Home is Where the J Is
What does a “J” story look like if you grow up in an area without a JCC? It looks a lot like Hoffman Estates, IL, my hometown—a place not really known as a beacon of Jewish community life. Sure, there was one temple and the token 15 Jewish kids in a high school of 2400. […] Learn More ›
Looking Back. Looking Forward. Creating a Jewish Legacy.
My JCC “first” was when I was five-years-old and my parents enrolled me in enrichment classes at Bernard Horwich JCC in Rogers Park. I can still smell the swimming pool where I learned to swim, the wood crafting classes and riding the bus from my grade school to the J. As I grew, the J […] Learn More ›
Why is Legacy Giving So Important? Here’s Why.
As a kid, I spent every day at my J in Milwaukee. I would swim, I would play basketball. I loved being there. My summers were all about JCC day camp and, eventually, Camp Chi. The J was my place to play sports, have fun, and be with friends all summer long. It was an […] Learn More ›
What It Means to Create a Jewish Legacy
It seems now, more than ever, legacy giving is an essential part of the growth and trajectory of our Jewish community. Legacy gifts are a wonderful way to connect generation to generation, providing an essential lifeline and connection to our community. But for me, it’s personal. Supporting our JCC allows us to set an example for […] Learn More ›
The Daily Practice of Being Thankful
It’s very American to be thankful once a year around Thanksgiving. But, it’s profoundly Jewish to be thankful daily. Being gracious and thankful brings me such joy…not happiness…joy (which is different), and it enables me to reflect on the preciousness of my life right now, how beautiful and special my family is and how lucky […] Learn More ›
Service, Leadership and Legacy
My love for JCC Chicago began when I was a child, but not in the way most children become involved. For me, it was through my mother and grandmother. My grandmother was a member of the original board of the Women’s Auxiliary and part of the talented group of women who created and published Thoughts […] Learn More ›