Blog
Join the Movement
Every Friday morning at 10:30am, children in our early childhood programs, from age six weeks to five years, gather to celebrate the Sabbath. They sing songs, light candles, say Hamotzi, drink grape juice. They joyfully experience the traditions of Shabbat that are engaged in throughout the city and around the world. With summer upon us, […] Learn More ›
Mommy Brain: Is it a thing?
I’m convinced I have the beginnings of dementia. I stay up late at night looking up the symptoms. No joke. My father died of a rare related illness, and I seriously can’t kick the feeling that something is wrong. I stop mid-sentence and ask others to remind me of what I was just saying. If […] Learn More ›
We Do Our Best Growing at Camp
One of my kids’ favorite books is “Goodnight” by Elizabeth Verdick. In the book, the narrator says, “I do my best growing when I’m sleeping.” That line has always stuck with me. While I don’t want to challenge Ms. Verdick, or main-stream science, I do have a different opinion. As the director of Apachi Village […] Learn More ›
Measured By Who Is Included
I officially took up golf last summer. It took some time to get the ball lofted, longer to move beyond the par three course near my house, and even longer to feel comfortable playing with anyone other than family. It’s an intimidating sport and you really can’t help but feel like everyone out there is […] Learn More ›
My J Story
My J story actually began back in the early 70’s on the south side of Chicago. We lived down the street from Michael Reese Hospital in a neighborhood called, Lake Meadows but spent most of our time in the Hyde Park area where I attended the Akiba Schechter Jewish Day School, and Congregation Rodfei Zedek […] Learn More ›
A Special Saturday Night
They say, “Home is where the Heart is,” and at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Chicago, hearts are not only evident in their logo but found in much of the artwork and murals displayed around the building. For those families residing at the Ronald McDonald House, their hearts are fragile, hopeful, full of optimism […] Learn More ›