Standing in Solidarity with GLSEN Day of Silence
Standing in Solidarity with GLSEN Day of Silence
The GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools. As an agency, JCC Chicago will be joining the GLSEN Day of Silence on Friday, April 22 in […] Learn More ›
Bring a Bit of Israel to Your Home this Summer
Host an Israeli Camp Counselor! Each summer, Apachi Day Camp hires Israeli staff, known as shlichim, who enrich our Apachi community by exposing our campers to Israeli culture and traditions. This summer, you can bring a bit of Israel to your home by hosting an Israeli counselor! The J is looking for families who live […] Learn More ›
Grandparents, Please Write Your Stories!
My granddaughter Jessica was the one who inspired me to write my stories. “What was life like when you were a boy, Grandpa Jerry?” she started asking me last year. “What were some favorite games you played with your friends? What did you spend your allowance on? What were your parents and grandparents like?” As […] Learn More ›
A Taste of the Great Outdoors
My son, Max, loves the outdoors. It’s where he thrives. No matter where we vacationed, he loved getting outside and exploring nature. When he entered middle school, we looked for an overnight camp program that would provide him the opportunity to hike, raft and camp outdoors, but we faced a real challenge. It was hard […] Learn More ›
Empowering Future Jewish, Female Leaders
This March, we recognize Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by celebrating the amazing and inspiring women who have forged a path in our history. JCC Chicago prides itself in providing women and girls opportunities to find leadership roles and gain valuable skills to help make an impact in the community. Sophia Libman and […] Learn More ›
Spotlight On Inclusion: Michelle Friedman
We’re closing Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month with Michelle Friedman, a member of our Jewish community who is sharing her experience of being a parent with a disability and discusses how the community can continue to grow its inclusive mindset. What has your experience been like in the Jewish community? How have […] Learn More ›
The Benefit of Investing In Women Leaders
After a career in recruitment for over a decade, I had come to a fork in the road. Working in Talent Acquisition for a premier healthcare system in Illinois, the workforce I supported was being tested every day by the pandemic. Their struggles were agonizing. We all were working long hours, feeling anxious, frustrated, and […] Learn More ›
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 ›
We’re Thankful for JCC Chicago
What are you thankful for? It’s a common question asked during this time of the year. As many of us gather around a dinner table to feast on our Thanksgiving favorites, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on what you’re thankful for in your life. After more than a year of navigating a pandemic world, […] Learn More ›
Finding Our ‘Center’
As JCC Chicago sets course for celebrating its 118th year, I’m both honored and humbled to be appointed Chairman of the Board. When I joined the JCC Chicago board 5-years ago, I never envisioned becoming its chair, but the passion and commitment I felt was contagious. I was raised in Milwaukee and spent a considerable […] Learn More ›
Strengthening Our Camp Community
When I think about what inclusivity can do for a community, I think about the Keshet Avodah Corps at Camp Chi. This program allows older teens and young adults with disabilities to work independently at camp during the summer and learn key-life skills that can help them prepare for the next phase of their lives. […] Learn More ›