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Category: Art & Culture

Celebrating Lag B’Omer with BBQs, Community, and Stories that Spark Joy

Posted on by Amy Lummer

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 at www.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!

Curator’s Conversation with Bill Firestone

Posted on by Sarah Berry

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.”

Purim: A Holiday of Mitzvot and Merriment

Posted on by Amy Lummer

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!

Chag Purim Sameach!  Happy Purim!

Conversation with the Curator: Four Questions with Sophia Pineda, watercolor artist, dancer, and disabilities advocate

Posted on by Sarah Berry

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.

    Why Disability Stories Matter: A Director’s Perspective

    Posted on by Paul Marengo

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

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

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

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

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

    ReelAbilities Film Schedule

    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.

    Conversation with the Curator: 4 Questions with Camille Kouyoumdjian, mixed media artist and beekeeper

    Posted on by Sarah Berry

    “There’s a thrill in transforming a blank canvas or random scraps of paper into something expressive and tangible,” says Camille Kouyoumdjian, the artist behind the Roots and Rhythms solo exhibition, on view in the Bodzin Art Gallery through December 2, 2024.

    Camille’s mixed media paintings bring together acrylic, oil, cold wax, and collage to capture the dynamic relationship between the earth and its transformations. When asked what keeps her going as an artist, Camille tells me: “the concept of tikkun olam, or “repairing the world,” deeply influences my artistic practice. Working with plants, food, and bees has made me hyper-aware of patterns and rhythms in nature.”

    This collection of paintings reflects the artist’s deep reverence for the natural world and her desire to document its beauty and transience.

    When did you start making art, and what keeps you going?

    I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating something! Art has always been my way of making sense of the world around me. I spent my early career in government service, where I researched the impacts of social structures on people living with disadvantages. This fed my curiosity about how people perceive the world and respond to it. I realized that art can bridge communication divides.

    When my daughter was born, I spent more time devoting myself to art as a creative and emotional outlet and realized that I wanted to pursue that more than anything else.

    There’s a thrill in transforming a blank canvas or random scraps of paper into something expressive and tangible. What keeps me going is that I’m constantly discovering new perspectives and ideas; each piece feels like a new conversation with nature and people.

    The concept of *tikkun olam*, or “repairing the world,” deeply influences my artistic practice by driving me to use sustainable materials and create works that reflect on environmental issues. Through my art, I explore themes of resilience and fragility in nature, aiming to inspire others to reflect on their connection to the planet and consider their role in nurturing it.

    How did you gravitate to the various media and styles you are working in?

    It’s been an organic process, a lot like gardening, actually! I started with painting and then got curious about adding textures and mixed media, leading to hand-painted, recycled paper, acrylics, wax, ink, and even image transfers. Working with different media allows me to layer elements of chaos and order in ways that feel connected to nature. This approach—almost like layering seasons in a garden—brings so much energy and depth to the work.

    How does your work as a Master Gardener, Master Food Educator, and beekeeper influence your work as a mixed media artist, and vice versa?

    Working with plants, food, and bees has made me hyper-aware of patterns and rhythms in nature. From the textures in tree bark to the hexagonal perfection of a honeycomb, I see these details showing up in my art, where I play with both organic and geometric shapes. Plus, gardening and beekeeping teach patience and remind me of how fragile and resilient ecosystems are—just like art! Art, on the other hand, has made me more observant and mindful in the garden and especially in working with community members who experience food insecurity, so my various worlds feed each other constantly.

    Do you have any advice to share with aspiring artists?

    Be open to experimentation and find joy in the process, not just the finished product. Don’t stress over mistakes—sometimes they lead to unexpected beauty! Also, find a community. Whether it’s other artists, gardeners, or anyone who appreciates creativity, surrounding yourself with people who understand and support you can be incredibly inspiring. And, most importantly, never underestimate the power of curiosity—it’s the best fuel for any creative journey.

    Connect with Camille online:
    Web https://www.wildhorizonfineart.com/
    Instagram @wildhorizonfineart

    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.