JCC Association of North America

Ellen Daniel, Marketing Director at the Mayerson JCC, shares her thoughtful reflections on resilience, a quality deeply embedded in the fabric of Israel and its people. Through her journey as part of JCC Association's Martin Pear Fellowship, Ellen explores the enduring spirit and strength that have shaped a nation capable of overcoming immense challenges. In her blog post, she highlights the concept of "gam v'gam"—the idea of "both this and that"—reflecting the multifaceted resilience seen throughout Israel's history and culture. Read the full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/gwU7nHSU

Join JCC Association's Mark S. Young as he speaks with Michelle W. Malkin on the latest episode of the podcast, "It's Who You Know!", about navigating job transitions, the work of training and developing talent, and cultivating and accessing deep relationships (not just networking). Mark also shares insights into the incredible work happening at JCCs across North America and how they're making a difference in their communities. Don't miss out—tune in today and be inspired! 🔗 Listen now: It's Who You Know Podcast https://lnkd.in/ejCy-F-p

Through our Martin Pear Fellowship, JCC Association invests in the professional and personal growth of JCC professionals throughout our movement—cultivating a community of passionate, visionary leaders who are shaping the future of Jewish life across North America. Read today's article in the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle featuring Fara Marcus, Chief Development and Marketing Officer at Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, reflecting on her recent participation in the fellowship, her new friendships with other JCC professionals, and the transformative experience she had in Israel. “I talk about community and the impact of a gift,” she said. “I understand it now on a higher level." Read More: https://lnkd.in/g93WbbVW

Discover how our Jewish communities are addressing the loneliness epidemic. In this insightful piece, Zach Bodner, President and CEO of the Oshman Family JCC and board member of JCC Association of North America, and Shana Penn, Executive Director of Taube Philanthropies and board member of the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco and Jewish Silicon Valley, explore the powerful role our JCCs play in fostering connections and combating isolation. Read more on eJewish Philanthropy: https://lnkd.in/eUeZ_GQw

Today we celebrate Juneteenth. Also known as "Freedom Day," Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of the last slaves in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation declared slaves legally free on January 1, 1863, the law wasn’t enforced in every state until more than two years later, on June 19, 1865. Over 150 years later, the journey to liberty and equity continues. The JCC Movement is committed to embracing and implementing the ideals of inclusion and justice, as we model what solidarity and equality look like woven into North American Jewish life. Happy Juneteenth!

"My words today are written with tears that refuse to stop flowing. Endless sorrow for new graves being dug, for our soil that can no longer contain the many dead and begs us to stop nourishing her with the best of our boys. She wants to feel them running barefoot from above with their children, not lying in her in eternal silence. Even in this painful reality, life goes on. People fall in love, get married, and are eager to start families. Last night I attended a wedding, but it wasn’t easy to be fully present. I was only partly there. It was hard to be happy. Joy was mixed with sadness, the war is always with us, and we couldn’t let go of the all-encompassing and unrelenting pain even for an hour to dance with the bride and groom on their happy day." Read today's "View From Jerusalem" written by Leah Garber, senior vice president of JCC Association of North America and director of our Center for Israel Engagement in Jerusalem.

Congratulations to Cohort 2 of JCC Association's Bless Our Workforce Institute! Over the past five months, 26 managers from JCCs across the continent participated in learning sessions and reflective assignments equipping them with tools, strategies, and concepts to better motivate their teams. Drawing on insights from the book "Bless Our Workforce" by JCC Association's Mark S. Young, these managers are now well-positioned to cultivate a more engaging and fulfilling work environment, thereby bolstering employee satisfaction and productivity. Cohort member Aaron Fineberg, Assistant Director of Development for Individual Giving at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades reflected on his experience, sharing, "I have definitely become more patient and better at listening to my staff. Instead of always coming up with solutions [on my own], I have really tried to make [my saff] the primary focus." Mazel Tov to all the members of Cohort 2!

Happy Shavuot! Chag Sameach!

JCC Association of North America is thrilled to welcome Rabbi Laurence Bazer as a new vice president of JCC Association and director of JWB Jewish Chaplains Council®. Rabbi Bazer brings over 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army and National Guard, as well as extensive experience as a pulpit rabbi. In this new role, he will be a powerful advocate for Jewish military personnel and their families, ensuring they have access to meaningful religious, educational, and communal experiences. Join us in congratulating Rabbi Bazer on this appointment. We look forward to the incredible impact he will make supporting Jews in the armed forces through the critical work of JWB.

"Last weekend was one of the rare moments of elation, the few that Israel has known since the October 7 massacre. The only other times we felt a similar surge of joy were when other hostages returned safely from captivity in Gaza." Read today's "View From Jerusalem" written by Leah Garber, senior vice president of JCC Association of North America and director of our Center for Israel Engagement.