Getting Back to the Basics
Getting Back to the Basics
From snow days to snow cones, it’s hard to believe that summer is almost here! Although each of us is coming off of a different school year experience, it appears that the one constant has been how we all spent our days and nights driving our over-programmed children from place to place. As we prepare […] Learn More ›
Apachi Old Town’s Risk & Rewards
As a parent or teacher, how many times in a day do you say to a child, “Be careful” or “Watch what you’re doing” or “Stop, you’re going to get hurt”? We are the ultimate risk managers, professional watchers, injury prevention specialists and worriers about all things potentially dangerous. We are the closest thing to […] Learn More ›
The Real Score
“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” Which camp (no pun intended) are you in? The discussion of kids, sports, winning and losing often ignites passions on both sides of the field. Are we wrong to think that sports should prepare […] Learn More ›
Bringing Israel Home for Real
My job at JCC Chicago affords me the opportunity to visit Israel many times each year, often as the leader of one of our community Israel trips. Trip after trip I observe participants marveling at the warmth and hospitality that is part of Israeli culture. We are invited into people’s homes for Shabbat, enthusiastically welcomed […] Learn More ›
A Passover Message from Alan
Passover has always been one of my favorite Jewish holidays. I love that the holiday is celebrated in the home and that it’s all about telling a story— a story that continues to define us a Jewish people. Telling the story of Passover is an important part of our religion and our culture. It’s our […] Learn More ›
More than a Taste of Israel
A little over two weeks ago, I embarked on what would be a life-changing experience: my first trip to Israel as staff for CFJE’s Ta’am Yisrael Trip. It is difficult to put into words my feelings about this adventure, but I am going to try. As the plane touched down at Ben Gurion Airport, I […] Learn More ›
Make Your Break a J Spring Break
Spring is (almost) in the air, which means that a week off from school is quickly approaching. JCC Chicago has great programs, trips and events to keep kids, teens and the whole family busy and having fun. Family Swim & Parent-Tot Swim Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook Various Dates | All Ages You don’t have […] Learn More ›
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 ›
The Gift of Giving
The time of year has come when our children are busy in their classrooms learning about the story of Hanukkah. The aroma of latkes fills the hallways, books about brave Macabees take over the library corners, and riveting games of dreidel are in full swing. While gift giving has not always been a tradition of […] Learn More ›
Stay Busy with the J During Winter Break
Winter Break is almost here! Kids are excited, but, for parents, two weeks off from school can feel like a long time. JCC Chicago is here to help with great programs, camps and events for the whole family. Sense-Sational Swim Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook Dec. 17 | Families Join Keshet and JCC Chicago for […] Learn More ›
Seeing People for Who They Are. A Life Lesson Turned Life’s Work.
December 4th will mark two years since I have been able to feel his warm embrace, see his smile, or seek advice from him. After living with advanced Multiple sclerosis (MS) for over 20 years my father, Brad Saul, lost the battle for his life due to this disease. My father was diagnosed with MS […] Learn More ›