Blog
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 ›
A Weekend Of Reflection
February is Jewish Disabilities and Inclusion Awareness Month. We have shared and posted widely about how we approach inclusion as a community center and across our Jewish community. As the month was winding down, a group of 11 JCC Chicago team members were heading to the JCC Association Professional Conference. The day before was the […] Learn More ›
“I Got You, Let’s Go and Have Fun!”
Inclusion is something I am very passionate about, and is part of who I am. It has become a part of the way I think, teach others and live. My journey began many years ago, before I knew what inclusion really was. I was lucky enough to have had a Jewish camp experience — my […] Learn More ›