Blog
Women’s Board 2021 Year in Review
2021 was a successful year for JCC Chicago Women’s Board. Thank you to the over 250 people who donated towards the Summer of Smiles and Be our Friend campaigns helping raise $135,000 to support JCC Chicago camp scholarship programs last year. A Jewish camp has numerous benefits for children including helping kids succeed beyond childhood, […] Learn More ›
Spotlight on Inclusion: The Axelrod Family
Throughout the month of February, we will be sharing blogs from members of our community about their experiences being touched by the J’s inclusive programming. Our first family, Corey and Jennifer Axelrod are parents of two twin boys, Ryder and Jordan, who attend our Early Childhood program at Lake County JCC. Both Corey and Jennifer […] Learn More ›
My Jewish Identity: Introducing Simone Redensky, A Springboard Peer Ambassador
Attending Camp Chi, a Jewish camp in Wisconsin, was a pivotal moment in my Jewish journey. It was one of my first exposures to Jewish culture and religion. I did not grow up in a religious family, but we celebrated Shabbat and a few other holidays. We had a lot of Jewish family friends, but […] Learn More ›
Closing The Fitness Gap For Teens With Disabilities
As a first-year special education teacher, I’ve seen the true injustice that stems from a lack of information and opportunity when it comes to those with disabilities. It’s a fundamental issue in our society to assume that people with disabilities are not fit for a task before being given the opportunity to try, regardless of […] Learn More ›
Our Promise To Persevere
The Jewish value of hatmadah, “to persevere,” is about not giving up. Perseverance is commitment, pride, and a positive attitude. Perseverance is the ability to stick to something even though circumstances make it challenging. Perseverance is about trying despite obstacles or discouragement. Reflecting on the past year, perseverance is the most powerful word that comes […] Learn More ›
As I Step Into Retirement
We have all heard the cliché about doing what you love. For me, I’ve been doing what I love since January 15, 1996. For 25 years, I’ve served as JCC Chicago’s Jewish Educator. I replaced “job hopping” with “job clinging” because for me, each year has felt totally fresh and not just another loop around […] Learn More ›