A Summer of Smiles at Apachi
A Summer of Smiles at Apachi
Our parents and campers from across Apachi Day Camps know exactly what to say! “As I said today, you guys absolutely slayed it! I am so impressed, and we are all so grateful for the unbelievable effort you put forth. Congratulations!” “I want to thank you both for the camp experience that my kids […] Learn More ›
The J is Here for You!
As we get ready for and settle into a most unusual school year, the J is here for you and your family. We’re continually ideating and adapting our program models to serve our families. Whether you need supervised support for your child’s remote learning, safe pod space for your kids to zoom into their classrooms, […] Learn More ›
Looking Back. Looking Forward.
As Camp Chi celebrates 100 years of camp in summer 2021, it will also be 50 years since my first summer being a camper. I can still remember learning to canoe properly, karate lessons, Maccabiah games and leaving the dining hall with my ears ringing after meals–so loud with cheering, singing and spirit. My best […] Learn More ›
Connecting the Divide
Growing up in West Rogers Park every day was a JCC day. The J is where I learned how to swim, took ballet lessons and visited my grandmother in the senior adult center. I went to concerts and dances. I completed leadership training classes, became a lifeguard and got involved in Jewish activism. I went […] Learn More ›
Ode to the Senior Mermaids
For almost 20 years we did aqua, in the Bernard Weinger JCC pool. We kicked and jumped with our noodles. It kept us svelte and cool. Most of us didn’t know each other too well. There was so much to do, and no time to dwell. Jobs and classes and time to baby sit. We could […] Learn More ›
The J I’ve Always Wanted to Be Part Of
In early January, long before the Covid-19 pandemic was part of our everyday consciousness, I began to spend a great deal of time reflecting on my career at JCC Chicago. 2020 marks my 25th year as a Jewish communal professional at the J. As the world, the Jewish community as a whole, and JCC Chicago […] Learn More ›
The Human Connection Of Camp
Oh, what a difference a return to ‘normal’ makes! We are so thankful that Apachi Day Camp is back. The happiness on the faces of our two daughters each and every day when we pick them up could make your heart melt. We know there has been a tremendous amount of effort and thought that […] Learn More ›
A Message from the CEO with an Attitude of Gratitude
It seems like yesterday and a lifetime ago at the same time. On March 16, we launched Channel J just days before Governor Pritzker’s Shelter at Home order went into effect. JCC Chicago had already suspended childcare and preschool at six early childhood centers and would make the heart-wrenching decision to cancel Camp Chi’s 99th […] Learn More ›
Raising Good People
My good friend sent her oldest son to basic training this past weekend as we celebrated America’s birthday during a global pandemic. Her son, a recent Glenbrook North High School graduate, self-selected to join the army to serve his country–and I could not be prouder of their family and commitment to community and the greater […] Learn More ›
Little Moments Last A Lifetime
When the decision to cancel Camp Chi this summer was made, I’ll admit, I was a little lost. Although I know we made the best possible decision, it was hard to digest that I would be away from Chi for a summer for the first time since 2000. To cope with this, I would go […] Learn More ›
Some Things Happen For A Reason
Sometimes I forget I am gay. I have only been out for 7 years, yet in ways, it’s been a lifetime. I have been so fortunate trailblazers have paved the way before me, fighting for their rights to work, live and succeed in life, being their true selves. I am fortunate to have a kind, […] Learn More ›
On Father’s Day, Family is the Gift I’m Most Grateful For
Looking over the entirety of my life I am so grateful for all the blessings I’ve had the good fortune to experience. I realize and am boundlessly appreciative of all the elements that came together to make this happen. No one’s life is perfect. We’ve all faced enormous challenges of one type or another. We’ve […] Learn More ›
There Is No Chance That We Will Fall Apart
“There is no chance that we will fall apart. There is no chance, there are no parts.” This was a poem by June Jordan that was introduced to me during the second week of being home. I heard these words during a virtual Friday night shabbat service with Mishkan Chicago and it has been my […] Learn More ›
When I Have Time
How often did we say these things to ourselves time after time when it came to self-care, family obligations or just about anything that sounded a tab bit inconvenient in our day to day lives? Now, with this newfound time on our hands, we have taken up hobbies we’ve talked about doing; reading more, cleaning […] Learn More ›
Building the Communities We Want to See
Dear Friends, Here we are again— trying to make sense of the seemingly broken world around us, trying to find the words to comfort our children as we bear witness to yet another historic moment in modern history. The unlawful killing of George Floyd, the too many names of other unarmed black Americans who have […] Learn More ›
Choosing An Attitude of Gratitude
One positive aspect of being home for our graphic design team is the gift of time to concept, to do some bigger thinking about what our direction should or could take in the fall. The opportunity to create and brand Channel J was exciting for us to take on. But for some reason, I felt […] Learn More ›