“Following My Calling”: A Conversation with Zina Segal

February marks Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). While inclusion is a priority every day at the J, we’re celebrating this month with a group of programs that shine the light on our disability community and the professionals who make those programs into successes.

One of those professionals is Zina Segal, our Senior Director of Community Impact and Engagement. We sat down with her for a conversation about her role overseeing our Inclusion and Disabilities program, what inclusion means to her, and the incredible impact of the programs she organizes.

  1. What motivated you to pursue a career in the disability and inclusion space, particularly within the Jewish community?

I can’t say that I dreamed of becoming a Jewish professional as a child. In fact, I actually wanted to go into IT and my first BA and MA ‘s were for applied computer technologies in art and culture. But during my college years in Russia, I became very active with the Jewish community. For the decade after college, I stayed in St. Petersburg, and I wound up helping to open the first reform congregation in the city because I felt like my spiritual and communal needs weren’t being met by the Chabad synagogue. The inclusion of people with more diverse backgrounds into Jewish communal life appealed to me.

After moving to the States, I got a job at the Center for Jewish Education in Baltimore, where I began creating specific programming for Russian-speaking Jews because I could see they were present in the city, but they didn’t have any programming that acknowledged their identity and culture. Fast forward three years and now I work at Pozez, still following my calling to create spaces within Jewish communities that didn’t exist before or that weren’t as developed as I would want them to be.

  1. What does inclusion mean to you?

You need to have representation so that people see themselves in what you’re doing. We need specific spaces for different identities and backgrounds and we need education because people do have assumptions about other groups. Even when they mean well, without education, it creates tensions.

  1. Tell us about a J initiative that has positively impacted people with disabilities.

I was recently at the J last Sunday and I stepped into the gym where the adaptive sports basketball game was taking place. The whole gym was filled – there must’ve been over 100 people there. There were kids and their buddies playing the game, parents socialising and watching, and coaches on the sidelines. Everyone was having fun. It was just phenomenal.

Our adaptive sports programs are always sold out, with waiting lists. To offer kids a space to come into that is safe for them, both physically and psychologically, is so important, and there’s such a need for it in the community.

  1. During JDAIM, how are you spreading awareness and education about the disability community?

At Pozez JCC, Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month is every month of the year because we really do prioritize adaptive and educational programming. But in February, something special we’re doing is our Reelabilities Film Festival, which showcases films about the disability community and/or made by members of the disability community. For the first 10 days of the festival, we’ve already had 288 people participate across the whole DMV area, which is amazing.

These films highlight struggles that are specific to those with disabilities and also struggles that are just human challenges that we all face. The festival is a form of education and a way to uplift lesser-heard voices, and the more people who learn about the different life experiences that exist in this world, the better.

Looking to celebrate JDAIM? Learn more about our Inclusion and Disabilities program or register for the Reelabilities Film Festival.

Disability, Humanity, and Belonging: A JDAIM Reflection

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

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

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

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

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

Why Disability Stories Matter: A Director’s Perspective

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

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

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

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

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

ReelAbilities Film Schedule

Realistic Resolutions in 2025

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

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

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

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

1. Health and Wellness

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

2. Personal Growth

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

3. Professional Development/Volunteering

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

4. Financial Goals

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

5. Relationships and Social Life

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

6. Environment and Community

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

7. Mental Health

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

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

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

Wishing you an amazing 2025! 🎉

Eight Reasons why sending your child to Jewish summer day camp is a gift that keep on giving

From spinning dreidels to lighting the menorah, Hanukkah is a time of joyful celebration, family traditions, and connecting to our Jewish heritage. These same values are at the heart of Pozez JCC’s Camp Achva, where children create their own traditions, build lifelong friendships, and deepen their connection to Judaism. This Hanukkah, as we light the candles each night, we’ve illuminated eight reasons why sending your child to Jewish summer day camp is a gift that keeps on giving.

1. Embrace Diversity: Children learn to appreciate and respect individual differences, fostering empathy and understanding towards others with diverse abilities and backgrounds.

2. Build Confidence: Inclusive environments promote a sense of belonging and acceptance, encouraging children to step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and develop self-confidence.

3. Develop Social Skills: Camp Achva provides opportunities to interact with a wide range of peers, improving communication, cooperation, and conflict-resolution skills.

4. Experience Personal Growth: Inclusive settings challenge children to overcome obstacles, adapt to different needs, and discover their own strengths and abilities. In 2025, we are thrilled to announce that we will be installing a community challenge course which will be part low ropes elements and part ninja warrior/parkour elements! We believe the course will enhance our ability to deliver on creating connections, fostering personal growth, and be downright awesome to experience!

5. Cultivate Leadership: By interacting with and supporting campers with diverse needs, children learn to become patient, understanding leaders and advocates for inclusion.

6. Strengthen Jewish Identity: Immersing in Camp Achva’s environment – teaching Jewish values – fosters a strong connection to their heritage through traditions, stories, songs, and Hebrew language.

7. Lifelong Friendships: Camp friendships create bonds built on shared experiences, acceptance, and understanding that can last a lifetime.

8. Fun and Engaging Activities: Camp Achva offers a wide range of activities adapted to all abilities, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy the classic camp experience.

Camp Achva 2025 registration is open!
Click here to register your child(ren) while space in their age group is still available.

Going Places! Building a community of acceptance, friendship, and fun

Within the Inclusion and Disability Services program at the Pozez JCC, there is an active social group for people with disabilities. This group is called Going Places!. And yes, the exclamation point is an important part of the name! The group meets once a month to connect – to socialize and catch up on what is happening in each other’s lives and to participate in a fun activity. Most of the time, the group, true to its name, goes to places, but sometimes they meet at the Pozez JCC. Going Places! is a social group where people come to find acceptance, community, friendship, and fun.

In November, to echo the spirit of gratitude that is abundant at this time of year and to introduce the Jewish value of gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), the Going Places! group met at the Pozez JCC to work on a volunteer activity coordinated with the J’s Volunteer Services program. The event, Cupcakes and Kindness, brought participants together to decorate cupcakes that were later donated to Second Story for Teens Shelter, a local organization serving teens in crisis.

After learning a little about the mission of Second Story, the group of mostly young adults, with a couple of mature teens who joined in on the fun, learned cupcake decorating techniques and created art with icing, candy, and decorations. Everyone took great efforts to make beautiful cupcakes that they were sure would make the Second Story teens smile with delight when received. And, don’t be mistaken, the Going Places! friends made sure to make enough cupcakes so they could also have some for themselves. So many cupcakes were decorated that there were even enough to bring some home to family and community members at a group home.

The cupcakes were delivered to Second Story that week and the staff were so appreciative of the beautiful work and kindness shown by the Going Places! members. 

Believe in Building a Thriving, Inclusive Community? We Do Too!

Do you dream of a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and truly welcomed? Where connections span generations, enrich lives, and create a home for all? We do too! 

At the J, we’re passionate about bringing people together from all walks of life. By fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant community—one where diverse ideas, identities, and perspectives come together to enrich us all. 

Through our wide range of programs and activities, we inspire connection, encourage meaningful exchanges, and create opportunities for personal and collective growth. Whether it’s celebrating cultural traditions, engaging in dialogue, or simply coming together to make a difference, the J is a hub for connection and impact. 

But this community isn’t complete without YOU. Your participation and support are vital to our mission of strengthening connections and enriching lives. 

This Giving Tuesday, and throughout the season of giving, we invite you to join us in making an impact. Your generous financial support empowers us to continue building a community where everyone belongs. Together, we can create real change and a brighter future for all. 

Let’s make a difference—together. 

Impact and Action: How Pozez JCC creates a welcoming space for all 

Our Northern Virginia community is as vast and diverse as the needs of its residents. Here at the J, we strive to meet those needs for all who seek supportive spaces in which to connect, learn and grow — regardless of age, religion, or ability.

By fostering inclusion, encouraging social action, and nurturing the next generation, we encourage an exchange of ideas between Northern Virginia residents — both Jewish and of other faiths and identities — that enriches the broader community.

Fostering Inclusion

We are committed to inclusion, both by making programming accessible to all and by practicing acceptance for people from all backgrounds. This commitment is actualized through a number of programs, such as our annual ReelAbilities Film Festival-Greater Washington, a celebration of the artistic expressions of people with disabilities; Camp Achva, which is based on Jewish values and welcomes children of all identities; and Sunrise Day Camp-Greater Washington which brings joy to children with cancer and their siblings.

Complimenting these programs is our Inclusion and Disability Services Program which features social skills classes and adapted sports tailored for neurodiverse youth and those living with disabilities.

“The JCC programming has given my daughter, Sofia, the confidence to communicate her needs and create relationships with her peers,” said Melissa Napoli, whose daughter has been attending social skills classes for more than a decade.

The relationships formed in these classes are further fostered through our Going Places! program – a monthly social club where neurodiverse teens and adults socialize during activities like bowling and mini golfing.

“I have gained confidence, learned how to approach new people, and discovered I can enjoy communicating with them,” said participant Valerie Maizel.

Encouraging Social Action

Inspired by the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), the J launched its Volunteer Services program last June, under the leadership of Emily Braley. This program engages families throughout Northern Virginia to follow their passions for social justice, the environment, and more.

Emily recently shared, “Volunteering at the J brings our community together. You could volunteer at any food bank or shelter but doing it with other members of the J makes it even more meaningful as we strengthen our connections to each other while making the world a better place.”

NV Rides, a building block of the J’s social action efforts, was launched in 2014. The volunteer driver network includes 15+ partners overseen by Pozez JCC. The mission, to help seniors in Northern Virginia age in place by providing transportation to essential services, is being accomplished with a team of volunteer drivers — more than 800 since its inception. Last year, NV Rides facilitated more than 26,000 trips!

NV Rides helps combat the social isolation that a lot of seniors in our community face as some wind up driving together for years and forming wonderful friendships along the way.”

Nurturing the Next Generation

As we strive to perpetuate the vitality and strength of our local community, we create opportunities for connection and education for the next generation.

Quality preschool and infant care services through our Early Childhood Learning Centers (ECLC), complemented by our Chai 5 afterschool program, introduce children to key values, including respect, empathy, and inclusion.

For newbies to Northern Virginia with young children, the J’s Growing Jewish Families (GJF) program employs J-Family Ambassadors to serve as community guides, lowering the barriers to entry for families searching for informal ways to connect Jewishly. Families are welcomed with gift bags of supplies, coffee dates, and specialized outings where parents and their children can relax, recharge, and connect.

One long-time participant, Sheryl Roth, noted that the friendships born from the GJF program are genuine and lasting.

“I wanted to connect with other Jewish moms and meet families with similar values and cultural traditions,” she said. “The women I’ve met have become some of my closest friends.” 

The Pozez JCC’s Promise

From infants to seniors, the Pozez JCC positively impacts our community by creating welcoming and inclusive spaces. Guided by our enduring promise to build community and enrich lives, we craft opportunities for equity and education through inclusion services, volunteerism, and young family programming. 

As this year begins to wrap up, we renew our promise to build a community of impact and action. To ensure we can deliver on this promise, we hope you’ll help us by making a gift today or signing up to volunteer.

Bring your community and everyone benefits!

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)!

A Day with the J

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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