Blog
The Value of Practicing Gratitude (Even When We Don’t Feel Like It)
In the early days and weeks of the pandemic, amidst the overwhelming uncertainty and disorientation of it all, it was relatively easy to find the silver linings of a stay-at-home order. Leisurely morning coffee in jammies, the safety and privilege of working from home, mid-day family walks around the block, permission to stop making social […] Learn More ›
Film Festival Spotlight: Here We Are
Here We Are is a heartwarming film of the love a father has for his son. Aharon has devoted his life to raising his son Uri. They live together in a gentle routine, away from the real world. But Uri is autistic, and now as a young adult it might be time for him to […] Learn More ›
Film Festival Spotlight: Mossad
Need a good laugh? Mossad is a laugh out loud film; it was funny and fun to watch. This is not the usual gritty Israeli movie complete with sex, political conflict, war and teen angst that does well at film festivals, but not at the Israeli box office. Blue and white films have come a long way! Mossad […] Learn More ›
Growing with the J
Since I was a kid growing up in Wilmette, many of my life experiences were built by JCC Chicago. With every turn I took and every choice I faced; the J was there with a program that fit my needs as I moved along my own personal “Game of Life.” Looking back, I realized my […] Learn More ›
Film Festival Spotlight: Asia
One of the joys of directing the JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival is the opportunity to experience the breadth of Jewish films that are being made each year. Ruth Pribar’s first feature film, Asia, is a powerful film about the relationship between a mother and her teenaged daughter. Beyond the normal tension that one might expect […] Learn More ›
A Foot In Both “Camps”
I have worked in Early Childhood education for 25 years, the past 8 years at JCC Chicago, which has been a highly creative and fulfilling labor of love. So, naturally my team and I got creative when we needed to go virtual this past spring. Teachers made home visits to families, social distancing at the end of the […] Learn More ›