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Category: Adult Enrichment

Camp Gadol asks, “Why should kids have all the summer fun?”

Posted on by Erica Silverstein

On a summer afternoon, laughter echoes across long tables as a group of friends finish decorating tambourines and settle in for an Israeli-themed lunch of warm pita and fresh falafel. Some are returning alumni, others are new this summer, including one camper who traveled all the way from Harrisonburg, VA, just to be here! They chat and laugh and squeal with delight when a friend passes around chocolate for the taking.  

At first glance, it feels like any classic summer day camp. But these campers range in age from 57 to 87 and are proving that you are never too old to find your summer happy place. They’ve come to the Pozez JCC for the weeklong Camp Gadol, a half-day summer camp for adults. 

The idea was conceived in 2024, when Shari Berman, the J’s Adult Enrichment Director, stumbled across a newspaper article about a summer camp for adults. She found herself asking a simple, powerful question: “Why should only kids get to go to camp?”  

After learning how other JCCs offer camps for seniors, the Adults Services team developed Camp Gadol. The goal wasn’t just to fill an afternoon; it was to recreate the fun and deep camaraderie of childhood summer camp, blended with meaningful Jewish learning and space to try new things. 

The idea resonated within the Jewish community. What started with nine adventurous campers in its first summer, grew to 16 this year, including seven from the previous year’s cohorts who were excited to return. 

Ask the campers why they signed up and the answers are varied. Some were nudged by friends; others wanted to relive the spark they felt at summer camp in their youth. Above all, most were looking to combine doing something for themselves while making new friends. 

“I thought it would be a really good way to connect with people at the Jewish Community Center,” said camper Rebecca. 

Ronnie, who lives several hours away, was looking for vacation ideas when she found Camp Gadol online. “When I saw that there was an adult day camp, I said, ‘Ronnie, this is for you.’ And I signed up within minutes.” 

Observing a typical day at Camp Gadol is not so different than a day at one of the J’s three summer day camps designed for children and young adults. Campers engage in activities like arts and crafts, singalongs, games, and pool activities. It’s a safe, welcoming space built around one core permission: to try new things and play freely.  

This summer took campers around the globe with the theme, “Around the World in 5 Days.” They baked traditional injera bread and learned to play Mancala on Ethiopia day; enjoyed getting henna tattoos and practicing yoga on India day; created Moorish-inspired mosaics on Spain day; and ate fresh falafel and crafted colorful tambourines on Israel day.  

Integrated each day was a touch of Jewish learning, which many campers didn’t expect but said was one of their favorite aspects. Camp culminated with a heartwarming Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday that included discussing Sabbath rituals, decorating candlesticks, sharing blessings over wine and challah, and singing Shabbat songs together.  

Camp Gadol, like any Jewish day camp, aims to create community and facilitate camaraderie and friendship. Mission accomplished, said this year’s campers.  

“It’s kind of like your Cheers place, [where everyone knows your name],” said Joanne. “I’ve met new people that I didn’t know, and I’ve reconnected with friends that I haven’t seen for a while.” 

“You make friends in a very short period of time,” agreed Abby. 

Camp friendships are some of the strongest friendships, and that’s true whether you’re 15 or 65. By Thursday, campers were already trading phone numbers and email addresses, making plans to see each other again. 

For non-members, the program also introduces them to the warmth and benefits the JCC offers. “When I came last year, it inspired me to join the JCC,” said B. “I’ve lived here 100 years but had never really gotten involved in the JCC. Coming here to camp got me to understand what it’s all about.” 

An added benefit of Camp Gadol is the freedom it gives adults to simply step back and focus on themselves. 

“You’re helping others in your life to be playful for many years. You’re helping others to feel joyous and tap into their creativity,” said Marcia, alluding to many campers’ lives as parents and caregivers. “Now we have time, and we can fill it with joy, with creativity, with playfulness, with study. It’s a gift.” 

For this group of fun-loving adults, Camp Gadol has become the highlight of their summer, reconnecting them with good friends, their younger selves, and the spirited J community. Much like young campers at the J’s Camp Achva, Camp Kesher, and Sunrise Day Camp, the campers at Camp Gadol are already anticipating next summer’s fun. 

“Are you doing it next year?” Ronnie asked Shari toward the end of Camp Gadol. “Because if God gives me one more summer, I’m coming back!”  

Stay tuned for next summer’s Camp Gadol. In the meantime, check out the J’s upcoming adult learning and culture programs at https://thej.org/learning-culture/.  

Good Grief! How Widows and Widowers Find Comfort and Community at the J

Posted on by Shari Berman

“The only cure for grief is…grieving.” (Sharon Alman, LCSW) 

When I lost my husband to brain cancer in 2017, I knew I needed help to live with grief and rebuild my life without him. I tried two different support group programs (Life with Cancer and Capital Caring Hospice), but they didn’t speak to me as a recent widow. 

I was eager to meet others who had lost a spouse, since losing a husband or wife is different from losing a parent or sibling. No longer part of a couple, I had to learn how to function as a middle-aged single person, and I wanted to be around others who would understand what I was going through.  

That’s when I became a founding member of the JCC Widow/Widower Support Group, a partnership between the Pozez JCC and Congregation Beth Emeth (CBE). Designed to assist adults who have lost a spouse or partner (recently or not so recently), the group met monthly and was facilitated by a caring psychologist, Dr. Rebecca Fleischer. She created a safe space to learn about loss and come to terms with the grieving process, while providing an opportunity for sharing, mentorship, and community building at no charge.  

The Widow/Widower Support Group expanded rapidly and by 2020 a second psychologist, Dr. Libby Robbins, joined as co-leader. During Covid, the support group met on Zoom. A fellow widow volunteered to start a weekly, unfacilitated Zoom chat for those feeling lonely and sad.  

To accommodate the growing need and serve a population who lived in the eastern part of Fairfax County, Arlington, and Alexandria, the JCC instituted a second support group, facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, Sharon Alman. 

At every meeting, roughly six to 16 widows and widowers tell their stories, shed tears, seek advice, discuss common concerns (such as handling holidays, traveling alone, making new friends, and dating), and feel they are not alone in their grief. Long-time members use their personal experience to advise newer attendees; they are living proof that things get better with time. 

The group has been a godsend to me and many others other the years. “The Bereavement Groups have saved my life and continue to play an important role,” says one participant. 

“The support group was just what I needed following my husband’s sudden and unexpected death and I am grateful to have found you when I did,” says one widow who discovered the group during the pandemic. “Since that time my life has taken a new and positive direction.” 

Long-time members have seen changes in themselves and others after attending the group. One person started out stiff, quiet, and angry but then began to share and seemed lighter, as if a weight was lifted. Another person, who was quite distressed when she first attended, eventually felt calmer as she was embraced by the group. The group helps many to move forward while also keeping the memory of their late spouses alive. 

“Grief is…painful, messy, and uncomfortable; but we need to feel and experience it to grow,” says Alman. 

For other participants, the social component is key. To facilitate community, the groups extend invitations for meals after the meetings, bimonthly dinners, holiday get-togethers (including Valentine’s Day), and other outings. 

Several members of the support group have been moved to give back to the JCC. “Along with my donation is my appreciation for your widow/widower support group. It has been a blessing,” one member noted with her contribution. You, too, can support this important service with your gift to the J. 

Donate Here

Widows and widowers can attend support group meetings at two times and locations. 

Congregation Beth Emeth, Herndon 
3rd Tuesday of the month, 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 
Facilitated by Dr. Rebecca Fleischer and Dr. Libby Robbins 
 
Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia, Fairfax 
Sundays, once a month, 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. 
Facilitated by Sharon Alman, LCSW 

No admission fee. Registration required. 

Warm Hearts, Cold Nights: Supporting NoVa Hypothermia Prevention

Posted on by Shari Berman

How do a dozen or more women with hundreds of plastic grocery bags make an impact on Fairfax County’s unhoused community? It happens when the Pozez JCC’s Women’s Social Impact Group (WSIG) joins forces with FACETS, a nonprofit that supports Northern Virginians facing poverty and homelessness, for Hypothermia Prevention Week. 

The WSIG is an amazing group of women of all ages and stages who want to make the world a better place. The group has tackled important issues such as hunger, homelessness, voting rights, and environmental change. Since the group’s inception in 2020, dedicated women have donated non-perishable food items, toiletries, women’s clothing, books, puzzles, and scarves to worthy organizations; worked at the Food for Others food pantry; helped build a community garden; and raised funds for Sunrise Day Camp. 

Most impressive among these activities is the work the WSIG (and the larger JCC volunteer network) does to support FACETS’ Hypothermia Prevention Week at Bethlehem Lutheran Church each year. During this week, community members can come to the church for meals, entertainment, services, and a warm place to sleep during one of the colder weeks of the year.  

This year’s Hypothermia Prevention Week took place January 11-18. The Pozez JCC and the WSIG partnered with Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Living Savior Lutheran Church, Kids Give Back, and Congregation Olam Tikvah to successfully feed and house 50 guests and FACETS staff during a very chilly week. A significant donation by the Jay Meyerson Book Club also supported our efforts. 

The JCC was responsible for two full days of meals, serving, and entertainment. For the first time, the J organized two “Gather and Give Communal Cooking Events” to prepare lunch sandwiches and a complete dinner meal. Both mornings, volunteers came to the church to serve a hot breakfast of pancakes and sent guests out for the day with a brown bag lunch. Additional volunteers provided delicious desserts and served dinner each evening to grateful guests. 

Guests were entertained by a bingo game called by Olam Tikvah volunteers and a concert by Makheylah, the JCC Community Choir. A local hairdresser provided haircuts to the visitors. 

“The team of volunteers are dedicated and enthusiastic and work hard to ensure that the guests are well taken care of and…that the logistics go smoothly,” one volunteer told me.  “The guests enjoyed bingo with some assisting others for whom English was not their first language. I thoroughly enjoy helping with this project and intend to continue in the foreseeable future.” 

More than 90 volunteers spent 563 hours making Hypothermia Prevention Week possible. The cost to rent the hall and provide food, gift cards, and supplies totaled close to $15,000. It truly takes a village to have a successful Hypothermia Prevention Week. 

So where do the grocery bags come in? One of the WSIG’s ongoing projects is making “plarn” (plastic yarn) bedrolls for members of the unhoused community. Each 6-foot bedroll (ie, a sleeping mat) is made from 700 grocery store bags. It is a perfect example of bettering the environment by repurposing these bags into lightweight cushions for people living outdoors. A volunteer delivers these crocheted mats to members of the unhoused community, one at a time, as they are completed.   

What a great village we are privileged to be part of, helping so many people in need. If you’d like to support the Pozez JCC’s social action efforts, you can do so in several ways. 

  • Attend the Women’s Social Impact Group’s monthly meetings and get involved with its community service projects. Turn your passion into purpose. 
  • Volunteer to make bedrolls for our unhoused neighbors – no experience needed. 

MAH JONGG – A Game for All (Ages)!

Posted on by Shari Berman

Fun fact: The game of Mah Jongg was invented in 19th century China, but the United States’ National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) was founded in 1937 by a group of Jewish women in New York City.

This social game of skill and luck is experiencing a resurgence right now, attracting younger players who get together in person and online, but it’s been a part of Jewish communal life for decades.

My mom still plays Mah Jongg in her retirement community twice a week. I learned to play in 1997 when a friend taught a group of newbies over the course of a couple of Sunday afternoons. Although one person moved to Texas, the five of us continue to play weekly and I use my mom’s original bakelite set. Though my adult daughter hasn’t expressed interest in learning the game yet, I hope that one day she will, and I will pass on my mom’s set to her.

You don’t need to have friends or family who play to learn Mah Jongg and enjoy the social benefits of weekly competitions. The Pozez JCC has opportunities to both learn and play this surprisingly Jewish game.

Beginner lessons are offered quarterly by experienced teacher Bette Shanley, and they attract a more diverse crowd than you might expect. The students so far have been mostly female, but we do have an occasional single man and sometimes married couples take lessons together. The 10 new players that just finished our standard four-class course ranged in age from 31 to 64, proving that Mah Jongg is a game for all ages, not just retirees.

Some students are intimidated at first, but our groups are always supportive. “At first, I thought I’d never catch on, but each class built my confidence, and by the third week I felt ready to play—at least at the beginner level,” one student reports. “The best part has been the group itself. We laughed, learned, and encouraged one another along the way. Bette was so organized, and each class built on the last with a clear purpose and progression. I’m so glad I joined—this has been both fun and rewarding!”

Once they’ve mastered the basics, novice players can come on Friday afternoons to play slower-paced games in a less pressured environment with Mah Jongg sets provided by the

J. Experienced players can come on Wednesdays to prove their skills against other seasoned players. It’s a great way to meet community members and make new friends.

Periodically, we offer Siamese Mah Jongg lessons for experienced players. This version of the game is for two players; each person plays with two racks of tiles at the same time. If you’re up for the challenge, our next Siamese Mah Jongg lesson series will begin on October 30, with day and evening class times.

Finally, the J hosts an annual tournament, the Ruth Spector Memorial Mah Jongg Tournament. This year’s tournament will be held on Sunday, November 9 in our auditorium. New this year – we are holding a novice tournament for those who have never played in a tournament before. Come test your skills and enjoy a light brunch and snacks, raffle prizes and fun for ALL ages. Learn more about the J’s Mah Jongg (and other adult education) classes or sign up for the tournament.

More Than Just Flowers: Unpacking May Celebrations

Posted on by Shari Berman

The month of May is full of occasions recognized through celebration or commemoration, starting with May Day on May 1. I have a vague recollection of celebrating May Day as a kid at school but cannot recall why! According to Wikipedia, May Day is a European festival of ancient origins marking the beginning of summer, about halfway between the Northern Hemisphere’s Spring equinox and June solstice. Traditions include creating flower garlands, dancing around a Maypole (which I absolutely remember doing!), singing and bonfires. Did you know that May Day’s origin is with the Roman holiday Floralia celebrating the goddess of flowers. It’s no wonder why we hope April showers will bring May flowers!

On the second Sunday of May we celebrate Mother’s Day, honoring mothers and grandmothers and all they do for their children, families, and the community. It is usually a day for moms to feel pampered and special. Many receive flowers or flowering plants as gifts of appreciation. For me, being with family is wonderful, but not having to cook or clean-up is the best Mother’s Day gift ever!

When we think of May, we often think of college graduations and weddings. It turns out that May is the 4th most popular month to get married, after September, October and June. The temperate weather and beautiful blooms are two big factors for May’s popularity. Venues are often at their prettiest with flowers in bloom. Speaking of venues…if you have never been to Hillwood Estate in Washington, DC, consider coming with the J in May to see the exquisite mansion and breathtaking gardens.

Of course, the fourth Monday of the month is Memorial Day, a federal holiday that was created to honor and mourn those who lost their lives while serving in the United States military. It is often commemorated with wreath-laying at monuments and cemeteries, as well as parades. As the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day with its three-day weekend, is when pools and beaches open for the season and many stores have big sales.

But did you know that May has been designated Jewish American Heritage Month or JAHM? Created in 2006 under President George W. Bush as a time to celebrate and learn about the contributions of Jewish Americans to American culture and society, it continues annually by Presidential Proclamation. As a result, JAHM is marked by events, educational initiatives, and public acknowledgements – to showcase the rich history and diverse experiences of Jewish Americans for more than 350 years. 

Locally, you can visit the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. | Official Site where you can learn about the history of our local Jewish community, and view photos and memorabilia. The museum has educational resources for teachers to talk about JAHM, too, and will have a new exhibit opening on May 16: LGBTJews in the Federal City. The J has taken several trips to CJM to view the permanent exhibits and special exhibits and our participants have enjoyed each one!

If you care to take a road trip to Philadelphia, you may want to explore the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History the organizer of JAHM and a fabulous museum.

JAHM encourages all Americans to learn about Jewish culture, history, and contemporary issues, fostering dialogue and promoting inclusivity and understanding within the broader American context. I hope you have an opportunity to participate in a JAHM event.

Finally, May is known as “Older Americans Month.” It’s a time to recognize the contributions of older adults, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving them. This year’s theme is “Flip the Script on Aging” prompting us to examine how we think, feel, and talk about aging both individually and as a society. If you are an ‘older adult’ and not receiving the monthly Golden Gazette newsletter from Fairfax County, consider signing up for it here: FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults to be in the know!

I also encourage you to attend one or more of the following Pozez JCC adult programs taking place in May. We have a variety of programs for adults of all ages and stages, featuring relevant and interesting subject matter ranging from resources for seniors and weight loss to mansion and garden tours to Jewish film, music and cooking. As I always say, there is something for everyone at the J. Hope to see you here in May!

JCC Adult Program Calendar for May

May 7 @ 1pm-2pm – WISE Connect Demo Event – Pozez JCC

May 15-18* – JxJ 2025 – Pozez JCC (7 Jewish &/or Israeli films in Northern Virginia)

May 21 – Springtime Trip to Hillwood Estate – Pozez JCC

May 22 @ 6pm-8pm – Cooking Jewish, with Israeli Chef Nissimmi Naim Naor – Pozez JCC

May 30 @ noon-1pm – Needles & Nutrition: Demystifying GLP-1s & the Truth About Weight Loss – Pozez JCC

*The film” Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause” is a documentary about the contributions of Jewish American actor, comedian, author and activist Charles Grodin. The film will be screened at Cinema Arts Theatre on Sunday, May 18 at 2pm and will be followed by a conversation between the film director James L. Freedman and Pozez JCC Executive Director Jeff Dannick. Don’t miss it!

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

Posted on by Dionna Dash

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

Posted on by Shari Berman

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! 🎉

Global Jewish Peoplehood: Two Wars, Three communities and Chimney Cakes 

Posted on by Zina Segal

Impressions by Jeff Dannick, Matthew Berger and Zina Segal following their trip to Budapest in the frame of the JCC Global program FROM GOOD TO GREAT. 

This past summer, Matthew Berger, a Pozez JCC board member, was excited to learn about the JCC Global program “FROM GOOD TO GREAT.” This program invited JCCs across the USA to partner with JCCs in Ukraine and Israel. Matthew immediately saw the importance of the program: “The last couple of years have changed everything for the Jewish people. First, Russia invaded Ukraine, putting Jews and others at risk. Then, on October 7, 2023, Israel was attacked in the most brutal way. With that backdrop, we knew we had to act. We are only 15.8 million worldwide, and we must support each other.”

Jeff Dannick, who shared Matthew’s commitment to Jewish solidarity, quickly agreed to join the initiative. Understanding the challenges facing Jews worldwide, Jeff believes it’s crucial to support Jewish communities wherever they are. The Pozez JCC board approved the partnership, and in early December, Matthew, Jeff, and Zina Segal—who had a deep background in Russia and Ukraine—traveled to Budapest for the four-day retreat. They returned with new friendships, heavy emotions, and plans for the future.

The “FROM GOOD TO GREAT” program, funded by a grant from the Jewish Federations of North America, aims to strengthen JCCs in Ukraine by facilitating global cooperation with partner JCCs worldwide. Pozez JCC was paired with Hesed Besht (JCC in Khmelnitsky, Ukraine) and a community center in Beit Shemesh, Israel, for this three-year project. Over the retreat, participants met with colleagues from Khmelnitsky, Beit Shemesh, and other global JCCs to learn, build relationships, and discuss plans for future collaboration. 

Zina Segal, Sr. Director of Community Impact and Engagement at Pozez JCC, shared her thoughts: “It was heart-wrenching yet inspiring to be in that part of the world again. I met with old colleagues from Odessa and Ashkelon and provided context about Jewish Life in FSU (Former Soviet Union) to my current colleagues. While the program provided translation in English, Russian, and Hebrew, true partnership requires understanding the deeper context—why, for example, JCCs in Ukraine provide night nurses to the elderly or how a JCC with a $2 million budget supports 400 employees. These were realities I knew well in my own city of St. Petersburg.” 

Matthew was struck by the resilience of their Ukrainian partners. “Despite the war, they run multiple programs for several generations across four community centers with limited resources. Most of their funds go toward serving their community, especially the elderly.” He mentioned speaking with the JCC director from Zaporizhzhia, Inessa Nosenko, who was working to relocate classrooms to her center after a Russian attack destroyed a destroyed a local Jewish day school. “These JCCs are doing incredible work under unimaginable circumstances,” he added.

Jeff also marveled at the strength of both their Ukrainian and Israeli partners. “These communities are in the midst of war, and despite that, or perhaps because of it, they are resolute, adaptive, and creative. They remain warm, friendly, and engaging in ways that are truly inspiring.”

During the retreat, Zina had an interesting conversation with Yael Wolf, a lay leader from Beit Shemesh. “Yael had watched the show Nobody Wants This before attending and asked if the portrayal of American Jewry was accurate. We talked about Jewish identity, Reform and Conservative movements, and my personal experience as a Jewish convert. By the end of the conversation, she was fascinated by the diversity of Jewish expression in the U.S. and wanted to learn more about Jewish life in America and Ukraine.”

Budapest was chosen for its accessibility to participants from Ukraine, Israel, and the U.S. With its rich Jewish history, it was the perfect backdrop for the retreat. Jeff noted, “The Jewish community in Budapest has an incredible history and a promising future. The JCC in Budapest plays a crucial role in that community, and their CEO, Marcell Kenesei, is an inspiring leader.” Jeff fondly recalled his first experience tasting Chimney Cake, a local delicacy, which added a memorable touch to the retreat.

Matthew reflected on his upbringing in the Jewish community in Boston. “I grew up in the Boston area among many Jews, though my family was not religious. My parents grew up in communist Poland, and I had to find my own way to the more organized sector of the Jewish community. It turns out that many people I encountered in Hungary had the same experience: That first post War generation did not always promote their Jewish identity leaving it to my generation to rediscover it. I, for the first time in my 46 years, realized that my story was not unique and can now much better understand my place in the Jewish world.”

Zina shared her emotional experience in Budapest: “The city felt so much like home, it was almost painful. From the classical architecture to the Soviet-era constructions, everything reminded me of Saint Petersburg. On the last night of the program, we had dinner on a boat on the Danube. While we enjoyed the view of the city lit up for Christmas, Ukrainians discussed the Jewish school destroyed in a missile attack, and Israelis talked about the hostage situation. Yet, we also laughed together, planned our next meeting, and held both pain and joy in the same moment. That’s our Jewish superpower.” 

In the year ahead, all 31 participating JCCs from Ukraine, Israel, the U.S., and Latin America will continue collaborating to enhance the capacity and sustainability of war-affected JCCs in Ukraine. Through strategic planning, mentorship, and meaningful educational projects, the program will strengthen Jewish Peoplehood across the globe. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming programs at Pozez JCC as part of the FROM GOOD TO GREAT initiative. If you’d like to get involved in this partnership, please contact Zina Segal.

Bring your community and everyone benefits!

Posted on by Sarah Braesch

Refer a Friend & Get a Free Month of Membership

If you have ever thought about bringing a friend to the J to show them why you love it here, there is no time like the present.

Maybe you’ve seen the Refer a Friend posters around the building or maybe you’ve seen me pop into one of your group classes to share the offer. I am really excited about this new program to build our community. If you refer a friend (or a family member, or a colleague, or an enemy, or some rando you met at a grocery store) and they join the Pozez JCC, you will get a free month of membership! Whatever you are paying now, you will pay zero membership dues for the month after your friend joins. Simple as that!

This is a win-win-win situation. You get a friend to work out with, or someone who will come play Mah Jongg with you, or attend a great speaker program. Your friend gets to be a part of our welcoming JCC community. The J gets more members! Everybody wins!

“But Sarah!” I can hear you say, “My friend doesn’t want to join until they see the place or can experience our yoga class.” I say to you –  No problem! Come see us in the membership office and we are happy to give you a free day pass for your friend to come in with you. (Make sure you also talk to us about reserving them a spot in that class, so it doesn’t fill up).

We are always happy to give member’s friends a tour. You are welcome to leave them with us or you can tag along and point out all your favorite things about the J.

If you need reasons to convince them to come check us out, here are just a few:

  • Be part of a thriving community: By becoming a member of the JCC they can join a close-knit “family” no matter their age, faith, or background.
  • If health and wellness is important: Maybe they would be interested to know about our sparkling indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center with energetic and dedicated personal trainers (and we hear we’re cheaper than Lifetime)
  • Do they have special interests? Perhaps hearing interesting speakers, or attending Jewish family programming, adult day trips, or an affinity group that meets regularly.
  • Maybe they want to give back to the community by engaging in our volunteer programs. Opportunities abound at the J and in the community.
  • You can tell them about

Need more reasons to share? Our inclusion and disability programs, day camps, and Early Childhood Learning Center are cherished by the families. And our Israel programming has helped educate, build unity, and gather the community together during a very difficult year.

I could go on and on, but this is about the referral program. If you refer two families, you’ll get two months of free membership. If five people list you as a reference on five applications, you will get five months free. If you convince 10 people or families to sign up, we’ll probably approach you to work here (LOL), and also, you will get 10 months of membership dues free!

There are of course terms and conditions to receive the free months:

  • You must have an active J-Family or J-Journey monthly membership
  • A new member or family can only use one person as a referral
  • The free month(s) is not retroactive
  • The current member will receive a free month at their current rate and membership level
  • The current member will receive a free month for each membership unit sold (a family membership is one unit)… no limits. We want you to get free months of membership because if your friends sign up it makes us a bigger, happier community and we all win!

If you have any questions, feel free to call or drop by the membership office. We are usually here Monday – Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm and Sundays from 11am–4pm.

Luke and I look forward to meeting your friends and welcoming them to our mishpacha (family)!

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.