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Month: September 2024

Tips to Stay Safe During the High Holidays

Posted on by Laura Katzif

With the High Holidays quickly approaching, many of us are looking forward to this annual time of celebration and togetherness with family and friends.

This year, planning for the Jewish holidays also includes the acknowledgement and shadow cast by the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7th attacks in Israel and the continued conflict in the Middle East — exacerbated by the confirmation this Shabbat of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah’s death at the hands of Israeli Defense Forces which is sure to escalate tensions and anxiety at home and abroad. And most acutely, the continuous parade of news stories, social media posts, and emails about incidents targeting Jews and Israelis in North America, with an exponential increase in antisemitic and anti-Zionist behavior.

As a community, we are operating under a heightened threat environment, although let me be clear that there are no known credible threats agains our community at this time. Recently, at a Together and Secure community security training, JShield’s Executive Director Rusty Rosenthal said, “It’s a confluence of events that we wanted to make sure people are thinking of, and aware of security, as they continue to engage in their Jewish life.”

The JCC, synagogues and other Jewish institutions are continually balancing our desire to be a warm, welcoming community with the need for heightened security. The JCC and others have layers of security, some of which are visible and some that are not. The idea is for Jews and others to walk into any one of these places and feel welcomed and safe so they may worship, play, and be together without fear.

So what can you do as an individual or family during this time?

  • Support and follow organizations’ security policies. The most expensive security systems are useless if one person props a door or lets in an unvetted individual.
  • Practice good situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings whether at home, at work, out in public or at the JCC, shul, or other Jewish location. Know to whom you should report suspicious activity. If you are unsure, call your local police department for guidance.
  • Have a personal and family plan in case of emergency. It’s easy to think about the worst case active threat incident but individuals and families should have plans for all types of emergencies such as fire, medical, severe weather, utility outages, as well as those involving violence.
  • Report incidents to your local police and to JShield using their Incident Report Form.
  • Participate in trainings to further your knowledge and skills. The Pozez JCC and JShield offer a wide array of opportunities including Situational Awareness, De-escalation, Usher/Greeter, Stop the Bleed, and others. If you have questions, contact security@theJ.org.

By practicing these few safety tips, we can be safe and secure during this time and left with an opportunity to celebrate as a community and reflect and mourn those who we have lost. If you have any questions about security, please reach out.

Shana Tova

Conversation with the Curator

Posted on by Sarah Berry

Four Questions with Samantha Rose Mandeles, photographer of “The Abayudaya: Portrait of an African Jewish Community.”

The Abayudaya, who number about 2,000 souls, are concentrated in a few towns and villages in eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Devout in practice, keeping kosher and observing Shabbat and holy days, the Abayudaya (a word in the local language Luganda meaning “People of Judah”) have been recognized as Jews by Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Renewal movements of Judaism.  

Ezra Uganda Assistance, a 501c3 non-profit founded 2016 by Washington area rabbi, teacher, and author Leila Gal Berner, supports the Abayudaya community of Namutumba. EUA board member Samantha Rose Mandeles is a skilled travel photographer. Mandeles took all of these photographs during the two weeks she lived in the village of Namutumba in late 2021, on a mission to hand-carry a Torah donated by Temple Beth El of Hammonton, NJ, which was closing its doors.  

A portion of all sales in this exhibition will go directly to support the Abayudaya living in Namutumba.

“The Abayudaya: Portrait of an African Jewish Community” exhibition closes October 6. Watching people slow their stride through the Bodzin Art Gallery has been a wonderful testament of human-to-human connection. Regardless of how we see these portraits, child to child, parent to parent, Jew to Jew, is a reminder of why cultural exchange is essential. It is a pleasure to share these impactful photographs and Samantha’s responses to my four questions.

Enjoy,
Sarah Berry
Curator, Bodzin Art Gallery 

What came first, your love of travel or your love of photography?

I can’t really separate the two. I love traveling. I have two world maps where I can scratch off every place that I have been. But when I travel, I see everything with a photographic perspective. It’s an artistic habit—I’m always looking at composition, texture, perspective; for unusual and interesting juxtapositions, perhaps things that you wouldn’t expect to see together. And I’m very interested in color and texture—how the different colors and textures are shaping my impressions, how they are contrasting or blending together. As an example, one of my favorite pictures from the exhibition is Mother and Boy in Blue. It’s a photograph that tells a story, but it also attracts me because of the vivid color–the brightness of the cobalt blue shirt contrasting with the rich brown of the mother’s skin, the striped pattern on the boy’s tee contrasting with the florals of the mother’s skirt, the yellow highlights in her hair, and the shine of their plastic chair.

Most of your photos from Uganda are of people. How did you gravitate to this documentary style?

Certainly part of the emphasis on people in my Uganda photos was directly related to my mission of understanding the lives of the people in Namutumba, and bringing images that communicated about them and their lives to a wider audience. But even putting that aside, the most compelling images had to be built on the people—they were beautiful both in their external appearance and in their internal spirit. Who they are as people and as Jews just emanates through them and I wanted to capture that essence in my photography. Their faces were so varied and beautiful, their expressions were so communicative, their clothing was so colorful, it was irresistible. And, the people were the story; without the people, pictures of the place would have been mostly mute. The other thing that makes me smile as I think about it is that these folks really, really wanted to be photographed. They were thrilled to have me snap away freely and they made it just a joy.

What were the high and low points of your visit to Uganda?

The high point was definitely passing the new Torah to the community on the first Shabbat I was with them, and experiencing the Shabbat Torah service they were able to hold for the first time from this Torah. It’s hard to describe in words—so much joy, so much gratitude, so much spiritual energy. Of course, there are no photographs of this special experience, as it was Shabbat when photography is not permitted. The low points mostly were my travel experiences—getting to Uganda aboard multiple airplanes, through multiple airports, shlepping the heavy Torah while wearing an orthopedic boot and trying to convince various airline personnel that I really did have to carry the Torah on board, and no they could not put it in the baggage hold. It was a nightmare.

Do you have any advice to share with aspiring documentary photographers?

Maybe it goes without saying, but the story is really the point in documentary photography. You have to figure out what story you are trying to tell in each photograph—although the larger picture of the collection will only emerge as you go. Don’t look for perfect, look for what fascinates you or moves you or makes you want to cry or laugh. And you don’t need fancy equipment. I shot my photos with an amateur DSLR and my phone camera. If you only have a phone camera, that’s ok. Take a lot of photographs and use them as learning tools so that you build your understanding about composition, focus, and color. Show your stuff to friends and family and ask for feedback; they don’t have to be photography experts either. Most of all, find subject matter that you are really curious to discover. Don’t worry about audience, or about what other people will like, just click away and have a blast.

A Day with the J

Posted on by Michelle Pearlstein

Join us for a day of commUNITY on Sunday, September 22!

Building, supporting, connecting, and enriching this vibrant COMMUNITY is our primary mission here at the J. Our programs and activities are available for all ages and are designed to meet a wide range of interests. There’s something for everyone!   

If you are reading this, you probably already know that at the J, you can learn something new, make new friends, and take time to invest in yourself. You may also know that families appreciate the opportunities we provide to engage with other families via programs throughout Northern Virginia. They also value the warm and caring environments of our Early Childhood Learning Center and our programs for school-age children.   

Spend YOUR day with the J next Sunday and get a taste of it all! 

  1. Open House – 10:00am-1:30pm @ Pozez JCC 

Whether you’re a lifelong local or new to the neighborhood, join us for a fun community-wide event! 

Are you a member? Bring a non-member with you to be entered into a special raffle! 

Interested in becoming a member? Sign up at the event for a special promotion!  

Activities include inflatables, face painting, FREE hotdogs and popcorn, BINGO, volunteer opportunities, fitness demonstrations, a vaccine clinic, tours of the J and our Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), and more. While this event is free and open to the public, there will be a fee to purchase raffle tickets and Bingo cards. 

  1. Ladies Loving Laughter and Learning/4Ls Lunch Out – 11:00am-1:00pm 

An afternoon of fun and camaraderie for members who connect through the 4Ls Facebook Group 

  1. Apple Picking – 1:00 pm @ Stribling Orchard in Markham, VA 

Apple picking is fun for everyone! Meet at Stribling Orchard – a gorgeous drive west, about an hour from the Pozez JCC. Bring your own picnic blanket or camp chair and look for the Growing Jewish Families sign and banner to find us. 

  1. “A White House Correspondent Remembers: Jewish Experiences and Other Adventures with Six Presidents” Featuring Peter Maer, Veteran Journalist – 2:00pm @ Pozez JCC 

We are thrilled to welcome veteran journalist and local community member Peter Maer to share his personal photos and stories from his many years of encounters with world leaders. 

Whether you spend significant amounts of your time at the J, participate in programs occasionally, or anything in between, we want to thank you for being part of our community and look forward to creating many more memories together this year! 

How a Camp Created a Community

Posted on by Shirley Waxman

As with many beginnings, it all started over a cup of coffee. Well, two cups of coffee to be exact. Fifty-five years ago, in 1969, three Northern Virginia suburban moms got together one morning for coffee. But the one who served as host of the event then walked out of the room.

Judy Frank had invited Adele Greenspon and Shirley Waxman over to meet. They barely knew each other. When they arrived, they found the table set only with two coffee cups. Upon seeing their puzzled looks, Judy explained the premise of the meeting: “I am so sick of listening to the two of you complain because there is no Jewish day camp in Northern Virginia for your kids. If anyone can create a camp, it’s the two of you. Adele, you handle the business end; Shirley you do the programming! Make a camp for your kids and mine too. I’m leaving.” And so she did!

At that time, there were four synagogues in Northern Virginia but not a cohesive community center. How to begin to create something from nothing? Fortunately, Judy had chosen the right two people to ignite this idea. Adele was a whiz at organizing and had a real head for business management. Shirley had an extensive background in youth movement and camping. She had grown up attending the JCC camp in Hamilton, Ontario. She had worked there as a counselor and also had been totally immersed in Hashomer Hatzair, the vibrant Zionist youth movement. Her summers at their Camp Shomria in the Canadian wilderness were steeped in Israeli folk dance, culture and leadership training.

Without hesitation, Adele and Shirley decided to accept Judy’s challenge and they immediately got to work.

The first necessary piece of this new endeavor was a location. Agudas Achim Congregation in Alexandria gave them the use of their building and there were 70 excited campers that first summer. Over time, the camp moved to Beth El Congregation also in Alexandria, Temple Rodeph Shalom in Falls Church and finally Congregation Olam Tikvah in Fairfax, before finding their “forever home” at what would later become the Pozez JCC.

They next turned their attention to personnel matters. They persuaded Shirley Grossman, an accomplished composer and creator of musicals, to join them. They knew art was a must and they hired a very talented artist, Alice Neukirk, who created the camp logo.

Next they needed a name. Shirley turned to her youth group friend and Hebrew University professor for inspiration. Dr. Ted Friedgut told her: “You are creating a community of friendship and brotherhood. Call it Camp Achva.” And so it became.

Their founding philosophy was to instill a love of Jewish culture in each child. Everything revolved around that. Each place, object, program or activity would have a Hebrew name and signs were posted everywhere. Shirley drew strongly upon her camping days to create a Jewish environment in the Northern Virginia suburbs.

They created a central meeting site where each morning, the campers raised the flag and sang Hatikvah, and ended each day with Taps sung in Hebrew. There was a campsite for each group with a Hebrew name. The campers decorated it to make it their own and illustrate that name. Sports were certainly not overlooked. Gaga, the Israeli game of Dodge Ball, was played everywhere. There was to be total immersion in Hebrew and Judaism. 

 Friday, of course, was the most special day of the week. The day would begin with a flurry of cleaning, decorating and rehearsing. Then, everyone changed into their Shabbat white clothes and the magic began. Adele and Shirley would begin the procession to each camp site collecting the kids and singing Shabbat songs along the way. It was such a thrill to watch and be a part of this. Everyone would gather in a circle on the social hall floor, light Shabbat candles and welcome Shabbat with song and much joy.

Each week had a theme and each group prepared a skit or some sort of presentation to be presented for the Shabbat program. Following the skits, Shirley would lead the entire camp in Israeli folk dance. There was total participation with never a bystander.

About the third summer, Adele and Shirley, the camp directors, hired the Tsofim Friendship Caravan, a group of Israeli musicians to perform at camp.  That was when they met Amnon Shiloh, a veritable Israeli pied piper, and a very special person who sang and played the accordion. Everyone was mesmerized by him and he was promptly hired for every summer after that.  He taught Hebrew songs and instilled the joy and spirit of Israel in everyone.

Everyday each group would have a session with Shirley Grossman, learning their part for the original musical that would be the end of year program, and meet with Shirley Waxman to learn Israeli folk dance. And there was always a special session with Amnon.

All the parents were invited to the final program of the camp season. It featured the campers in the big musical performance, an art show, along with much song and dance. It was the highlight of the summer. And of course, there were tears – tears of joy and sadness – upon leaving this special “Brigadoon-like” Jewish community.

Looking back with much nostalgia, the founders set out to create a camp and ended up laying the foundation for a strong and vibrant Jewish community. Camp Achva paved the way for what later became the Pozez JCC. And in so doing, created a new generation of young people steeped in Jewish song, dance and Jewish values. It is a testament to that founding vision that these values continue at Camp Achva to this very day.

Shirley Waxman, July 2024

Beyond Camp: 5 ways to stay connected with Horizon Day Camp after summer

Posted on by Shana Medel

“Are we going to camp?”

The camp season may be over, but Matias Zurita, 3, asks his mom this question almost every time they get in the car. When they drive past familiar street signs, Matias will usually point in the direction of Pozez JCC, knowing fun is nearby. He often tells his mom, “No no, this way.”

Little Matias was one of the youngest children to spend his summer days at Horizon Day Camp, a free camp for children with cancer and their siblings. He was diagnosed with liver cancer last year, and since then, has undergone six rounds of chemotherapy and a major surgery. 

For Matias, camp made fun possible again. He could do all of his favorite activities — from swimming to playground fun to dancing — with the help of adaptive equipment and trained professionals. 

“He could forget what he was going through. And he loved every day at camp. I could see that,” said Neshmy, his mom. “From the very first day, as a mom, I knew this was the right place for Matias and for all children battling cancer.”

For many children and their families, Horizon is a magical experience, one that continues with year-round engagement opportunities beyond camp.

These five programs and events offer regular touchpoints to remain involved with Horizon, a community that exists long after summer is over. Each experience is adapted to meet every season and need, ensuring families can face one of their biggest challenges with the support they deserve. 


Go to a family fun day, made safe for children with cancer

Experience the joy and safety of camp with family fun days, monthly happenings made just for Horizon families. To protect immunocompromised children, every program is private, only open to families registered for Horizon Day Camp.

Annual favorites include exploring and experimenting at the Children’s Science Center, where families have the entire, freshly-sanitized museum to themselves. Another is Golden Boot Soccer with Coach Tamir Linhart, who formerly played for Hapoel Tel Aviv. For one day, children run and kick around adaptive, safe balls with Tamir and his team. All players go home with soccer jerseys and trophies.

“So many of our kids and their siblings have to miss parts of childhood because of a compromised immune system,” said Ilana Adler, Assistant Director and Family Support Specialist of Horizon Day Camp at Pozez JCC. “We create activities for them so they can experience life outside of cancer.”

And while children have fun with their friends, parents socialize with one another, often sharing experiences over coffee and snacks. This has been meaningful for Hani Attar, who has two daughters, Julia, 8, and Ayla, 3. His youngest was diagnosed with cancer last year.

“For so many of us, Horizon Day Camp came through when we were stumbling,” Hani said. “They gave us joy and comfort and relief.”

Hani could focus on caring for Ayla knowing Julia was safe at camp, her happy place. She used to tell her dad not to pick her up a minute before the end of the day.

Now, with family fun days, Julia has an opportunity to relive camp. She and her father have been to a number of them, including a movie screening and a wintertime event with crafts and games.

“She loves this camp and this community,” Hani said. “She said, ‘Sign me up every year. I want to go there.’”

Family fun day attendance has been steadily rising each month, at most reaching 40 families. The increase is largely because parents know their children can be in a space with friends without compromising their health. Keep an eye out for details on the next event, which will be Golden Boot Soccer from 10 am-1 pm on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Bring camp fun to your child as they undergo treatment

Horizon on Wheels brings the magic of camp to children undergoing treatment at Children’s National Hospital and L. J. Murphy Children’s Hospital, both of which have top-ranked pediatric oncology units. Patients are as young as 3 and as old as 16. 

Inside a rainbow-colored trunk, wheeled around by staff and volunteers, children get to choose their fun. There are toys, games, and crafts for all ages. Some may build Lego towers or color printouts of their favorite superheroes while others play a game of UNO or do an art project.

These one-on-one activities accomplish three goals: patients have fun, their siblings feel recognized, and their parents get a much-needed reprieve.

Every year, Horizon on Wheels engages more than 6,000 children in 21 hospitals. On their scariest days, there are bright moments of camp-like fun, created by people who care about them.


Participate in our biggest charity walk of the year

Lace up your shoes and walk with purpose alongside 200-some camp families and community members. 

HorizonWALKS is an annual fundraising event featuring a 1-mile lap around National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Every dollar raised helps children with cancer enjoy a summer camp made just for them, meaning all funds go directly to Horizon Day Camp at Pozez JCC.

All are welcome to walk — family, friends, colleagues. Participants can register as individuals or as part of a 5-10-person team. Those who cannot physically be there can become sponsors or make donations. The event also features fun, kid-friendly activities, including face painting, bracelet making, dancing, and games.

“When they see you, they knock you over with these huge hugs because they’re so excited to be around camp people again,” said Joellen Kriss-Broubalow, Director of Horizon Day Camp. “That’s how you know what you’re doing really matters.”

In April, at the third-annual walk, participants raised $133,000, surpassing their fundraising goal by about $7,000. The next event is slated for Sunday, April 27 in National Harbour and is looking to be an even greater success. 

Donate life-saving blood, right here at Pozez JCC

The American Red Cross holds four blood drives per year at Pozez JCC. Many of our donors are regulars, who stick their arms out again and again to help those battling pediatric cancer, among other diagnoses.

Over the past eight months, Red Cross has collected 150 units of blood, saving approximately 450 lives. And just a few weeks ago, at the most recent Pozez JCC blood drive, all 38 donor slots were filled, helping to exceed a goal of acquiring 25 units.

This is a small and important victory, as the Red Cross is witnessing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. Cancer patients use nearly a quarter of the blood supply in the entire country, more blood than anyone fighting any other disease. 

Donors of all blood types are critically needed, but especially those with O negative blood. To qualify for whole blood donation, you must:

  • Be in good health
  • Feel well
  • Be at least 16 years of age, with signed parental consent
  • Weigh at least 110 lbs
  • Meet this additional eligibility criteria, which covers medications, medical conditions, traveling to certain countries, and personal history 

The entire donation process, from arrival to departure, takes about one hour. The donation itself is only 8-10 minutes on average. For more information on upcoming blood drives, visit our events page at thej.org/events. 

Enjoy a casino night while supporting children with cancer

For one night only, Pozez JCC transforms into a casino with a cause. Playing table games, eating delicious food, and dancing to music all happen at Casino Night, an opportunity to raise funds for Horizon Day Camp and year-round programs for children with cancer.

All community members are welcome, no matter your level of involvement with Horizon. You can attend or become a sponsor of the next Casino Night, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Pozez JCC. More details will be released over the coming weeks.

Impact beyond summer camp

Fun days, blood drives, fundraisers — Horizon Day Camp is more than a summer camp. There are so many creative and meaningful ways for families to remain engaged, and for our entire JCC community to support children with cancer. Every program and event is an opportunity to strengthen parents and their little ones, giving them what they need and deserve. 

Fall Fitness: Your Guide to Stayng Active and Fit this Season

Posted on by Jeff Tauriello

As the crisp autumn air replaces the sweltering summer heat, it’s the perfect time to refresh your fitness routine. Fall is not just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters; it’s an ideal season for enhancing your fitness journey. With nature’s stunning backdrop of vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures, you can find fresh motivation to stay active. Here’s how to embrace fall fitness and make the most of this invigorating season.

1. Explore Outdoor Workouts

Fall’s cooler temperatures create a comfortable environment for outdoor exercise. Take advantage of this by incorporating activities like:

  • Trail Running or Hiking: The changing leaves provide a picturesque setting for a run or hike. Plus, the varied terrain will challenge your muscles in new ways.
  • Biking: Enjoy scenic bike paths and trails, and revel in the colorful scenery as you pedal along.
  • Outdoor Yoga: Set up your mat in a park and practice yoga amidst the autumn splendor. The crisp air and natural surroundings can enhance your sense of tranquility.

2. Enjoy Seasonal Activities

Fall is synonymous with fun activities that can double as workouts:

  • Pumpkin Picking: Carrying pumpkins around a farm can be a surprisingly good workout. Plus, you get to pick out some fresh dĂ©cor for your home!
  • Apple Picking: The repetitive motion of picking apples, coupled with walking through the orchard, makes for a great low-impact exercise.
  • Corn Mazes: Navigating through a corn maze is a fun way to stay active and challenge your sense of direction.

3. Adapt to the Changing Light

With shorter days and earlier sunsets, it’s important to adjust your fitness schedule:

  • Morning Workouts: Try shifting your workouts to the morning to take advantage of daylight and start your day energized.
  • Indoor Options: On rainy or windy days, have a backup plan with indoor exercises. Consider home workout videos, gym sessions, or group fitness classes.

4. Focus on Fall Nutrition

Your diet can play a significant role in supporting your fall fitness goals:

  • Seasonal Produce: Incorporate nutrient-dense fall vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and kale. These foods are great for fueling your workouts and supporting recovery.
  • Hydration: As temperatures drop, you might not feel as thirsty. However, staying hydrated is still crucial for optimal performance. Drink plenty of water and consider herbal teas for added warmth.

5. Adjust Your Goals and Routine

Fall can be a great time to reassess and adjust your fitness goals:

  • Set New Goals: Reflect on your progress and set new fitness goals that align with the season. Maybe, you want to focus on building strength before the winter or improving your endurance.
  • Mix It Up: Use this season to try new activities or join local fitness classes. The change in routine can reinvigorate your enthusiasm for exercise.

Check out Pozez JCC programs to assist with your Fall Fitness routine by clicking here: https://thej.org/fitness-rec/

To name a few…

Personal Training: Private & Semi-Private

Fall Prevention Programs: 4-week sessions begin in September

Group Fitness Classes: (Included with membership)

Specialty Classes: Barre & Latin Dance

Recreation Sports: Pickleball, Basketball, Ping Pong

For more information, please stop by the J-Fit Health Club or email Fitness@theJ.org.