Blog
The Connection and Community We Crave: Here’s My Story
I just returned home from our first trip to Israel. I’m 45 years old and converted to Judaism at the age of 24. I was raised with Christmas, but without religion. I was shomer Shabbos for 11 years and have been just Jewish for the past six. My husband is born and bred West Rogers […] Learn More ›
My Family’s Breast Cancer Journey
The CDC reports that 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish women has a BRCA gene mutation, which is the most widely known genetic factor that can lead to breast cancer. This is my family’s breast cancer journey. In 2003, eleven years after we lost my father to Mesothelioma, an asbestos related lung cancer, my mother was […] Learn More ›
Embrace Inspiration
I’m an early riser. The alarm sounds at 5:30am and within the hour I’m on my way. I follow a routine, like many do—tune into NPR, make a wake-up call to a dear friend, hit the Starbucks drive-thru. From the moment I walk out of my front door, I feel the anticipation of the day. […] Learn More ›
Meet Shayna Jensky, Manager, 20s & 30s, JCC Chicago
My name is Shayna Jensky and I am thrilled to be the new Manager of 20s & 30s for JCC Chicago. I’ve spent the past couple of years working with the 20s & 30s community at a Chicago-area synagogue, so I am sure I know many of you already. To those of you who I have not […] Learn More ›
First This: Thinking About First Moments in the New Year
First Female President/CEO of JCC Chicago. I’ve seen this headline quite a bit in recent weeks. And with the convergence of a new year and new position, I’ve been reflecting on what it means. Merriam-Webster defines “first” as “preceding all others in time.” JCC Association reports that of the 112 affiliated JCCs in North America, […] Learn More ›
Great Job on Working Out for One Hour! What Are You Doing the Rest of the Day?
Spending that one hour in the gym and the rest of your day predominantly sitting can still be considered a sedentary lifestyle. Incidental physical activity refers to physical activity performed as a part of daily living, like walking or taking the stairs. Engaging in incidental physical activity throughout the day is important as it can […] Learn More ›