By Franklin James “Listen, Heavens, I have something to tell you; Attention, Earth, I have got a mouth full of words.” (Deuteronomy 32:1) Writing about this week’s Torah portion, Haazinu … Continued
Early Childhood Educators at the Core of the Community
By Sarah Koffler Apples often symbolize educators and generally come to life in autumn, just as schools open for the new academic year. The apple trees bloomed early this year … Continued
שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם ~ Shabbat Shalom, 29 Elul 5780
Shanah Tovah | שנה טובא For six months we have been making our way through the lengthening pandemic as the days, at times, seem to pass at a snail’s pace. … Continued
The Dialectic Truth of Rosh Hashanah
By Dina Rudolph As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many of us struggle with varied emotions. We are concerned, anxious, and uncertain about the future. At the same time, we are … Continued
Amplifying a Commitment to Anti-Racism in the JCC Movement
By Cherisse Smith “When we revolt it’s not for a particular culture. We revolt simply because, for many reasons, we can no longer breathe.” ― Frantz Fanon At some point … Continued
שַׁבָּת שָׁלוֹם ~ Shabbat Shalom, 22 Elul 5780
Ani le-dodi ve-dodi li | אני לדודי ודודי לי I Am My Beloved’s and My Beloved Is Mine Labor Day in North America marks the informal end of the summer … Continued
Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech: Choosing to Be the Good in Life
By Jane E. Herman “I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day: I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life!” (Deuteronomy 30:19) … Continued
JResponse® Joins Efforts to Serve the Riverdale Y Community
By Annette McCann and Mark S. Young On Monday, August 24, five members of the staff team at JCC Association of North America put on their blue JResponse® t-shirts and … Continued
The Making of a Jewish Chaplain in the U.S. Navy
By Alex Hamilton I grew up in Oklahoma City as the son of an insurance claim representative, a Jewish educator, and two former diplomats (it’s a blended family). Growing up … Continued
Parashat Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19)
“You must not hand over, to his master, a slave who has taken refuge with you from his master.” (Deuteronomy 23:16) The chuppah, or Jewish wedding canopy, represents the household … Continued