi Philip Silverstein donated the first
in the Y, and we’re able to engage people through Zionism.” Region, which draws people from West Rogers Park, Skokie, the U.S. Navy chaplaincy school and at Camp rabbinical school scholarship in memory of his wife
and Lincolnwood. “We have very large league programs, with Lejeune in North Carolina. He met the Jewish Adinah. Jerry Weinstein, a resident of New Jersey,
According to Friedman, the Orthodox community in 350 kids playing basketball,” she says. “We have special kollel chaplain there and filled in at the base when is underwriting a new scholarship for a Reform
Forest Hills is aging. “The community that is moving in memberships” for young men who are spending several years that rabbi was deployed to Iraq for two rabbinical student in memory of his uncle. The
is Bukharan,” Jews from the former Soviet Union central in Talmud study after leaving the yeshiva. “We want to try to weeks. “It was an amazing experience,” armed forces help place chaplains where their
help everyone out to be a member of the JCC.” In the winter, Sherwin said, who is the recipient spouses can find good jobs, Baron said, and
Asian republics, also very observant. Despite these new
of the first JWB rabbinical school that also makes a difference.
immigrants, “the economic [level] of our Orthodox the JCC has motzeh Shabbos hours after Shabbat has ended.
scholarship. At services, “we had 25
community is much higher than Boro Park,” Friedman They are “completely open for gym and swim,” says Minkow. Roughly speaking, there’s a need for twice
to 30 people show up, and everyone
says. “The men are working, and learning becomes a wanted to be there.” In this much more as many Jewish chaplains in the army and
secondary pursuit. Many women are also employed.” The Those JCCs successfully serving ultra-Orthodox Jews invest navy as serve currently, according
intimate setting, “you can really see
ultra-Orthodox Bais Yaacov schools for girls are expanding time and effort in getting to know their communities and to Baron. “Even on the reserve
the impact you’re having,” he said, and
vocational programs to teach marketable skills such as truly understanding their needs. It can be challenging, no the experience solidified his decision about side, we have a need” as
hospital billing or accounting. Central Queens is affordable doubt. “I spend a lot of time meeting with people in the frum becoming a chaplain. reservists are getting older.
community, talking to them,” Miller says, who adds that he “The need is very acute.” JWB
and has a wealth of Jewish institutions, and certain
can’t imagine that anyone not Orthodox could succeed. There In the U.S. Armed Forces, chaplains is doing everything it can to
neighborhoods such as Kew Gardens Hills are attracting satisfy that need.
are “so many nuances” to appreciate, he believes. But the provide services to everyone in their care,
young families. A social worker who once worked for the regardless of their religion. That means
government, Friedman notes that the Y doesn’t qualify mission of serving k’lal Israel is central to the JCC Movement,
that rabbis find themselves ministering to To discuss funding a JWB scholarship,
for many government contracts because they’re closed and many JCCs are providing valuable and necessary services contact Fani Magnus Monson,
many non-Jews. When it comes to religious
on Shabbat and holidays. He’s hopeful that he can build to their ultra-Orthodox members. fanimm@jcca.org.
Out-of-the-Box
Fundraiser Energizes
Bay Area Jewish
Community
by Jane Calem Rosen
W hat came next, however, has created a whole new the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. Each participant had to raise at service and cycling products and underwrote the cost of the way to give back to the JCC and to the AIDS community,”
model for JCCs to raise money, both for themselves least $2,500 for the sponsoring organizations, which provide TEAM JCC T-shirts. she said. “This is a new idea for us, and it looks to be
and other charitable causes, and build Jewish community—“a public education on the disease as well as social and healthcare evolving into a great fundraiser for us.”
triple mitzvah,” as Hyams described it. Her idea—to tie an programs and services to those afflicted by AIDS and HIV. The Hyams has always looked for novel and unconventional ways
to fundraise. A number of years ago, she started the Foothill Hyams believes she has hit on a sure-fire formula. “What
established fundraiser for AIDS/HIV to a drive for the Contra total ride raised $11.6 million.) we did in creating TEAM JCC would work for any
Costa JCC in Walnut Creek, California, where Hyams is Century, the only kosher ride in the West, complete with
Then, Hyams approached those she called “angel donors,” rugelach at rest stops and a kosher barbecue and deli lunch athletic or other event where the structure is already set,”
executive director—raised $31,500 for the JCC and upwards of she contended. “All that’s needed is someone with the
fifty thousand dollars for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation CC-JCC members and other local residents who would agree break, for the South Peninsula Hebrew Day School, an event
to match each TEAM JCC cyclist’s donation to AIDS/LifeCycle that has since become popular with the Peninsula’s Jewish enthusiasm to go to potential donors and say, ‘I’m going
and the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center. to ride (or walk or play) my a-- off, and please support the
and contribute those matching funds directly to CC-JCC. and non-Jewish communities alike.
The plan was simple. First, Hyams announced the formation of JCC through my craziness.’ There are no invitations, no
TEAM JCC, to expand the circle of cyclists riding with her to Finally, Hyams was able to line up three-time Tour De JCC of San Francisco supported the AIDS ride by making its logistics. This will raise more money for the CC-JCC than
include members of CC-JCC and other Bay Area JCCs. In their France winner Greg LeMond to serve as honorary co-chair personal trainers and fitness facility available to TEAM JCC running our own golf tournament, which would take six
colorful team T-shirts, Hyams hoped they would stand out of TEAM JCC. LeMond, “a real mensch,” said Hyams, who members. Six others – Addison-Penzak JCC of the Silicon months to plan.”
from the pack of 2,200 cyclists on the road from San Francisco often lends his name to charitable causes, helped nurture Valley; Albert L. Schultz JCC of Palo Alto; JCC East Bay;
Jane Calem Rosen is a freelance writer based in New Jersey.
to L.A., raising the profile of the Bay Area Jewish community team spirit and attract additional support. TEAM JCC JCC of Sonoma County; Osher Marin JCC; and Peninsula
along the way. (AIDS/LifeCycle, which took place in early June, bikers met LeMond in March for a photo session and some JCC– did internal promotion to encourage cyclists in their
was co-sponsored by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and valuable training tips. The champion cyclist meanwhile communities to join the team.
A [Compact Fluorescent] Light nursery school, and seniors. In addition, we recently switched young children, older adults and everyone in between; to
to green cleaning products, which according to our facilities create service-learning programs that green our communities
manager cost less and work better. We are currently planning and those of our neighbors; and to organize our community’s
being could handle all our community, my colleague, Faye Lieman, and I began to members. . . thank you for the opportunity to join forces
together and work toward a worthwhile goal.”
development and Jewish life at the Riverdale YM-YWHA
in Bronx, New York. Look for tips on environmentally
work with representatives of the Sierra Club and the New
of the harmful things York State Energy and Resource Development Association In partnership with the Y, the Riverdale Green Team, a
friendly living at www.jcca.org.
ia n
l 20
NEVER FORGET, NEVER AGAIN
in 0
se 8
rt
The Story Behind the Anne Frank Exhibit at the
Barness Family East Valley JCC, Chandler, Arizona
By Meg Gabay
When Executive Director Steve Tepper introduced his idea to It soon became clear that everyone knew who Anne Frank was,
the management team at the Barness Family East Valley JCC, they just didn’t know everything about the Holocaust–or they
it seemed almost unimaginable. He proposed contacting Anne weren’t aware that genocide continued in parts of the world. As
Frank USA and leasing one of their traveling exhibits, Anne members of the executive staff, board of directors, and Steering
Frank: A History For Today, and housing it for one month Committee met with more people, they realized that education
in the JCC’s one available space, the multi-purpose room. A had to be the key. We wanted people to leave the exhibit a
national exhibit? Here? At our little more informed, a little more
small facility? We weren’t sure if aware, and little more committed,
the idea was feasible. to helping humanity.
Israel
sub-committees to think outside the box—be creative, think wanted to share thoughts or feelings. Inside the exhibit were
large, set goals and then push beyond them. The Marketing notebooks where people could write as well. All of those
Committee wrote marketing plans and sent letters to the messages were transcribed for us to keep, read, and share.
local Jewish community about the upcoming exhibit. They
imagined a bookstore and ordered supplies. They bought Twenty thousand people from all walks of life, ages, religions,
silicone bracelets and customized T-shirts with the exhibit and backgrounds shared in learning what hate can do, and
dates and name imprinted. The Logistics Committee began what they could do to change that. Two hundred volunteers
planning out facility usage in conjunction with the authorities. made it happen. Steve Tepper summed up the experience, A powerful allegiance to Israel has the potential to connect
“The most wonderful part of the exhibit was seeing our staff
The Volunteer Committee began visiting and speaking at local
synagogues about volunteer opportunities, and they hosted and volunteers marvel at what they had accomplished. Both JCC members to the Jewish people, to strengthen their Jewish
tables at Jewish festivals and other community events. The
local Jewish Film Festival Committee agreed to bring a related
the Jewish and non-Jewish community was truly transformed
by this experience. I was extremely proud to have been a small identity, and to help them find pathways to continue their
film and speaker to kick off the exhibit. Local artists with part of it.”
Jewish journeys. JCCs can play a critical role in building bridges
Holocaust or diversity projects were invited to participate. The
Phoenix Jewish Holocaust Association agreed to support both
Meg Gabay is the membership and marketing director at the
Barness Family East Valley JCC. between Jews in North America and Israel, the two great
the exhibit and the JCC’s Yom Hashoah commemoration.
Jewish communities in the world today.
10 jcc circle autumn 2008 www.jcca.org jcc circle 11
Our Israel Office: We’ve planned
“so much happening”
This Shabbat was very different. We lit candles in the lobby
in Israel
As we were each taking a turn to light a candle, I momentarily
for many JCC got lost in the din. This is such an international city. There
is so much happening here, so many wonderful things that
groups—and people need to see and experience for themselves. Where will
I be next Friday at the start of Shabbat? Who will I be with? I
Many groups lead tours, and implements the seminars. They are unlike any other
Israel experience, even for the seasoned traveler.
we can do the will miss this place, but I know I’ll be back soon, maybe with
another group. I want to bring as many people here as I can.
but our seminars offer the For our teen and young-adult groups, we make sure the
same for you. — participant, Interfaith Couples’ Israel trip, JCC of San Francisco
opportunity for intensive— program is informal and fun without giving up substance.
It focuses on themes such as Jewish history and Israel,
and intense—personal and the Israel-Diaspora dialogue, leadership training, Judaism
and spirituality, and the role of community in Jewish
professional Jewish learning life. A central component of the experience is a mifgash
(encounter) with Israeli youth. Often this project is organized
JCC Association’s office in Jerusalem:
experiences in Israel. with a sister city or a Partnership 2000 community in Israel,
so your teens can develop deeper connections.
• Plans Jewish educational seminars and other special programs for JCC
leadership and JCC professionals.
L
et JCC Association customize your JCC’s trip to meet
L
• Oversees JCC Maccabi Israel® programs for teens so that the specially
the expectations of your group. For instance, staff A group of Merrin Teen Professional Fellows spent two
designed Israel trip becomes a memorable event that builds Jewish identity.
members from the JCC in Rochester met with Jewish days with their Israeli counterparts and shared the joys
and Arab Israeli parents who had lost children to violence and challenges of working with youth. A group of graduate • Guides JCC Maccabi Israel Taglit-Birthright free 10-day trips for college
and heard how they cope with their shattering loss. A group students took a behind-the-scenes tour of a Tel Aviv students and young adults, ages 18-26. The JCC Maccabi Israel programs
from the Michael-Ann Russell JCC in Miami had lunch in museum and explored with museum staff how to make are operated by IsraelExperts, a leading Israeli educational travel company.
a Moroccan woman’s home and learned more about the cultural institutions contemporary and meaningful for young • Cultivates ongoing people-to-people partnerships between North American
program of her matnas to encourage women entrepreneurs. people. Young staffers from Bay Area JCCs met with a JCCs and Israeli matnasim (community centers), often under the auspices
popular Israeli rapper and talked about the music scene. of Partnership 2000.
Such transformative Jewish experiences have enriched
the Judaic quality of North American JCCs, from program Our staff works to create bridges between Israel and the • Represents the interests of JCC Association and North American Jewish
content to ambience to mission. Most seminars are staffed Jewish community of North America. A bridge goes both Community Centers in Israel.
by an experienced tour educator and an informal scholar- ways, bringing the Jewish community to Israel and bringing • Houses the office of the World Confederation of JCCs.
in-residence. To incorporate the Jewish educational vision Israel to Jewish communities overseas. As effective as an
of your JCC, we develop the seminars through an ongoing Israel experience within your community can be, nothing can
exchange of ideas. Our collaborative process includes compare to the impact of an actual visit to Israel, and when
extensive preparation and follow-up for all the participants. your JCC leadership or staff or teens are ready to come,
JCC Association, together with our Israeli partners, develops we’re here to make sure their visit will be unforgettable.
“warm and welcome”
Eight Michael Ann Russell JCC staff members returned highly
“sophisticated” energized from an inspiring 10-day training seminar in Israel.
Through their experience, they hope to give the MAR-JCC a
The executive seminar explored our relationship plan to enhance our agency’s and community’s connection to
with Israel at an in-depth and comprehensive level, Eretz Yisrael.
with experiences that both the new and veteran According to Scott Ehrlich, group leader, ‘A real highlight of the
traveler can appreciate. The JCC Association trip was our visit to Yerucham, where the community laid out the
Israel Office provided sophisticated and thought- red carpet for us and made us feel so warm and welcome. Not
provoking content that challenged the executive only were we inspired by the residents who are building a vibrant
leadership of the JCC field to explore a new, more community in the middle of the Negev, but we each gained so
complex relationship with Israel. The seminar much from our meetings with colleagues from early childhood
broke many of the traditional rules of the typical education to caring for the environment, from the daily
mission. My first JCC Association experience operations of their community center, to working with youth.
in Israel (my 23rd overall) left me engaged at The relationships that we have started will continue through the
the highest level and determined for more lay/ Internet, and we hope, with further one-on-one encounters.
professional seminars in the future.
—Dror Gershoni, community shaliach, Miami, Florida
—Brian Schreiber, executive director, JCC of Pittsburgh
Introducing new inspiring Israel journeys for JCC members!
What could be more exciting than planning your first trip to Israel? What could be more Please, let my parents go, too!
enjoyable than a return trip to see things you missed or revisit places that touched your
heart? What could be more inspiring than bringing your children to learn about their
Jewish heritage? The answer is: doing it with your JCC friends. And now you can, with
these two great opportunities from JCC Association, coming your way in 2009!
C
amp is in my blood,” says 27-year-old Meredith July 14, and her parents couldn’t have been more excited, she said.
tion
Fine, who last summer worked as a unit head at the Now it’s Meredith’s turn to be jealous. “My parents spent time
y Expedi
Culinar
day camp run by the Bernard & Ruth Siegel JCC in in different places than I got to see; for example, they are going to
Wilmington, Delaware. That’s why when her camp the Galilee wine country; and our tour didn’t get to do that. And
director forwarded her an e-mail about a winter Taglit-Birthright I’d love to go back to some of the places I did go, like the Dead
Israel trip being organized by JCC Maccabi Israel for camp staff Sea, which was so cool, and Masada, which I absolutely loved.”
y Adventure from JCCs around the country, Meredith knew it was time to go. To view Meredith’s video and the other winners of “Let My Parents
Famil
She registered without hesitation for the group that left in Go,” log onto www.birthrightisrael.com/contestwinners.
December, led by Hagar Ben-Eliezer, director of Jewish cultural
programs at the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael, California.
When families discover their heritage together, they share All over the world, culinary tours are gaining popularity; so That Meredith, a biology and This winter, bring your
environmental science teacher
a bond forever. Our 10-day Israel family adventure program
is designed to open the door for you and your whole
why not combine a great nine-day tour of Israel—together with
other JCC members—with the fabulous food expedition you’ve
In the video,
at Montgomery High School in
Meredith discovers Skillman, New Jersey and an EMT,
friends and travel
family—including children from ages five and up and active been contemplating?
grandparents—to enjoy an adventurous, fun-filled learning Israel’s wineries are now world-renowned, and the her mother lighting had an amazing time was no to Israel for free!
experience in Israel. A special bonus is the madrich noar (youth cuisines of Israel’s various ethnic groups have combined to menorah candles surprise. “Because the participants
counselor) who will travel with your group. This young Israeli create spectacular and exotic dishes. We will explore places
backwards and were all camp-involved, it was so easy
will supervise age-appropriate programming for your children where Israeli farmers, chefs, and vintners are creating this
at the places you visit and allow you the time to explore on your extraordinary food and wine, and combine that with a history- to meet people quickly. There was a
placing an apple
own. This really IS what memories are made of! through-food view of our country. You’ll come home a real food very friendly feeling among everyone,
“maven” with a much deeper understanding of today’s diverse on a Seder plate. just like there is at any JCC,” said
Here are just a few of many highlights:
Israel. Meredith.
• Float in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, and cover Furthermore, everything she did and saw in Israel inspired
Here are some of the things you’ll do:
yourself in its skin-replenishing mud
• Help with food delivery and preparation at Table to Table, • Visit kitchens in the Ethiopian, Moroccan, Russian, and Arab
pride in her Jewish identity and feelings of connection to the
Israel’s version of Second Harvest communities to learn about their history and culture Jewish people. “In Israel I didn’t need to explain why I wear
• Take a donkey or camel ride—it’s more fun than you think! • Breakfast at an organic dairy and goat cheese farm a Star [of David] or a chai around my neck. Everyone there
• Party in Tel Aviv–The Big Orange–the Israeli city that • Sample Israel’s best olive oil celebrates the holidays I do, understands the same culture I
never sleeps • Enjoy wine tastings throughout Israel grew up with and appreciates what it means to be Jewish.”
• Hike, raft, and train outdoors • Shadow and cook with a top Israeli chef When she got home, she was glowing, and her parents,
• Take part in a scavenger hunt in an Israeli market—and then • Shop with an Israeli and prepare a meal together Nanette and Alan Fine, who had never been to Israel, were
eat what you find! • Visit Machane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s outdoor fruit, vegetable,
• Experience an interactive encounter with Israeli Arab culture and spice market
jealous, she recalled.
in a drum circle with Bishara • Lunch in a Druze home and learn about Druze culture So, when Meredith heard about Taglit-Birthright Israel’s
• Hang out at an Israeli community center and find out what • Indulge at a boutique chocolate shop video contest for birthright alumni, “Let My Parents Go,”
Israeli daily life is really all about • Volunteer at a soup kitchen conceived in honor of Israel’s 60th anniversary, she knew she
• Take a jeep tour of the gigantic Ramon Crater had to enter—even though she had never made a video before.
And besides all this, we’ll visit the sites you’ve always
• Stop at the Nabatean village of Ovdat “Thank God for the tech guy at school who showed me what to
dreamed of seeing—the Kotel, Yad Vashem, Masada, and
• Visit the Bedouin market (in case you want to buy a camel)
more—and you’ll feel like you’ve finally come home. do,” she laughed. “I had so much fun.”
• Attend optional Shabbat services at local ethnic synagogues
Will your family be celebrating a bar or bat mitzvah In the video, Meredith catches her father eating a ham
• Relax at an Israeli spa
during your Israel trip? We can help you plan a ceremony and and cheese sandwich with a glass of milk (“It’s skim milk,” he
• For night owls: Participate in a Hebrew karaoke night
celebration your child will never forget.
protests.) and affixing a mezuzah to the wrong side of the front
door of their home – upside down. Her mother is discovered Registration begins September 10, 2008
S
the phone. Baby Boomers tend to think through issues, like
he only works her set hours. He’s always listening to II, and they are the supervisors and leaders today. Generation
his iPod. How can they concentrate on their work with X was born between 1963–1980; they were shaped by the Cold
to have meetings to make decisions, and generally move at a MILLENNIALS AND BOOMERS,
slower pace in areas of communication and technology.
their IMs popping up all the time? War and are starting to come into their own. Millennials, born can cause friction
1981–2002, do not know a world without computers.
During recent years, as the JCC Association professional Are systems in place at your JCC to in the workplace.
development services staff traveled the continent to deliver We are focusing on communication between Millennials, allow Internet access, e-mail between
programs aimed at strengthening the skills of JCC staff, we currently 27 years old and younger, and Boomers. While the staff, and between staff and members?
began to see a change in workplace culture, and we noted its relationship between these two groups can cause friction in
Do current systems bog down the flow of
direct relationship to the generational diversity of the JCC the workplace, it’s important to remember that one is going
staff. Older and younger staff members seemed to be talking out and the other is coming in. These two cohorts are the ones productivity?
past each other. Because we’re in the business of helping JCC with the most common communication difficulties, but we Another area of generational divide is the issue of work/
professionals perform at the highest levels, we want to take found that problems are experienced across all generations. life balance. For many Boomer JCC professionals, a 60-hour
a look at some of these issues, and see if there are ways that work week was not uncommon when they were coming
older and younger JCC employees—and volunteers—can Unlike any previous generation, 37 percent of Millennials up the ranks, and still may be the norm. Generation X and
communicate more effectively. expect to start saving for retirement before they reach 25, Millennials have different visions of work/life balance than
with 46 percent of those working reporting that they already their older colleagues. They value their time off, and often
Although there are a number of different definitions for the do so, according to a September 2007 survey by Purchase, see their peers working 9-5 jobs with no weekend duties.
current generations in the workforce, we have settled on the New York-based Diversified Investment Advisors. And 49 While this is not the way a JCC functions, Millennials are
following for our purposes: The G.I. Generation was born percent say retirement benefits are a very important factor vocal about needing some weeknights and some weekends
between 1901 and 1925; they have lived through both World in their job choices. Among those eligible, 70 percent of the free. Finding ways to offer employees more time with their
Wars and the Great Depression. The Silent Generation arrived Millennial respondents contribute to their 401(k) plans. This families and friends can boost morale and benefit the JCC.
between 1926–1944, during the Great Depression and World places an added level of responsibility on JCCs who seek to
War II. The Baby Boomers, 1945–1962, were born after WW recruit these workers.
A
pharmacy, which serves the entire community, is wholly
supported by donations from abroad, hand-delivered by economically. It was clearly important for us as a board
faded beauty whose magnificent architecture is all and quickly took hold. So instead of heading home when
religious-cultural missions and in care packages sent by to go to Cuba and let Cuban Jewry know that we view
but crumbling, Havana greets travelers with open the JCCs of North America Biennial concluded in Miami,
the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. them as brothers and sisters and are there to advocate
arms. The warm, outgoing Cuban people eagerly a group of 45—board members, JCC presidents, and
for them. In the 1960s, when the Cold War with Russia
share stories of their lives against a backdrop of executive directors and spouses—boarded a plane at
“We came with suitcases filled with Tylenol, Advil, Band- was hot and we were at war in Vietnam and had no
poverty and deprivation. Residents subsist on meager food Miami International Airport bound for Jose Marti Airport
Aids and more,” said Rubin. The pharmacy, he observed, relations with China, it may have made sense for us to
rations, unable to obtain or afford modern conveniences. in Havana.
“is run by an incredible woman, a physician who freeze out Cuba as well. Today, in a very different world,
Private homeownership is prohibited. Until recently,
This first mission to Cuba was led by Arnie Sohinki, volunteers her time.” (The group also brought books and that isolationist policy no longer makes sense.”
cell phones were unavailable. The Jewish community in
senior vice-president for program services, who baseball cards for the children. Cubans are crazy about
Cuba, along with everyone else, suffers from these harsh Finally, the mission proved to be a wonderful bonding
arranged for the required license from the U.S. baseball, and the island has produced some spectacular
economic realities. But cultural and communal life is rich experience for the board. Said Jane Gellman of Milwaukee,
Department of Treasury for travel to Cuba under the players.) While Cuba’s national health care system does
and vibrant. Three Havana synagogues, two Ashkenazi a board member since the mid-‘80s, “This was a great way
State Department’s “People-to-People” exchange provide free high-quality care and exports doctors to the
and one Sephardic, continue to attract crowds to weekly for us to get to know each other better.”
program. (Although the United States and Cuba still rest of Latin America, a combination of factors, including
Shabbat services and other programs. One thousand Jews
do not have diplomatic relations, since 1999, the U.S. the U.S. embargo (which covers some food and medicine), Jane Calem Rosen is a freelance writer based in New Jersey.
remain of a community that numbered fifteen thousand
before the 1959 revolution that put Fidel Castro’s government has encouraged educational, cultural, the merger of large pharmaceutical companies, and the
communist government in power. religious, humanitarian and athletic missions, as well as collapse of Cuba’s patron the Soviet Union, makes it JCC Association is organizing
limited business and professional contacts.) difficult for ordinary citizens to obtain medications and
Those are some of the impressions a group of JCC other common medical supplies.
another mission to Cuba
Association board members and staff took away with them Perhaps the most surprising discovery was the lack November 9-16, 2008
after they visited Cuba in the spring. The group toured the of anti-Semitism and the degree to which Jews may The group also visited the small Orthodox congregation
Open to anyone affiliated with a JCC. For complete
national art museum and took in a performance by the openly practice their religion. Although Castro has been in Havana’s historic district. Learning that the
information, including visa application, registration
Cuban National Ballet. “It was spectacular,” said Honorary outspoken in his condemnation of Israel and Zionism, synagogue serves breakfast after the morning minyan,
and costs, please contact:
JCC Association Chair Ann Kaufman, from Houston. “Even a picture of his visit to a Havana synagogue hangs but sometimes finds it hard to feed everyone who shows
though the carpet was torn and the seats were broken [in prominently in the congregation’s lobby, and Cuba’s up, Sablotsky, a Miami resident, suggested that mission
the performance hall], the dancers were A-plus.” Jews are proud of their country’s history of welcoming participants do something hands-on to help. Because
Jewish refugees. Today, mission participants were told, tourists have a separate currency and access to goods
The idea for the trip was generated at a Biennial there are no barriers to anyone who wishes to make and services not available to Cubans, she explained, “we
Committee meeting chaired by Noreen Gordon Sablotsky Cippi Harte
aliyah. Cuban Jewish community leaders expressed were able to buy five to six dozen eggs, coffee, milk and vice president program services
cippi@jcca.org
JCC Association
20 jcc circle autumn 2008 www.jcca.org 520 Eighth Avenue, 4th floor
New York, NY 10018.
To throw more light on this pervasive
problem, the JCC conducted a student
leaders’ forum entitled Improving
School Climates before Picoult’s
jcc
presentation. The session was led by
Dr. Jo Ann Frieberg, the associate
educational consultant for bullying,
happenings
improving school climate, and character
education at the Connecticut State
Department of Education. Fourteen
area high schools each sent three
student leaders and a faculty member
to the event. Just before Picoult’s
what’s going on in the north american talk, Dr. Frieberg led an interactive
jewish community center movement discussion about school climates and
helped students to identify action steps
they could take to support one another.
Ms. Picoult also met with the students Photograph by Alice Longworth Asheville JCC’s First
Older Painters Book Festival Focuses
before the lecture and provided Annual “Falafel 5K”
autographed copies of her book.
Express Themselves on Peer Harassment Run/Walk & Fun Run
Twelve-Week Triathletes personal boundaries “one workout at a
time.” A successful athletic experience, Asheville JCC, Asheville, NC
Aaron Family JCC, Dallas, TX Mandell JCC, West Hartford, CT Each Butterfly a Soul JCC of Mid-Westchester he believes, can lead to achievement
To celebrate Yom Ha’azmaut, the
Clarice Post says in amazement, School bullying. Victimization. Scarsdale, NY in additional, seemingly unrelated
Asheville Jewish Community Center held
“I had never held a paintbrush in my Harassment. Violence. The Mandell
Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC, endeavors. The other coaches were
Staten Island, NY Christine Verna described herself as a its first annual Falafel 5K Run/Walk and
life until I was inspired to take this art JCC’s The New Jewish Book Festival Roger Kahn and John O’Brien, JCC
middle-aged housewife. “I’ve jogged the One Mile Fun Run in May. This family-
class at the J. Just look at what I have featured New York Times best-selling Shai Bar, a community shaliach sports and fitness director.
same three miles for over thirty years oriented race was held in conjunction
accomplished!” Thirteen members of author Jodi Picoult, whose latest novel working for a year as an emissary at Kahn, a nationally ranked swimmer who
and never pushed myself,” she admitted. with neighboring Congregation Beth
the senior adult department displayed Nineteen Minutes documents a shooting the Staten Island JCC, heard from has competed for 40 years, is a member
Michael Steinman, on the other hand, Israel’s annual event, “Celebration Israel.”
artwork in the JCC main lobby during in a small-town high school. After a friend in Israel about a project at of the JCC. He volunteered his time as
is a veteran of the New York Marathon.
a May art show. When the art class reading the book, it became clear to the Holocaust Museum of Houston. Race participants had a great time
Ned Bakelman wanted to be “as graceful a coach to help group members develop
started about five years ago, many of Executive Director David Jacobs that The museum wanted to collect one enjoying live music, plenty of falafel
in the water as a dancer on the stage,” technique and increase strength and
the students had never painted before. “Ms. Picoult’s talk presents a unique and a half million butterflies to and a post race party sponsored by the
and Helene Walisever set a fortieth endurance. “Swimming is in my blood,”
Now they enthusiastically tackle opportunity to engage and sensitize the commemorate the number of Jewish Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company.
birthday challenge for herself. he asserted.
different media, experimenting with very people who could have a positive children killed in the Holocaust. The event drew more than 150 runners,
color and texture in paintings impact on school climate—the high As the word spread, Staten Island What brought these four Scarsdale The program, which began in March, and promises to become an Asheville
and collages. school students and faculty themselves.” schools—public and private, residents together poolside with culminated in a half-mile swim, a 12-mile tradition. Proceeds from the race will
elementary to college—responded, as several other participants on a Tuesday bike, and 3.1 mile run on Father’s Day at benefit the scholarship funds of the
did many individuals, and eventually evening? A 12-week pilot program for the Long Island Gold Coast Triathlon. Asheville JCC.
four thousand butterflies painted in first-time triathletes—a partnership
watercolor and crayon, made with between the JCC of Mid-Westchester
crepe, construction paper, and even and Race with Purpose, a national Shorefront YM-YWHA, Brooklyn, NY
a foam plate, came into the JCC. organization that provides opportunities
Two thousand of them were the to combine community service with
centerpiece of a Yom HaShoah service athletic performance.
at the Bernikow JCC, hung from a One night, Triathlon Club members
chain-link curtain. had an hour to practice their kicks,
“Every single butterfly represents strokes and breathing in a supportive
a child,” said Bar, who said he was atmosphere at the JCC pool. Other
amazed “by so many people from all sessions were devoted to bicycling
over putting their hearts into arts and and running. “The coaching has been
crafts butterflies.” The memorial ended amazing—so professional with lots of
with a siren, as is traditional in Israel. personal attention,” said Dr. Walisever.
“They are taking us seriously,” added
Ms. Verna, who especially wanted to
improve her 3.2 mile/40-minute jogs, “so
now I really have to do this.”
Adam Krajchir of Race with Purpose was
Paul Bierbriar with his painting head coach for the triathlon training. West Point cadets visit with Russian-speaking members of the Shorefront
“Woman with the Lilies” He aims to help adults break past their YM-YWHA to practice their foreign language skills.
March
22-25
Commitment.
Community.
Excellence.
Leadership.