By Jane E. Herman This week’s Torah portion, T’rumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19), opens with these words: “The Eternal spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you … Continued
Get to Know Some of Israel’s Local Inclusion Heroes
By Sara Sless “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” — Verna Myers, thought leader and social commentator North America’s Jewish community is in … Continued
Celebrating Black History Month at JCCs Across the Continent
By Jane E. Herman With roots that date back to 1915, Black History Month, according to the website of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, … Continued
Parashat Mishpatim: The Mission of the People of Israel
By Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz, Ph.D. We last left the Israelites standing at the foot of Mount Sinai, and this week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18), picks up in the same … Continued
How Child Wellness Is Promoting Inclusion in the JCC Movement
By Mackenzie Adams One of my colleagues recently wrote about the seven Jewish lenses that guide the work of JCC Association of North America’s Sheva Center. The lens of tzelem … Continued
Parashat Yitro: Lessons in Leadership 101
By Sara Sless I was honored and humbled when, a while back, I was invited to write a d’var Torah (a commentary on the weekly Torah portion). Immediately, I thought … Continued
Leading the Way With a Big Tent Open to All
By Todd Rockoff and Scott Ehrlich As we enter Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM)—a unified effort among Jewish organizations and communities worldwide to raise awareness and foster inclusion … Continued
New Partnership Offers Israel Education Certificate to JCC Professionals
New Partnership Offers Israel Education Certificate to JCC Professionals Initiative will expand depth of Israel education in JCCs across North America NEW YORK, NY—JCC Association of North America joins the … Continued
Parashat Beshalach: The Short Road Isn’t Always the Best Road
By Rabbi Irving A. Elson Growing up, certain phrases uttered by my dad always struck panic in my family: “Yeah, I think I can fix that!” “This doesn’t seem so … Continued
Remembering the Four Chaplains: 78nd Anniversary of the Sinking of the USS Dorchester
“Four Chaplains Day” every February 3, commemorates the sinking of the USS Dorchester, a military transport carrying about 900 U.S. Army troops during World War II, and the “Four … Continued