Mark your calendars, Greater Washington! The ReelAbilities Film Festival is back, and we’re incredibly excited to roll out the red carpet from January 25 to March 8, 2026. Get ready for a vibrant celebration of perspective, creativity, and inclusion that promises to inspire, connect, and challenge the way you think.
The festival is a powerful platform that’s already making a significant impact. As one past attendee shared, “ReelAbilities made me realize that disability isn’t just about limitations, it’s about humanity.” Another participant praised it as “a platform for voices we don’t hear often enough.” These testimonials truly capture the essence of what ReelAbilities aims to achieve: fostering understanding and amplifying diverse narratives.
Throughout Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a diverse selection of powerful documentaries, thought-provoking short films, and compelling features. These films are carefully curated to challenge assumptions and spark meaningful conversations that extend far beyond the screen.
But the ReelAbilities experience doesn’t stop with the screenings. We’re committed to bringing these stories to life in new and unexpected ways through engaging panel talks, captivating art exhibits, and dynamic live performances. This multi-faceted approach ensures a rich and immersive experience for everyone.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time attendee, the ReelAbilities Film Festival promises to leave you feeling inspired, connected, and with a fresh perspective. We truly believe in the power of stories to foster empathy and build a more inclusive community.
Want to Get Involved? Your Support Makes a Difference!
The success of the Festival relies on the incredible support of our community. There are many ways to contribute to this vital celebration of inclusion. If you’re eager to lend a hand, share your talents, or simply learn more about how you can support this impactful event, we encourage you to reach out!
Let’s celebrate stories that matter and make the ReelAbilities Film Festival: Greater Washington an unforgettable experience for all.
Interested in getting involved? Please contact me to learn more about how you can support the festival and help us celebrate the power of diverse voices.
The Atelier at the Pozez JCC Early Childhood Learning Center came to life in 2010, during a pivotal moment of transformation. The school was evolving from a traditional play-based preschool into one inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, an educational philosophy rooted in the belief that children are capable, curious, and full of potential. A core part of this philosophy is the presence of an Atelier, a workshop space where children explore and express their thinking through a wide array of materials. Alongside it is the Atelierista, an artist who collaborates with educators and children to support this kind of learning.
At the time, I was both a parent at the preschool and a practicing visual artist, deeply connected to the creative process but entirely unfamiliar with what an Atelier could or should be in an early childhood setting. When Amy Brinko, then the director of the ECLC, asked if I’d be willing to work part-time to help create an Atelier space and work with children and materials, I stepped into the role with equal parts excitement and uncertainty. There was no blueprint—just a cart, a cabinet, and the hope that something meaningful could emerge.
What began in the simplest of forms slowly unfolded into something much more. As materials were introduced into classrooms, it became clear that children were ready to engage with them not as craft supplies, but as tools for expression and discovery. Their responses shaped the path forward. When an unused classroom was later offered as a temporary morning space, the Atelier truly began to take root. Over time, it evolved from a borrowed space to a cornerstone of the school’s identity.
What makes the Atelier unique is not only its materials, but its philosophy. Inspired by the idea of the “hundred languages of children,” the Atelier honors the many ways children express themselves, through movement, mark-making, construction, storytelling, sound, and more. It is a space that values process over product, exploration over instruction. Children are not told what to create. Instead, they are offered provocations: What do you notice? What might happen if…? What do you want to say?
The Atelier is not about art in the traditional sense. It’s about thinking with materials, and using them to wonder, question, communicate, and connect. Children might use clay to represent something they’ve observed in the garden, they might explore shadow and transparency using light and acetate or discover the rhythms of mark-making with charcoal and pastels. In this space, materials become languages, and every child is a communicator.
Over the past 15 years, the Atelier has become a place where the voices of children are visible, and where traces of their ideas linger in the marks left behind. The space is shaped by the children who inhabit it, and in turn, it shapes how they come to see themselves as thinkers, makers, and contributors. Today, the Atelier remains a living, breathing part of the school’s identity. It is a place of wonder and possibility—where children are invited to explore the world and their place within it, one material at a time.
The current exhibit at the Bodzin Art Gallery offers a window into this work, showcasing how the Atelier is not a separate enrichment activity, but an embedded and essential part of the school’s curriculum. The images, documentation, and children’s work on display reflect the way materials support deep thinking, emotional expression, and collaborative inquiry. This exhibit honors the many voices of children and the powerful learning that happens when they are given the time, space, and materials to express themselves fully.
Comics and cartoons certainly seem to be having a moment, and maybe because many of us recognize a collective need to lighten up and laugh over the satire. Artists are still here for us, turning a mirror on reality – however crude the reality and the mirror – as a reminder of our shared humanity.
Can we lighten up and use humor to bring joy to others? Local “Artoonist” Jim Wise and his co-illustrators Larry Wiedman and Ola Betiku think so. And I agree. Giggle and groan with us in the Bodzin Art Gallery through July 1 and learn more about Jim’s process behind gag artoons below.
1. When did you start making cartoons, and what keeps you going?
I began cartooning back in my college days when I had the privilege of writing my own byline column, “On the Loose.” Back then, I wrote mainly political and satirical articles, sometimes drawing cartoons to supplement the content of my columns. In retrospect, I’d have to admit my graphic “artistry” left much to be desired. After college, my interest in writing continued. I resumed cartooning when I was close to retirement and “wisely” chose to employ skilled illustrators, Larry Wiedman and Ola Betiku, to visually convey my concepts. What keeps me going, I think, is bringing joy and laughter to others.
2. How did you gravitate to the medium and style you are working in?
I suppose I gravitated to cartooning as a way to combine my love of writing humor in a medium that allows for a quick turnaround from creation to completion to sharing with others. Historically, cartoons have always appeared in art galleries in various formats (single panel, comic strips, pop art etc) and there are a few museums in this country and abroad that focus solely on cartoons. My particular contribution is in creating single panel gag cartoons such as seen in the New Yorker or other publications and massively enlarging, digitally printing, mounting, framing and displaying them in solo art gallery exhibits as “artoons.”
3. You are a retired psychologist. Did humor and art play a role in your career, and does your experience helping people lend itself to inspiring your humor and art?
Early in my career I realized that it is impossible to stay angry, depressed and anxious when laughing. With some patients, I sometimes found that a humorous story that resonated with them worked better than Prozac and with far less side effects.
I think my professional work, observing the many facets of human behavior through a humorous lens, provided me with a gold mine of material as a writer and cartoon creator.
4. Do you have any advice to share with aspiring artists?
Here is my advice: First, it is imperative that as an aspiring artist you believe totally in your art, no matter what. Even if critics say you have no talent, that your art sucks, that art galleries will not exhibit your work unless you provide barf bags for visitors – do not be deterred. Secondly, you must devote 100% to your art, even if that means quitting your job, ending your marriage, having your kids forget who you are, and even your dog seeking a new owner. Eventually, you may end up living on the street, begging for change, rooting through garbage cans for scraps to eat. Then, one day, you may find yourself facing your darkest hour, realizing that no one may ever know or care about your art while you are alive or gone. This is the time, my friend, that you need to remember the story of Arnold Snerdly. Whom, you may ask, is Arnold Snerdly? Exactly.
Lag B’Omer has always felt like a beautiful Jewish holiday to me, a hidden gem—a secret waiting to be discovered. Nestled in the middle of the Omer—the 49 days we count between Passover and Shavuot—Lag B’Omer gives us a joyful break in an otherwise quiet and reflective time. It’s full of bonfires, weddings, haircuts, and community gatherings that make it one of my favorite times together with other families.
So, what is Lag B’Omer? Lag B’Omer is the 33rd day of the Omer count (the word Lag comes from the Hebrew letters lamed and gimel, which add up to 33 in Gematria). It’s a day that traditionally breaks a period of mourning, and instead we celebrate joy, resilience, and hope. It’s connected to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a great sage who, according to tradition, passed away on Lag B’Omer and asked that the day be marked with happiness. It also commemorates the end of a terrible plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students.
Counting the Omer: My Family’s Journey of Growth Each night between Passover and Shavuot, we count the Omer. It’s a ritual that’s taught my family to slow down and appreciate each day. It’s about more than counting—it’s about noticing. We’ve used it as a time to reflect on small but meaningful steps we’re taking in our own journey, just like our people did on their way from Egypt to Mount Sinai.
Why I Love Lag B’Omer: Bonfires, BBQs, and Being Together
Lag B’Omer has become a chance for my family—and our community—to get outside and celebrate! Whether it’s a picnic, bonfire, archery, music, or (my favorite) a backyard BBQ, it’s a time to unplug and reconnect with each other.
I especially love our Community Lag B’Omer Event. It’s such a joy to see families come out and fill the space with laughter, music, and the smell of grilled food in the air. Whether you join us for the bonfire, the games, or just that special feeling of being together, you help make it magical every year.
Our Favorite PJ Library Read: Sadie’s Lag B’Omer Mystery One of the ways we used to teach our now teenage children about the holiday was through the PJ Library book Sadie’s Lag B’Omer Mystery by Jamie Korngold. We read it every year when our children were small. In the story, Sadie and her brother Ori look forward to their annual picnic but are curious about what Lag B’Omer is really all about. It’s sweet, engaging, and a perfect way for children to start understanding this lesser-known but meaningful holiday.
Not Getting PJ Library Books Yet? If you are interested in getting books like Sadie’s Lag B’Omer Mystery and you’re a parent or grandparent of children under 9, don’t miss out on PJ Library. They send free Jewish children’s books every month—and the stories truly become part of your family’s memories. They’ve sparked countless conversations in our home, inspired crafts and cooking, and helped my children grow up proud of being Jewish. Sign up atwww.pjlibrary.org and discover the joy of Jewish books and holidays together.
Wishing you a joyful, laughter-filled Lag B’Omer with sparks of light and togetherness!
Bill Firestone, the painter behind the Collective Reason exhibition on view in the Bodzin Art Gallery until May 12 gives you permission to turn the music up and turn the pressure to be meticulous down and just paint so that “wonderful accidents happen!”
Bill’s paintings have been described as vibrant, elastic and energetic. His painterly style lends itself to his fondness for rural scenes but also to the beautiful rainy day street scenes of the big city bustle.
Bill Firestone is one of 70 artists working at Workhouse Arts Center. Learn more about how and where this former illustrator, now full-time painter, finds his inspiration.
When did you start making art and what keeps you going?
I began drawing cartoons in the first grade. My classmates liked it, and I liked the attention.
In high school I did paintings of rural scenes. I have new techniques I want to try. And different new scenes I want to paint, such as Paris and London.
I’m always looking to experiment more with mediums, like gouache and I hope to do more with photographic transfer drawing.
How did you gravitate to the medium and style you are working in?
I used to work in oils and I would get it all over me, my car, my clothes. I decided I could get a similar effect with fast-drying water-based paint. My style is usually the result of impatience, loud music and indecision. I don’t like to be tedious although I admire others who can.
You seem to enjoy and have mastered painting both the serenity of rural landscapes and the big energy of city life. Are there specific places you go to seek inspiration for these scenes?
I like to go to downtown DC on a really rainy day. Occasionally to New York City. And I have been to Paris and London where I got lots of inspiration. And I’m especially drawn to streams and creeks, I’m always stopping on bridges and roads to take photos. And sometimes a student gives me an interesting photo to work from, something that I wouldn’t have thought of to work on.
Do you have any advice to share with aspiring artists?
I think the most important thing is to keep at it. Paint a lot, try new things, take a class. I like to promote using a lot of water with acrylics, so that the paint is not so controlled and wonderful accidents happen. As my friend Lura says, “Painting is just covering up your mistakes.”
If there’s a holiday that embraces fun, creativity, and community, it’s Purim! Think of it as the ultimate Jewish costume party—full of meaning. Every year, we celebrate the story of Queen Esther’s bravery by dressing up, giving to others, and, of course, indulging in plenty of hamantaschen or, in Israel, oznei Haman. Ears (oznei) or hats (Taschen)? You decide!
At my house, the costume planning is eclectic. Over the years, my kids have worn everything from Alexander and Eliza Hamilton to a cloud, including a mermaid, a vampire, the Millennium Falcon (epic!), a shirt that said “This is my Human Costume, I am Really a Cat,” and a ladybug. Purim is the one day where the more creative (or unexpected) the costume, the better!
But Purim isn’t just about costumes. It’s also a time to fulfill four special mitzvot (commandments): 👑 Hearing the Megillah – The Book of Esther is read aloud, and every time Haman’s name is mentioned, we drown it out with groggers (or just really loud cheering and stomping!). You can make your own, or use egg shakers and other instruments in your home. 🎁 Giving Mishloach Manot – We exchange festive food packages with friends and family. These little bundles of joy—often filled with hamantaschen, fruit, and treats—spread sweetness and connection. 💰 Giving Tzedakah – Purim reminds us to give to those in need, ensuring everyone can partake in the joy of the holiday. 🍽 Enjoying a Seudah – The Purim feast is a time to gather, eat, and celebrate with family and friends. It’s a meal filled with laughter, gratitude, and (if you’re lucky) an extra round of hamantaschen.
Speaking of hamantaschen, I have to share my favorite recipe! If you’ve never made these triangle-shaped cookies before, this best hamantaschen recipe is the perfect place to start. Whether you go classic with poppy seed filling or get creative – I won last year’s contest at the J with Halvah Brownie – they are a Purim must-have.
We at Growing Jewish Families can’t wait to celebrate with you! Look out for Purim events happening near you, and be sure to stop by in your best costume—we look forward to seeing what you come up with this year!
If you’ve been in the J’s lobby before the holidays over the last several years and enjoyed browsing the Holiday Bazaar Fundraiser for the Pozez JCC’s Inclusion & Disability Services program, you may already be familiar with the vibrant plants and animals that come to life in watercolor artist, Sophia Pineda’s work. Now, see Sophia’s imaginative, delightful images in Joyful Color, on view the J’s Bodzin Art Gallery until March 10, 2025.
Sophia is a talented painter, working in Chinese watercolor and other media. She also happens to have Down Syndrome. She lives life to the fullest. Sophiola is the art business which she enjoys helping to run. As a baby, Sophia faced life-threatening medical conditions, then later, many learning challenges. Today she is a vibrant, healthy 21-year-old artist, dancer, and advocate.
I have enjoyed getting to know Sophia and her family, the talent and heart behind Sophiola. Joyful Color continues the tradition of sharing work by an artist with a disability during the ReelAbilities Film Festival of Greater Washington, which will be screened between Thursday, January 30 – Thursday, March 6, 2025, in venues throughout the region and online. Join us in celebrating 12 years of film, art, and community!
When did you start making visual art and what keeps you going? How did you gravitate to working in watercolor?
Sophia has been creating art since early childhood. Her parents wanted her to have the chance to explore all kinds of activities and she gravitated to studio arts early on. When she was about 11, she showed a strong talent for Chinese watercolor and with the support of her wonderful teacher, HsiMei Yates, she’s been painting lively and vibrant watercolors for the past 10 years. Recently, Sophia has started experimenting with other art forms, especially hand-building/sculpture in clay.
In addition to being a painter, you are also a dancer, swimmer, and equestrian. Do these activities influence your art?
Sophia loves all those activities but she especially loves dancing – it’s probably her favorite thing to do. Dancing and performing on stage definitely enhance her creativity and help her see the world from different viewpoints.
Your art has served as a powerful advocacy tool. Your activism for the arts, people with Down Syndrome, and other topics close to your heart are very inspiring. What is one of your most meaningful advocacy experiences, and which project are you looking forward to?
Sophia accompanied her parents on several kinds of lobbying visits but one of the most memorable was to encourage passage of the ABLE Act, a law that permits people with disabilities to save for their needs without losing crucial government assistance. (She was even in the audience during one of the final votes for passage through Congress!) But just as meaningful has been Sophia’s visibility in and contribution to the community. Over the past few years, while mentored by muralist Gabe Pons, Sophia has been instrumental with Pons in creating several murals in Fredericksburg, including at the city’s public schools and Germanna community college. The mural projects bring her talents and abilities as a person with disabilities to greater public awareness while also contributing beautiful and uplifting art to the community. The goal is to get more people with a disability involved in creating similar public art. Sophia is really looking forward to the next mural which will start in the Spring. That mural will honor two of Fredericksburg’s early educational advocates for the Black community.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Explore and have fun! Try making lots of different kinds of art, in different styles. Experimenting will help you figure out what type of art you like and what you want to say with your art.
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
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. 😊
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.”
