Blog
Purim Connections
Purim has always been one of my favorite holidays. Whether dressing up in costume or hearing the Megillah and shpiel at my synagogue, I revel in all the special holiday traditions. Growing up, the thing that I most loved was always baking hamentashen with my mother and sisters. We always used my Bubbe’s recipe which […] Learn More ›
My All Star Experience
Written by Josh Prager, a senior at Evanston Township High School I have volunteered with All-Star Abilities for the past two years. This program brings teenagers with special needs and pairs them with teen peer volunteers as a workout buddy. The volunteers teach the participants how to use various pieces of workout equipment, while keeping […] Learn More ›
D’ror Yikra, “The road to freedom”
Abbey Finn, sophomore at Buffalo Grove High School, a club leader at her JSC club This past week, I attended USY’s (United Synagogue Youth) International Convention in Chicago. It was easily one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I’ve been involved in USY since elementary school, but becoming active internationally was unlike anything […] Learn More ›
Fostering Imagination, Creativity & Invention
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. -Pablo Picasso January 17th is Kid Inventors’ Day! A group of people developed this celebration a few years ago to recognize the achievements of the youngest inventors as well as encourage more children to be creative. The date […] Learn More ›
Reflections on a Life Dedicated to Community and Philanthropy – Elaine Frank (1917 -2017)
We often speak about JCC Chicago being over 100 years old. For over three quarters of this time, Elaine Frank was integrally involved, powering the agency to who we are today. Elaine’s belief in enriching lives and building community is self-evident in a legacy of giving, including naming our Elaine Frank (EFA) and “Z” Frank (ZFA) Apachi […] Learn More ›
Why Camp Friends are the Best Friends
I just got back from a weekend visiting one of my best friends from my childhood camp. We had not seen each other for over a decade due to work, kids and just life, but the moment we were together again it was as if no time passed. The shared memories and experience came flooding […] Learn More ›