By Leah Garber Autumn’s wandering birds carry foreign scents and a touch of mystery. What secrets hide under their wings, carried like blowing leaves by cool winds? Exaltation is in … Continued
Parashat Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘“They have done well in speaking thus.’” (Deuteronomy 18:17) Parashat Shoftim focusses on the centrality of law in a just society. Each of the … Continued
Reopening Our Jewish Community Centers: A Case Study in the New Normal
by Jane E. Herman When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down our towns and cities—and our lives—in mid-March, many Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) shut their doors to regular members but remained … Continued
Philanthropists Carol and Michael Staenberg Provide Extraordinary Support to Midwest JCCs
Generosity creates state-of-the art facilities, enriches Jewish communities, and helps JCCs succeed NEW YORK —JCC Association of North America is proud and honored to recognize Carol and Michael Staenberg of … Continued
Amidst the Perfect Storm, a Peace Treaty
Late Thursday night, in the midst of a hot, steamy and extremely challenging summer for Israel, the country’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, broadcast a statement to the entire country. For … Continued
Parashat R’eih (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:12)
“For there will never cease to be needy ones in your land, which is why I command you: open your hand to the poor and needy kinsman in your land.” … Continued
Parashat Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25)
“Do not be terrified of them, for God, your God in your midst, is a great and awesome God.” (Deuteronomy 7:21) Parashat Eikev commands “You will eat and you will … Continued
How the Power of Ritual Made Us Strong
by Annie Keith As the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold, it became increasingly clear that the Hineni: 4-day JResponder training orientation scheduled for March 23-26 in Houston would be postponed. … Continued
Parashat Va-etchanan (Deut. 3:23-7:11)
“Let me, I pray, cross over and see the good land on the other side of the Jordan, that good hill country, and the Lebanon.” (Deuteronomy 3:23) Last week, Moses … Continued
In the Face of Inequality and Injustice: What Are JCCs Doing?
by Jane E. Herman Following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis at the end of May, protesters filled America’s streets, demanding racial equality and justice. As the “Jewish town square” in … Continued