Kaplen JCC on the Palisades

Jews around the world this week will read a portion of the book of Numbers that tells of Balak, the Moabite king, fearing the military might of the Israelites. To stave off an attack, he orders the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. God intervenes, rendering Balaam unable to say the curses; ultimately, he can only prophesize that the Israelites are “a people that dwells alone not reckoned among the nations.” In these dark times, CEO Idana Goldberg find this characterization to be “both blessing and curse depending on the lens through which one views it. As a portrayal of the curse of isolation, it can serve as a call for us to reject prophecy as destiny and build bridges of allyship and deep mutual commitment. As a depiction of the blessing of solidarity, it impels us to ensure there is a place in the Jewish community for all who seek it." Read her full commentary and learn more about grantees like Interfaith America and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs that are bridging across diverse groups to create cultures of tolerance, respect, and mutual support and safety within today’s fractured communities and campuses. To sign up for The Russell Berrie Foundation newsletter, visit https://lnkd.in/ecDPdQRn. Cc Amy Spitalnick Eboo Patel Jenan Mohajir Rebecca Russo Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation Shira Epstein Brigid Goggin Ariel Moritz

In moments of crisis, showing up can speak volumes. In November and again in January, amidst the echoes of October 7, a determined group of JCC Movement leaders—both professional and lay—traveled to Israel. Their mission? A profound demonstration of solidarity, rooted in the conviction that as pillars of the largest platform for Jewish engagement in North America, it was essential to show up, bear witness, and share the truth of the October 7 atrocities with the world. Their journey was more than a gesture; it was a powerful commitment to support Israelis of all backgrounds and to ensure the world hears the truth about the atrocities of October 7. These JCC leaders, having witnessed the reality on the ground, returned home with stories that needed to be told. Stories of pain, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of community. Some of these leaders have since poured their experiences into moving reflections, capturing not just the events they witnessed but the emotions that cannot be conveyed in headlines alone. This is not just an invitation to read their reflections; it's a call to witness, understand, and share the depth of their experiences. Discover their journey and share their stories: https://lnkd.in/gf_hB7qy #JCCsStandWithIsrael Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh Boulder JCC Kaplen JCC on the Palisades JCC San Diego Sid Jacobson JCC Jewish Silicon Valley Shalom Institute Tucson Jewish Community Center THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE NORTH SHORE INC Doron Krakow Leah Garber David Black Jeff Dannick Barak Hermann Bill Kaplan Jason Kunzman Betzy Weinblatt-Lynch Todd Rockoff Steve Rogers Martin Schneer Daniel Klein Jonathan Lev

celebrating marty, 104 years young, and remy, 4 years old. intergenerational programming between our adult day program and our early childhood center is the best! no where else but at the kaplen jcc 😊 #intergenerational #birthdaycelebration #seniors Kaplen JCC on the Palisades William Judi Carli Ilana Adyna Miriam Jerico

We are counting down the days to open our doors in our new location: the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades! Check out this article in The Jewish Link to read more about our exciting move and partnership: