The Stickiness of Jewish Camp
The Stickiness of Jewish Camp
I’ve written about my family before—how I met my husband at the Bernard Horwich JCC at the age of 20, converted to Orthodox Judaism, and embrace the joys and challenges of raising four kids. I find that sharing my own story makes it easier to both connect with others and for others to find connection […] Learn More ›
A New Golden Age
Last weekend, my husband and I saw the new Quentin Tarantino movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The story is set in 1969, the final years of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and depicts all the grit and glamour of the period, leaving audience members somewhat wistful for the way things were. Back to work on Monday, […] Learn More ›
Dear beloved children, I am your teacher, and you are mine.
Dear beloved children, Our journey began here where I sat amongst the floating papers, scattered staples, the books and the toys. I looked around the room with great intention and immense joy. I pictured where the new friendships would bud, where your inquisitive questions might be inspired and where in this space you might reach […] Learn More ›
School Credit Is The Least Of What I Gained From My Internship
Coming into my internship this summer, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew of JCC Chicago, but I had never had any firsthand experience. To me, JCC Chicago was a place to engage in a wide variety of activities like swimming, working out, going to camp—or in my case, a photography internship. But as […] Learn More ›
Coping With First Day Jitters: Not Just for Kids!
For me, the first day of work always comes with anticipation. What will it be like? Will everyone like me? Will anyone talk to me? Will I miss my old friends? Will people want to work with me? I can tell you thinking about my first day made me nervous. The bags under my eyes were definitely visual proof! One of the […] Learn More ›
The Unifying Power of Sports and the Undeniable Divide
Though I never believed it would happen, I have become a die-hard sports fan. I watch football, baseball and golf (yes, even golf on TV I find thrilling!). I followed March Madness for the first time last year and checked the standings regularly. I cheer wildly in my orange and blue t-shirt with my kid’s […] Learn More ›
A New Mom’s Personal Reflection on her J Journey and Dreams for Her Son
It’s funny the things that stick with you. I recall, so clearly, landing at O’Hare Airport on December 5, 1989 and the snowy tarmac that welcomed us on our first day in this new country. So much so that any memories from before that, almost feel like they are from a different person. I also […] Learn More ›
Meet Devorah Horovicz
Stop by Bernard Horwich JCC in W. Rogers Park and meet Devorah Horovicz, Manager of Community Programs for JCC Chicago. Devorah has deep roots in the community and is excited to be part of the J family. In her new role, Devorah oversees Sports and Recreation, Aquatics and Fitness in W. Rogers Park, Evanston and […] Learn More ›
The Gift of “What If?”
When I began my JCC journey back in the 90’s as the front desk girl at Mayer Kaplan JCC, I was in college and had no idea what to be when I grew up. I changed my mind so many times….what if I became a lawyer, social worker, pediatrician, comedian, (I think it’s not too […] Learn More ›
A Nostalgic Visit to Camp
One of the best parts about starting a new job is the opportunity to just listen—to spend time meeting people, building relationships and experiencing the true power of how Jewish organizations enrich lives. Every time I’m out of the office experiencing the programs JUF supports, I am reminded about our collective impact. In that vein, […] Learn More ›
The Magic of Kindness
We’ve been talking a lot about inclusion. I’ve touted grants received to support accessibility and recognition of our staff leading the field. But it wasn’t until this past weekend that I truly understood the impact of what we do every day. Charlie is my youngest of four. And he’s the youngest by far in our […] Learn More ›
Join the Movement
Every Friday morning at 10:30am, children in our early childhood programs, from age six weeks to five years, gather to celebrate the Sabbath. They sing songs, light candles, say Hamotzi, drink grape juice. They joyfully experience the traditions of Shabbat that are engaged in throughout the city and around the world. With summer upon us, […] Learn More ›
Mommy Brain: Is it a thing?
I’m convinced I have the beginnings of dementia. I stay up late at night looking up the symptoms. No joke. My father died of a rare related illness, and I seriously can’t kick the feeling that something is wrong. I stop mid-sentence and ask others to remind me of what I was just saying. If […] Learn More ›
We Do Our Best Growing at Camp
One of my kids’ favorite books is “Goodnight” by Elizabeth Verdick. In the book, the narrator says, “I do my best growing when I’m sleeping.” That line has always stuck with me. While I don’t want to challenge Ms. Verdick, or main-stream science, I do have a different opinion. As the director of Apachi Village […] Learn More ›
Measured By Who Is Included
I officially took up golf last summer. It took some time to get the ball lofted, longer to move beyond the par three course near my house, and even longer to feel comfortable playing with anyone other than family. It’s an intimidating sport and you really can’t help but feel like everyone out there is […] Learn More ›
My J Story
My J story actually began back in the early 70’s on the south side of Chicago. We lived down the street from Michael Reese Hospital in a neighborhood called, Lake Meadows but spent most of our time in the Hyde Park area where I attended the Akiba Schechter Jewish Day School, and Congregation Rodfei Zedek […] Learn More ›