Thurs., Feb. 6: Power has been restored, however, the J will remain closed until 6:30am on Friday, Feb. 7 for regular business hours.

Disability, Humanity, and Belonging: A JDAIM Reflection

You probably are aware that the month of February is Black History Month and the importance of learning about Black history and culture. The month of February is also Jewish Disability Awareness Acceptance and Inclusion Month, JDAIM, and it is equally important to learn about and advocate for the rights of people with Disabilities. The month serves to amplify and celebrate the communities. JDAIM highlights that the Jewish Disability community needs to not just be accepted and included in all Jewish life and practices, but that they belong and are an integral part of the community. This is not just for one month of the year, but year-round.

JDAIM grew out of the Jewish Special Education International Consortium’s effort to raise awareness and foster inclusion of Jewish people with Disabilities. The first Jewish Disability Awareness Acceptance and Inclusion Month was first celebrated during the month of February 2009. It was started to ensure that Jews with disabilities are valued and included in all aspects of Jewish life. The Disability community is the largest minority group and estimated to be about 15% of the world’s population. It is also a group that you may become a part of even if you were not born into it, as can be the case with Judaism. It is estimated that 1 in 4 adults in the United States will have a disability at some point during their life.

Judy Heumann, of blessed memory, an international leader in the Disability Rights Movement who fought for Jewish disability access and for the rights and dignity of all disabled people, wrote in her memoir Being Heumann, “I was who I was meant to be. If you were to acquire a disability tomorrow, it would be a change, but I can tell you this: it wouldn’t have to be a tragedy. We are all human. Why do we see disability differently from any other aspect of being human?”

One important aspect of Inclusion and Disability Services here at the Pozez JCC is to foster community. Our programs are a place where people of all ages both learn to make friends and come together to socialize with them. Often, the connections made here have turned into close-knit friendships. Throughout the month of February, our Bodzin Art Gallery is featuring, “Joyful Color” showcasing the bold artwork of Sophia Pineda, a talented artist who has Down Syndrome. Her works are very popular here at the J. If you have shopped at the Inclusion and Disability Services holiday sale over the years, you will recognize her art and bold style from her cards and small pieces that she sells every year at the sale.

In her book, “Demystifying Disability,” Emily Ladau talks about how to be an ally. She quotes podcaster Kyle Khachadurian who said, “Of course disabled people want to be treated like everyone else, but when we say that we don’t mean treat everyone the same. We mean recognize our humanity and meet us where we are at.”

Why Disability Stories Matter: A Director’s Perspective

As the director of the ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington, one of my greatest passions is bringing the stories of people with disabilities into the spotlight. This festival isn’t just an event—it’s a platform for voices that have too often been overlooked in the media, and it’s something I hold very close to my heart. I believe that showcasing the films and stories of people with disabilities is vital, not only to raise awareness, but to celebrate the richness and diversity of our shared human experience.  
 
Growing up, I didn’t see many stories that reflected the experiences of people with disabilities. When they were portrayed, it often felt like the focus was solely on challenges or the notion of overcoming disability, without highlighting the complexity of their lives and the vast potential within this community. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how important it is to shift the narrative—to show that people with disabilities are not just defined by their disabilities, but by their passions, their abilities, and their unique stories. This realization drives everything I do at the festival. 

One of the main reasons I’m so passionate about this festival is because of its power to break down stereotypes. Media representation has a profound impact on how society views different groups of people, and historically, people with disabilities have been underrepresented or misrepresented. By curating a festival that showcases the real, diverse lives of people with disabilities, I hope to contribute to changing the conversation. These films show individuals in all their humanity—working, creating, dreaming, and living just like everyone else. Through the art of storytelling, we can challenge misconceptions, elevate these voices, and ensure that people with disabilities are seen for who they truly are complex, dynamic, and inspiring. 

Film has always been a tool for connection. It allows us to walk in someone else’s shoes, see the world through their eyes, and feel their emotions. In a world where understanding differences is crucial, I believe film is one of the most powerful ways to foster empathy. When we watch a film about a person with a disability, we are given the chance to connect on a human level. We laugh, we cry, we celebrate, and we grieve—all while learning about experiences different from our own. These stories don’t just belong to people with disabilities—they belong to all of us, because they speak to the universal truths about what it means to be human. 

At the ReelAbilities Film Festival, we are not just screening films; we are creating an experience that sparks conversation. After most screenings, we offer interactive programming and discussions that allow people to reflect on what they’ve seen and engage with others. These conversations are vital because they bring people together—people with and without disabilities—and create an opportunity for shared learning and growth. This, to me, is the heart of the festival: building community through understanding, acceptance, and mutual respect. 
 
Ultimately, my hope is that this festival will inspire change. Change in how we view people with disabilities, change in how we include them in our communities, and change in the way we celebrate their contributions to society. By showing these films, I believe we are not only giving a platform to amazing artists and storytellers, but we are also opening doors for a more inclusive and compassionate world.  
 
At the end of the day, the stories we choose to tell—and the way we tell them—shape our society. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of a festival that makes sure these stories are told. And I couldn’t be prouder to be part of something that celebrates the extraordinary abilities of people with disabilities, one film at a time. 

See you at the movies!
Paul Marengo
Director, ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington

ReelAbilities Film Schedule

MLK Jr., Pozez JCC, and the Power of Service

As we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., we have the chance to reflect on the connection between his teachings on equality, compassion, and the power of service and the Jewish values we embody through service. They align closely with the Jewish tradition of gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), which encourage us to serve others selflessly. When the Volunteer Services team were identifying Jewish values that would inform our social impact work, we wanted to emphasize tangible action to improve the world including the value of tzedakah (giving). Both King’s life and Jewish teachings highlight that we are all responsible for one another, and through collective action, we can build a more just and equitable society.  

It reminds me of the quote from Rabbi Hillel the Elder, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” The quote emphasizes the importance of self-care while also highlighting the responsibility to contribute to something larger than oneself. It’s through everyday acts of kindness and volunteerism that we honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and continue to work toward a better community for all. 

The Volunteer Services program at the Pozez JCC is a testament to the power of service to create connection, inspire kindness, and strengthen Jewish identity. Our programs combine meaningful action and Jewish learning to transform how individuals engage with our community – and with Judaism itself. We are dedicated to driving meaningful change through our social impact priorities. From advancing disability inclusion to addressing food insecurity and the needs of the unhoused, combatting antisemitism, promoting democracy and social justice, and tackling environmental and climate challenges, we offer volunteer opportunities that empower you to create real impact. 

One such opportunity is coming up on Sunday, January 26th when we are hosting a special event to honor MLK Jr.’s legacy through volunteerism. This event provides opportunities for people of all ages to come together and contribute to meaningful projects and celebrate his messages of service and compassion.   

The program begins at 10am when families with young children are invited to donate new pajamas, to help children and teens in need*, and come together for a fun and engaging performance by magician, Drew Blue Shoes. The show will culminate with an opportunity to write cards for the pajama recipients and sort the pajamas for distribution. Admission includes a pizza lunch to enjoy together! This activity combines fun and purpose, showing our young volunteers the power of giving while having a good time.  

At 11:00 AM, adults are invited to come to the J and choose between two impactful service projects: building garden boxes for our new JCC community garden or making fleece blankets for hospice patients. We will wrap the event by eating and socializing together over lunch at 12:30pm.  

Both programs are about coming together, making an impact, and honoring the spirit of service.  

Through strong community interest and support, and partnerships with area organizations and agencies, the Volunteer Services program crafts opportunities that allow you to make a difference in the areas you’re passionate about. Whether you’re assisting individuals in need, advocating for social change, or fostering inclusion, your time and talents can help build a stronger, more compassionate community. If you’d like more information, please visit volunteer.theJ.org, or contact volunteer@theJ.org

*All collected pajamas will be shared with three wonderful organizations: Yad Leah in IsraelLorton Community Action Center just minutes from the J, and Sunrise on Wheels, which brings joy to children undergoing cancer treatment with camp-like activities held in Children’s National and Inova L. J. Murphy Children’s Hospital.  

Body, Mind, Heart, Spirit: Finding Balance at the J

Retirement brought unexpected joys for member, Abby Potash, including a renewed focus on her own well-being. For her, discovering the Pozez JCC was a turning point as she experienced our holistic approach to well-being — enriching the intellectual, physical, and spiritual lives of our members.

Abby says her life began in her 70s. She retired after 23 years of running a volunteer support network at The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, got engaged and then married, and found a welcoming, supportive community here at the J.

It all started about two and a half years ago, when she first moved to North Springfield and was looking for a way to get involved in the community. After discovering the J, she explored many of our program offerings, quickly joining the social impact initiatives that were so reminiscent of the volunteer work she’d built her career on.

Then a few months ago, Abby challenged herself to take a step that truly pushed her out of her comfort zone: she hired a personal trainer from our J-Fit Health Club team.

Thinking about taking the leap, she said, “I hadn’t really exercised for years, and I was hesitant to go back. But the atmosphere at the J is very different from a gym. I didn’t feel self-conscious at all being there and seeing other people my age also working out was very motivational.”

Abby worked with our trainer Risa for a few months leading up to her wedding last September, and has maintained the relationship since, fueled by her wellness goals.

She shared, “I was diagnosed with diabetes, so I needed to exercise more to lower my sugar and I have a 2-year-old granddaughter who I want to be able to carry without a problem. I also wanted to look good for my wedding in September. I finally have the time to take better care of myself and I’m taking advantage of that. Risa did a great job with really giving me confidence and supporting me, when you feel stronger physically, you also feel stronger emotionally. And I felt empowered.”

Abby’s experience exemplifies one of Pozez JCC’s goals: to support all aspects of health holistically, for people of all ages.

To that end, our fitness director, Andrew Klock shared, “We want to continue to focus on developing the whole self. We want to take more of an active effort in creating programming that focuses on mental wellness, active recovery, and everything else that goes into general health like nutrition, stress relief, and sleep habits.”

Outside of personal training, the J has many other fitness offerings, like our indoor and outdoor gyms, basketball/pickleball courts, heated indoor pool, and group classes that welcome and accommodate people of all ages and fitness levels. These options are augmented by specialized classes, like a fall prevention workshop to improve balance for adults, and after school sports programming, to inspire in children a passion for movement and establishing healthy habits.

By pairing her fitness accomplishments with opportunities from the J’s adult enrichment department, Abby keeps her mind sharp and her social calendar full.

“I used to work seven days a week for long hours, and I didn’t have time for anything social at all,” she said. “So being in an environment like the J where I can be with like-minded people and have that comradery is so important to me.”

Often working with the fitness department, our adult enrichment department offers a wide range of programmatic efforts that provide education and social connection for adults — whether they’re middle-aged professionals searching for new hobbies, empty-nesters looking to make more friends in the community, or older adults deciding how to spend their time post-retirement.

“When people get older, they often get lonely,” commented Shari Berman, our adult enrichment director. “Their community shrinks. So giving people that opportunity to stimulate their brain and stimulate their body and stimulate relationships, is so important for their health.”

To emphasize the importance of building community, the J recently hosted an interactive event that brought the community together to watch “Join or Die,” a film that explores the loneliness epidemic and its surprising impact on our well-being. After the screening, a distinguished panel helped shed further light on how connecting with others through social clubs and community involvement can help us thrive. The evening was a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of building strong, supportive networks.

Abby’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the Pozez JCC. By nurturing the mind, body, and spirit through our diverse array of programs, we foster a vibrant community where individuals of all ages can thrive. From fitness classes and social events to volunteer opportunities and intellectual enrichment, we provide a holistic approach to well-being that enriches lives and strengthens the bonds that connect us all.

Realistic Resolutions in 2025

The start of a new year is traditionally a time for making resolutions. These declarations can be a great motivator for self-improvement – if followed – but often they are too ambitious and unattainable. So, for 2025, let’s think realistically.

The Washington Jewish Week hosted a “resolutions” poll in its final issue of 2024! The choices were: eat healthier; find a new job; save money better; join a gym; and other. When I took the poll on December 31, I chose to ‘eat healthier’ in 2025 – the number 1 choice, followed by ‘other’. Let’s face it – from Halloween to New Year’s there is much to indulge in.

Yet just a couple of weeks ago, the J hosted a program featuring a film screening of “Join or Die” followed by discussion/Q&A with a panel – to address a phenomenon discovered by social scientist Robert Putnam: lack of connection, community  and civic engagement has led to decreased health and wellness and eroding democracy in the United States. Additionally, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy wrote a book called Together in 2020 and issued a Health Advisory giving compelling evidence about the loneliness epidemic. Murthy concluded, “loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health.” His recommendation – human connection – with its healing power.

The J’s program proposed that we take small steps to make (big) change happen, both personally and through grassroots efforts in our community. If we can focus on the ‘doable’ small stuff, perhaps we can stay motivated to enhance our personal lives in these 7 key areas:

1. Health and Wellness

  • Movement/Exercise: Did you know that a sedentary lifestyle is worse than smoking cigarettes? Move more by taking daily walks, starting a new exercise routine, or trying a new sport.
  • Mindfulness & Meditation: Incorporate a few minutes of meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve focus. There are many online apps that can help you achieve this!
  • Healthy Eating: Eat a well-balanced diet; limit your intake of sugar and processed foods. Cook more and eat out less, making better choices at restaurants.

2. Personal Growth

  • Read More: Set a goal to read a ‘x’ number of books this year! Try a new genre or dive into a series. Join a book club and consider audiobooks!
  • Learn a New Skill or Hobby:  Whether it’s a new language, how to crochet, or playing pickleball or Mah Jongg, acquiring a new skill or hobby can be very rewarding. Make time for hobbies that you enjoy and take a class/course to stimulate your brain.

3. Professional Development/Volunteering

  • Career Goals/Networking: Set specific, achievable goals for your professional development (certifications, workshops, new projects, etc.) and connect with professionals in your field. Zoom is a great option for connecting with others!
  • Volunteering: Find opportunities to use your professional knowledge and skills to give back. Choose a meaningful cause to donate your time to and make your community and the world a better place! For ideas for helping your community, visit volunteer.theJ.org.

4. Financial Goals

  • Save and Invest: Create a budget, start saving more, and learn about investing to secure your financial future.
  • Debt Reduction: Plan to pay off any outstanding debts and avoid accumulating new ones.

5. Relationships and Social Life

  • Quality Time: Spend more quality time with family and friends. Consider organizing regular get-togethers or simple meetups. Online calendars can help!
  • New Connections: Join clubs or groups related to your interests to meet new people and expand your social circle.

6. Environment and Community

  • Eco-Friendly Practices: Reduce waste, recycle more, and consider using eco-friendly products.

7. Mental Health

  • Self-Care: Make time for activities that recharge you, whether that’s taking a bath, practicing yoga, listening to music or reading a magazine or book.

Remember, the key is to set tangible and manageable goals and track your progress. Celebrate the small victories on your journey and don’t be too hard on yourself if you backslide (everyone does it at times). Put one foot in front of the other and move forward; every step counts!

The Pozez JCC can be instrumental in helping you achieve improvement in these areas. From our state-of-the-art Fitness Center and its many offerings to a wide variety of adult activities for all ages and stages to opportunities to do mitzvot with Volunteer Services, the J has something for everyone! Check out our January calendar here: Programs, Classes & Events – Pozez JCC to find something to enhance your life. 😊

Wishing you an amazing 2025! 🎉