JCC Association of North America

As Thanksgiving approaches, Leah Garber, director of the Center for Israel Engagement at JCC Association, shares her thoughts on gratitude in a time of hardship. She reflects on Israel’s resilience, the sacrifices of its soldiers, and the incredible support from around the world. Despite the struggles, there’s hope for a peaceful and united future. Read her message of thanks and hope this season: https://lnkd.in/evpV6BNQ

Over the past month, 80 professionals from 21 JCCs in South Florida and Greater NYC participated in the pilot sessions of M2: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education's Values in Action Training Course, a partnership between the JCC Association and the Institute for Experiential Jewish Education, with seed funding from JCRIF (Jewish Community Response & Impact Fund). A curated experience for JCC professionals, the training identified Jewish values core to JCC work and techniques to apply those values across all areas of JCC programming. One participant commented, "We can create more moments of Jewish awe and wonder for everyone involved in our JCC community." Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation Alper JCC Miami Jewish Community Alliance Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center David Posnack JCC The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee 14th Street Y JCC of Central NJ Commonpoint Queens The JCC OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY JCC MetroWest Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan JCC Mid-Westchester JCC Rockland Kaplen JCC on the Palisades Riverdale Y Harold and Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson Sid Jacobson JCC Stamford JCC Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island

Leah Garber, director of JCC Association's Center for Israel Engagement in Jerusalem, shares her thoughts in this week's blog after attending the 10th annual Z3 Conference (Z3 Project) an initiative started by the Oshman Family JCC. Her reflections highlight the importance of meaningful dialogue, connection, and collaboration within the global Jewish community. Through her experience, Leah reminds us how spaces like Z3 can inspire unity and deeper understanding, even amidst the most challenging times. Let’s continue to build bridges together, today—and every day. ?? Read Leah’s reflections: https://lnkd.in/gqJmCdr7

The echoes of the shofar and the scent of etrog may fade, but the memories of this extraordinary High Holiday season at Fort Liberty remain vivid. JWB Chaplain (CPT) Scott I. Klein reflects on witnessing a surge of interest in Jewish life on base during his first High Holidays as an active-duty chaplain, building on the joy, unity, and deep sense of connection among service members and families. New initiatives are set to continue this momentum and strengthen the bonds within the community.

Sam Aboudara, chief operating officer and executive director of NJY Camps, one of the largest Jewish camp complexes in North America, has a long history in the JCC Movement and is a shining example of the power of our professional development initiatives. Learn why he values Jewish camps, especially in today’s challenging world.

This past weekend, Lieutenant Commander Yonina Creditor, a distinguished JWB Chaplain, offered an inspiring prayer for the U.S. armed forces at the Stand Together Unity Event in Washington, D.C. Her words serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring values of unity and service.

Mazel Tov to the nine JCCs selected for the “From Good to Great Partnerships Matches” as part of the "JCC Global-From Good to Great" program! This impactful three-year initiative focuses on supporting and strengthening JCCs in Ukraine impacted by the war through strategic global partnerships. Inspired by the successful "JCC Global Amitim-Fellows" model, this program is generously supported by a grant from the Jewish Federations of North America. Marks JCH of Bensonhurst Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches Siegel JCC The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center JCC East Bay

As we look back on Veterans Day, we revisit an inspiring conversation between retired U.S. Navy Chaplain, JWB’s Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff, and Director of JWB and combat veteran Rabbi Larry Bazer. They share their stories of service, their bond, and the vital role of Jews in the military. Check out the full interview.

JCC Association of North America proudly welcomes the third cohort of the Tzedek: Jewish Service-Learning Cohort! This initiative, developed in partnership with Repair the World, is dedicated to empowering JCC professionals with skills in social justice, service learning, and Jewish education and continues to strengthen our commitment to tikkun olam. This cohort of JCC professionals will work to design and implement meaningful Jewish service-learning opportunities, enhancing both their professional skills and the programs offered across the JCC Movement. Learn more about this inspiring program.

Jennifer Mamlet, acting president & CEO of JCC Association, spoke along with other key Jewish communal professionals—Mimi Kravetz (JFNA), Jeremy Fingerman (Foundation for Jewish Camp), David Cygielman (Moishe House), Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove (Park Avenue Synagogue), and Amy Bressman (UJA-Federation of NY)—at the Jewish Federations of North America GA. Together, they addressed the post-October 7 “Surge” in Jewish life, exploring how we can navigate and respond to the growing needs of Jewish communities nationally and locally. In addition to Mamlet, more than a dozen others represented the JCC Movement at the gathering. Learn how we can map a collective path forward: bit.ly/4fNB8FR