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Category: Israel

From Grief to Gratitude: How Pozez JCC is Honoring the Yoms and Holding Community

Posted on by Dionna Dash

Grief lingers in the shadow of Oct. 7.

There’s no linear path to healing. Along the way, as bumpy and crooked as that path may be, there’s a bright spot: community. People stay by our sides, supporting us as we navigate through moments of pain and vulnerability, and because of that, there’s an undeniable strength that emerges from being in community.

We, Jewish Northern Virginia, are on that path now.

As three Israeli holidays approach, Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day), and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day), Pozez JCC is creating space for remembrance, healing, and hope.

These Yoms (days), which follow each other in close succession, invite a powerful journey from sorrow to celebration. They ask community members to remember the Holocaust, honor the lives of fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, and then celebrate the miracle of Israel.

“You’re both being grateful for what you have, but at the same time, always remembering the price you have to pay,” says Dean Bagdadi, the JCC’s shaliach (Israeli emissary), who returned to IDF reserve service after October 7. “We try to bring that same emotional duality, the grief and gratitude, into our community here every year.”

This spring, Pozez JCC is hosting a thoughtful series of events to mark the Yoms. 

Community members, through Zikaron BaSalon, have already been gathering in homes, having in-depth discussions about how the Holocaust affected their own families and hearing firsthand accounts from survivors.

To come, there will be music-filled memorial ceremonies, a comedy night with American-Israeli comedian Joel Chasnoff, and a cooking demo led by Israeli chef Nissimmi Naim Naor. Each event is intended to hold space for tears, laughter,  conversation, and connection.

The events also acknowledge another difficult reality: rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial.

“We’re seeing what I’d call Holocaust inversion, where the memory of our suffering is being turned against us,” says Ryan Gardiner, JCC board member and chair of the Israeli Committee. “Fostering memory, keeping it alive, that’s more important now than ever.”

Gardiner thought back to being in Israel for the Yoms in 2010, when he was deployed with the Navy. On Yom HaZikaron, the entire country paused for two minutes of silence, a moment he remembers as “haunting and beautiful.” Traffic came to a halt. Friends stopped chatting. There was just silence.

“The country stops – cars, people, everything. You feel the unity,” he said.

But the Yoms are also about resilience. About holding onto joy. And about showing up for one another. 

A community favorite, the Taste of Israel festival, will return with food, music, and activities for all ages on Sunday, May 4 at Gesher Jewish Day School in Fairfax.

“It’s an opportunity to show the vibrancy of Israeli culture,” Dean said. “It’s not just about the pain. Israelis are joyful people. We dance. We laugh.”

One of the festival crafts will give children an opportunity to make red flowers, the kind that bloom across Southern Israel, especially near the Gaza envelope, the area hit hardest on October 7.

“Those flowers have become a symbol,” Bagdadi said. “Not just of loss, but of life. A symbol that we will rebuild. That we are rebuilding.”

For Amy Lummer, the J’s Family Engagement Director, the events are about meeting people where they are.

“Some people know these holidays intimately. Others are hearing about them for the first time,” she says. “But no matter where you are on your journey, we want you to feel welcomed, seen, and proud of who you are.”

Northern Virginia is home to a large Israeli population, many of whom long for the communal experience of these holidays.

“People are really looking for a community that feels safe, secure, and embracing. That’s what we’re trying to provide at the J,” says Brett Isserow, JCC Board President. “For Israelis especially, the Yoms are one of those rare moments where they can come together and have conversations with others who share a deeper sensitivity and understanding, something they may not always find in their daily lives here in Northern Virginia.”

As the Jewish world continues to navigate fragility, Pozez JCC offers something powerful: a place to gather and belong. A place where memory lives, hope grows, and a connection to Israel binds people together with one story, one song, and one community event at a time.

Learn more about commemorating the Yoms at Pozez JCC.

Me’Avdut Le’Herut: Finding Freedom and Familiarity in a New Seder

Posted on by Dean Bagdadi

I can say with certainty that Pesach is my favorite Jewish holiday. Growing up, Pesach was a 3-week vacation from school. A huge family Seder, woven with funny traditions, the holiday always bring joy and thoughts of home to me. And, here in Northern Virginia, to be a guest at someone else’s Seder made me feel both a stranger and at home at the same time. The added items to the Seder plate, the different tunes and songs, the funny ways of telling the story of Exodus, those were new to me. And, like any other time I experience something new, it takes a while to adjust, as it initially emphasizes the differences between here and there.

But at the same time, nothing feels more familiar than walking into a family’s house prepared for the Seder. The smell of food in the air, knowing the distance between you and that smell depends on the will of the Seder leaders, and they are determined. The familiarity of sitting together, scrolling through a shared history, remembering what we’ve been through. Taking the opportunity of a family meal on a nice spring evening to be grateful for what we have, that feels familiar. But having two Seders, one after the other? You’re crazy. The human body is not built to absorb that much food. That’s a step too far!

Pesach brings an opportunity for reflection, to look back at what we’ve done this year, and to stop for a deep breath. Last Pesach it was unimaginable to think about celebrating our freedom while we are at war, while there’s hostages still missing, and while Antisemitism is at its peak (I hope). But we did, and it was a mixture. A mixture of hopes and concerns, of gratitude and pain. Such are also Israel’s national days that are nearly upon us, the Yoms.

And just like last year, we should take a deep breath. We’re thankful for our sovereignty, but we know we’re at war. We’re grateful for our freedom, but not all of us are free. We’re proud of our history, but we know the price we paid. We’re appreciative of where we are, but we know we must keep moving.

Take a deep breath, eat some food, and continue walking. This desert journey is a lot longer than 40 years.

Chag Sameach!

Realistic Resolutions in 2025

Posted on by Shari Berman

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

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

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

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

1. Health and Wellness

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

2. Personal Growth

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

3. Professional Development/Volunteering

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

4. Financial Goals

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

5. Relationships and Social Life

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

6. Environment and Community

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

7. Mental Health

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

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

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

Wishing you an amazing 2025! 🎉

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

Posted on by Zina Segal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bring your community and everyone benefits!

Posted on by Sarah Braesch

Refer a Friend & Get a Free Month of Membership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not alone: How Pozez JCC turned a year of grief into action

Posted on by Dionna Dash

It has been over one year now since Hamas raided Southern Israel, murdering approximately 1,200 Israelis and capturing more than 200 people as hostages. Over one year since Jewish communities around the world began holding their breath amid death and destruction. Over one year since they began experiencing every emotion at once: from grief to frustration to anger and, despite it all, unrelenting hope. 

In the immediate wake of Oct. 7, and the months that followed, Pozez JCC has been stepping up to provide the NoVa community with comfort, education, and programming to process the massacre and its aftermath. Finding solidarity in community has been priority No. 1. 

People of all ages have come together again and again, turning their grief into action. And often, Dean Bagdadi has been the person guiding them. 

As Pozez JCC’s shaliach – Israeli emissary – Dean connects the NoVa Jewish community with Israel through conversations and experiences informed by his life in Israel and his service in the Israel Defense Forces.

When the war first broke out, he wasn’t only fearful for his community and his country, but for his loved ones who were being called up to serve. Despite the desire to return to Israel and fight alongside them, Dean knew the NoVa community needed a leader to help them work through this trauma.

“After we knew what was happening, our first thought was ‘What can we do? What does our community need us to do?’” he said.

Dean and the rest of the JCC staff coordinated with other Jewish organizations in the area to host a vigil only five days after the Oct. 7 massacre. With over 1,600 people physically and virtually in attendance, including elected officials and clergy from all denominations, the gathering was moving and meaningful, offering comfort to those in mourning.

“There was a sense of a strong, united community that came together to express solidarity,” noted former shaliach Shy Ashkenazi. “In a dark time of confusion and pain, where I, as an Israeli far from Israel, felt very much alone and scared, it offered an opportunity to show up and belong.”

Sigi Saadia, who teaches Hebrew classes at Pozez JCC and often works alongside Dean to educate the NoVa community about her home country of Israel, credited the JCC with helping her navigate the pain of being so far from her family.

“For a week, I couldn’t function at work or at home,” she said. “I felt the need to drop everything and go to Israel, but I couldn’t. Standing at the vigil and watching the amount of people that came and the unity between the organizations made me feel that I was not alone.”

In December, just a few months after the attack, more than 200 community members came together again to bear witness to these horrors at a panel discussion with four survivors of the Oct. 7 massacre. Organized by Pozez JCC, JCC Association of North America, Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs, and World Zionist Organization, this event empowered Yael Simon, Daniel Weiss, Orin Bokobza, and Sharon Ana Yakobi to share their harrowing stories. 

The discussion not only educated the NoVa Jewish community, but it helped the Israeli survivors navigate their trauma.

“It was deeply meaningful to make them feel welcomed,” explained Dean, who moderated the discussion. “The sheer lack of empathy we’ve seen since Oct. 7 is extremely painful. So to host them, feed them, give them a strong hug, and a warm embrace was equally important. And we made four Israelis, who’ve been through the worst thing a human being can go through, feel like they are not alone.”

Those welcoming hugs kept coming at the end of the panel discussion, when many attendees stayed afterwards to express their gratitude and support for the survivors.

Dean reflected, “We were amazed by their courage and resilience. We can only aspire to be as strong as they are.”

This aspiration led to the creation of virtual evening discussions and in-person group sessions at local synagogues, offering teenagers to adults a safe space in which to ask questions about Israel and connect both physically and spiritually with each other. 

“We’ve seen an increasing number of people looking for spaces to feel safe, and I think we did that,” Dean expressed. “We made people safe.”

Jeff Dannick, Pozez JCC’s executive director, had the opportunity to visit Israel in January, meeting with survivors and their families and seeing the horrific destruction firsthand. He expressed his gratitude to Dean for “bringing Israel to Northern Virginia” for those who weren’t able to go themselves.

“I can’t even begin to express how fortunate we are to have Dean Bagdadi as our Senior Shaliach,” he said. “He has been nothing short of extraordinary, shepherding our community through this tragic period while simultaneously dealing with the personal impact to him and his family and friends. I am so grateful to Dean, and his wife Rotem, for their dedication, commitment, and service to our community.”

Opportunities for solidarity and advocacy continued throughout the year, often led by Dean. Noa Argamani, one of the former hostages who was rescued by the IDF in June of 2024, was a friend from his hometown. Prior to her release, to ensure no one forgot her or the other hostages, Dean and his coworkers hung posters of their faces and organized an effort to cook some of their favorite recipes to keep them at the forefront of the community’s hearts and minds. 

In May 2024, as part of the JCC’s Yoms programming, which honors Israel’s Independence Day and Memorial Day, Pozez JCC brought in Israeli musician Jimbo Jay for a concert reflecting on life in the Gaza Envelope to commemorate Yom Ha’Atzmaut. And, as part of its Yom Hazikaron observance, the JCC worked in partnership with the Friends of the IDF to display photos of every Israeli soldier killed in action, honoring their memories and their legacies.

“Many of those names and faces I will always carry with me,” said Ryan Gardiner, a Pozez JCC board member. “Initiatives like that strengthened our resolve as a community and gave us purpose in supporting Israel in its war for survival.”

In June of 2024, Pozez JCC and other Jewish organizations continued to honor the victims of this war by co-hosting a screening of “Screams Before Silence,” a film featuring survivors’ firsthand accounts of Oct. 7 and highlighting the gender-based violence perpetrated by Hamas on and since that day.

Over 100 community members attended and participated in the accompanying panel discussion, led by Amanda Katz, the executive director of the Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, and Rachel Graber, the vice president of government relations and advocacy at Jewish Women International. The conversation was meant to help people process their emotions, from outrage to sorrow to disgust.

Speaking about his own feelings, Jeff shared, “For me, the personal stories of those who survived the Oct. 7 attack, or those whose loved ones were killed or taken hostage, have been the most powerful and painful. As we approach the one-year commemoration of Oct. 7th, I am grateful to all of the organizations and individuals who have helped our community learn, mourn, and heal.”

To commemorate one year since the Oct. 7 attacks, Pozez JCC is hosting or partnering on five community-wide events alongside other local Jewish institutions. Here are upcoming programs:

Cards and Clothes for a Cause

Clothing Drive: This High Holiday season, join Pozez JCC in supporting those in Israel by donating new children’s clothing (with tags intact), for any season, to be sent to those in need. The clothes collected will be sorted and packed at the Cards and Clothes for a Cause events on Oct. 21 at Pozez JCC and Shaare Shalom. Please drop off clothing donations in the JCC lobby. All of the clothing will be sent to Israel from Yad Leah, an organization that supports those in need in Israel.

Cards and Clothes for a Cause | Oct. 21

Join Pozez JCC for a meaningful and impactful event as the community comes together to support Israeli families in need as Israel continues to feel the ongoing impacts of the trauma of Oct. 7.

For young families: 5:30 p.m. | Pozez JCC: Register here
For teens and adults: 7 p.m. | Pozez JCC: Register here
For all ages: 7 p.m. | Congregation Shaare Shalom, Leesburg: Register here


Resilience and Hope: An evening of art and storytelling: Oct. 27, 5 p.m. | Pozez JCC

Oct. 7, 2023 as marked on the Jewish calendar is commemorated two days after Sukkot. This year, that falls on the 27th day of Tishrei. The evening is designed to encourage conversations about resilience and hope through an artistic lens. The program will explore Israel’s post Oct. 7 reality through varied art forms, helping to examine the consciousness of Oct. 7 in a different way. Participants will be invited to experience several creative spaces to listen to the personal stories of the artists and take a closer look at how life in Israel has changed over the year. Register here

We hope that you were able to attend these events that have already taken place:

A screening of the SuperNova documentary film on Sunday, September 29th, hosted by JCRC, screened at Pozez JCC: Filmed just a few days after Oct. 7, this film recounts the stories of survivors, first responders, and parents. Using materials meticulously collected from dozens of sources, including Hamas’ own cameramen and GoPros, survivors’ mobile phones, CCTV footage, dash cams, and first responders on site, this film provides unprecedented insight into the massacre.  

Commemorating October 7th: A shared service with local institutions, Oct. 6th at Temple Rodef Shalom: The NoVa Jewish community joined in prayer to mark one year since the horrors of Oct. 7. 

Marking October 7th Together: An evening of remembrance: Oct. 7, 7 p.m. | The Anthem
Nearly 6,000 people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities gathered at The Anthem and online to mark one year since October 7th. We joined hands and hearts to mourn, to stand resilient, and to hope. We began in tears – and we concluded with song, dance, and the pride and joy of being Jewish. Thank you to all who made this evening of remembrance, resilience, and hope a reality. Watch the livestream recording

This past year was one of immense grief and devastation, one which could have easily rendered the NoVa Jewish community paralyzed with pain. Instead, with the guidance of Pozez JCC, this community channeled its grief into action and advocacy, helping not only themselves but the Israeli community as well.

Now, as a new Jewish year begins, ushering in renewed hope and continued mourning, Pozez JCC will keep convening the community, providing safe spaces in which to work through these emotions and ensuring that no one is ever alone. 

“We have more work to do,” Jeff declared. “War is still raging. Hostages remain in captivity. Entire communities have been and remain evacuated. Innocent people are being injured and killed, and peace continues to be an elusive dream. So we, as a community and a people, must persevere b’yachad – together.”

How a Camp Created a Community

Posted on by Shirley Waxman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shirley Waxman, July 2024

Families with young children engage, find community through Pozez JCC’s Growing Jewish Families

Posted on by Shana Medel

Looking to connect with the NoVA Jewish community? Pozez JCC’s Growing Jewish Families helps parents and their little ones feel right at home. Quickly and easily.

The program, created in 2008 and made possible through the generous support of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, connects young families who share interests and most importantly, are navigating a similar stage of life, raising children under the age of 8. From playground playdates to campfires to game nights to Jewish holiday fun — there’s something for everyone.

“Being connected to other moms in my area, who have a shared culture and background, is so important to me,” said Marissa Newberry, a mother of two girls, Maeve, 4, and Maudette, 1. “This program gave my entire family an in-person community.”

Growing Jewish Families is meant to be a low-pressure entry point to Jewish engagement, said Amy Lummer, who heads the program through her role as Family Engagement Director at Pozez JCC. Having been a participant herself, along with her two children, Lummer said the program meets families where they are to create friendship and fun, all through a Jewish lens.

“All of our programming connects to Judaism, whether through a holiday, a value, a mitzvah, or culture,” Lummer said. “We’re here for every family, wherever they may be on their Jewish journey.”

Because Growing Jewish Families creates an open space, where all kinds of practice and identity are welcome, people come as they are. There are self-described “High Holiday Jews” and regular shul-goers. Jews of color, Russian-speaking Jews, and LGBTQ+ Jews. Interfaith couples and single parents who represent different cultures and speak multiple languages, including Hebrew, Spanish, and German.

By coming together, families also grow together, said Maya Thiellen, who has two children, Mackenzie, 5, and Noah, 3.

“Our family has been given opportunities to connect with other Jewish families who have kids the same age as ours,” Thiellen said. “And as we connect, our kids are introduced to Jewish customs and stories in an age-appropriate way,”

Each program is hands-on and accessible, designed to create community for the whole family, and sometimes, just for parents.

There are also a number of adult-only programs. Readers can be a part of Pages and Perspectives, a book club that recently read and discussed “The Amen Effect,” a national bestseller by Rabbi Sharon Brous. The monthly Divas and Diners program for women usually centers around food and games. And dads have their own get togethers, Guys’ Night. The most recent gathering, “In a Pickle” (which sold out), creatively combined pickling and pickleball for a fun night out.

Participant Rachel Birns said these outings, as well as ones geared for parents and their children, have helped her and her son Jack, 3, make new friends through doing.

“There are many different kinds of activities where my son and myself are able to connect with other young families in the area and wider community,” Birns said. “And because of that, we feel more connected to the NoVa Jewish community.”

Finding and engaging new faces usually goes something like this: Pozez JCC connects with families through PJ Library®, Jewish events or programs, a quick email, the newsletter, an online form for new parents, or on a playground with their own children. From there, J-Family Ambassadors, who welcome newcomers and schedule family-fun events, reach out to set up a coffee talk.

There are six ambassadors, all of whom are moms and have participated in Growing Jewish Families themselves. Each serves a different area of NoVa, from Arlington to Aldie.

Somewhat of a neighborhood concierge, the ambassadors provide families with information on preschools and synagogues, introduce them to Pozez JCC and other community programming, connect them with other families, and get to know their interests.

One of those ambassadors is Faith Plavchan, a mom of three with more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education. She recently connected two new moms, one in Arlington and one in Alexandria, who registered their children for the only Jewish infant program in the area, run by Pozez JCC.

“This is what we do, we make those connections to make an impact,” Plavchan said. “By bringing more families together in our Jewish community, we go beyond the boundaries of our JCC building.”

More than 900 families have been engaged this past year through 12 or so programs per month, along with individual coffee talks between ambassadors and families.

To meet people where they are — geographically and Jewishly — a majority of the programs exist outside of the walls of the Pozez JCC. And this month, many will be happening outdoors.

Throughout the summer, Brie Ribner, ambassador for Prince William County, has been organizing two recurring programs: Trail Tuesdays and Water Wednesdays.

Families gather on Tuesday mornings, before temperatures climb too high for comfort, to hike one of the many trails snaking through Northern Virginia. On Wednesday afternoons, parents are taking their children to cool off and splash about at a creek or water park. The location of these events and others are never listed online, ensuring the safety of all participants.

“There’s a real hunger for a sense of belonging, and we create that belonging in a secure environment,” Ribner said. “Once families are here, they keep coming back.”

Among those who keep coming back are NoVa resident Heather and her daughter, her only child. One of their favorite programs was Pajamuary Planetarium Havdalah, where they experienced outer space, up close and personal.

Just before Havdalah, an astronomer welcomed attendees into a large, inflatable planetarium, a dome-like structure. Once inside, he projected and explained a video of our entire solar system. Heather and her daughter sat in darkness and watched planets spin across the ceiling of the planetarium.

“This sparked our interest in astronomy, and soon after, our family visited the George Mason University telescope for the first time,” Heather said. “We’re thankful for Growing Jewish Families for their hard work and attention to details and our J-Family Ambassador for building outgoing, caring, and positive connections.”

Danielle Arthur, an ambassador in Alexandria, said Growing Jewish Families is creating a Jewish engagement pipeline, with the first touchpoint rooted in early childhood. Every parent is seeking something different, and no matter what that something is, there are friendly faces ready to point them in the right direction.

“We are a resource for raising Jewish children,” Arthur said. “This is a flexible program, where people get out of it what they want to get out of it.”

At programs, she gauges success by the number of families who connect themselves, without her prompting. When she notices parents trading phone numbers and then sees them post photos from their playdates, those are wins.

Arthur was in their shoes just a few years ago. A former program participant, she and her daughter Norah met some of their closest friends through Growing Jewish Families.

Now, Norah goes to elementary school with some of them, including one boy who she says she’s going to marry, often telling her mom, “I can’t believe I met the boy I’m going to marry in preschool.”

“These connections we make between families are so important,” Arthur said. “Oftentimes, they’re life-changing.”  

A living bridge to Israel: Being a shaliach after Oct. 7

Posted on by Shana Medel

Shlichim — Hebrew for “emissaries” — have long served as faces and voices of Israel. Stationed in Jewish communities worldwide, they play the role of cultural ambassador, helping people connect with Israel through conversations and experiences.

Oct. 7 upended their lives and their jobs. 

With Israel still dominating the headlines nearly eight months later, shlichim have been thrust into a new, emotionally charged role: helping their communities grieve as they process their own grief and standing strong as emotions run high as the war rages on.

Dean Bagdadi, who is in his second of a three-year commitment as the senior shaliach at Pozez JCC in Northern Virginia, said people need to hear from an Israeli who is “hurting but still going.”

“Collectively, as a Jewish community, we’re processing grief and anxiety,” Bagdadi said. “And when you’re experiencing these emotions, everything is valid. Anger. Resentment. Frustration. Denial. Everything goes.”

Among the 360-some shlichim in America, every single one of them knows someone who was murdered, kidnapped, or injured by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7. Bagdadi is friends with one of the hostages, Noa Argamani, who is from his hometown of Be’er Sheva in Southern Israel. 

To ensure Noa and the other hostages are not forgotten, he and his coworkers have displayed a large poster with their pictures in the lobby of Pozez JCC. Another initiative is to share and cook favorite recipes of the hostages so that when those dishes are being enjoyed, thoughts are reflected on the hostage and their family to keep them present.

“We can’t forget that families are missing their loved ones, who are alive but not safe,” Bagdadi said. “This is an open wound”.

To provide support, Bagdadi has helped Pozez JCC organize meaningful gatherings, including a vigil following the terrorist attack with 1,600 locals in attendance. He has also moderated a panel discussion with four survivors of Oct. 7, drawing a crowd of roughly 340 people.

Michelle Pearlstein, who serves as Development Director of Pozez JCC, said this high level of engagement has impacted a broad spectrum of people, who have found Bagdadi to be a calm, knowledgeable voice on Israel.

“Dean has been a source of strength, comfort, and a trusted resource for so many people, including those who are already connected but were in search of a little piece of Israel right in our community,” Pearlstein said.

Bagdadi has also been creating informal, safe spaces where people can just ask questions, addressing a communal ache to understand the complexities of Israel. The 28-year-old has met with adult groups at every synagogue in the area and led a one-hour Israel crash course for teens, among other engagement efforts. 

“What do we do now? How do we show up for Israel? How do we support our Jewish community here in Northern Virginia? How do we combat antisemitism? There are so many questions to be answered, and people need and deserve spaces where they can safely ask those questions,” Bagdadi said.

And he is well equipped to answer them. Bagdadi has been leaning heavily on his degree in political science from Ben-Gurion University, political nonprofit experience, and his personal Israel story.

While his efforts are making an impact in Northern Virginia, he carries the weight of being an ocean away from home. 

As Israel was plunged into war, Bagdadi was called to serve as a reservist commander, having formerly served as a logistics officer in the Israel Defense Forces. He was also called by the Jewish Agency for Israel, which runs the shlichim program, to support Northern Virginia, home of the largest Jewish population in the Washington, D.C. region.

Bagdadi had to make a choice: go or stay.

“Where would I be more valuable? Israel or Northern Virginia? All the pressure was on me to make that decision. And on a daily basis, I’m continuing to make the decision to stay,” Bagdadi said. “Right now, I feel like I’m more valuable here because I’m connecting people in Northern Virginia to Israel during a complicated and complex time.”

Former Pozez JCC President Scott Brown said there has never been a stronger need for an Israeli person, program, and presence. Northern Virginians need a shaliach like Bagdadi, who can help them know, wrestle with, and love Israel.

“Dean Bagdadi has been an enormous community resource,” Brown said. “He has stepped up and in, like the soldier he is. He has done it with amazing professionalism, sensitivity, and strength.” 

Pozez JCC Board Member Ryan Gardiner said Bagdadi has galvanized the community, and he is continuing to do so.

“Dean understands the importance of keeping our community not just engaged but informed, active, and connected to Israel, “ Gardiner said. “His advocacy work and engagement with us at both the individual and group level remains vital to maintaining Israel’s centrality to our community in Northern Virginia.”

Bagdadi continues to build community around Israel engagement. The goal to connect with others remains the same, even though the “how” has changed.

“Before Oct. 7, we were building community. After Oct. 7, we are still building community,” Bagdadi said. “So much has changed, but strengthening our community and making sure that Israel is a big, valuable part of it remains the same.”

The Yoms

Posted on by Dean Bagdadi

Seven months ago, our world shattered. No one knew which direction we were going to go, or what we should do next. Anger. Sorrow. Fear. Pain. Not much room for Optimism, or Hope. With broken hearts, we had to keep moving, to start from a defensive point. In Israel, it started with regaining control of the invaded areas by Hamas. Here, it was protecting our Jewish communities, and fellow congregants, supporting those who needed it. Then, we moved to offense, in Israel, the war initiated bringing back the hostages and restoring security. Here, it was to start condemning all those who forgot who we are. It’s a difficult battle, with multiple fronts.

Who would have thought that seven months later, we’d still be knee deep in these troubling times? With ongoing war and public statements that smell like Europe of 1930. When I started thinking about how we’re going to commemorate Israel this year, I had a hard time. I couldn’t even plan a week ahead, nonetheless months. I questioned how can we celebrate Israel this year, with all this pain, all this sorrow — not even starting to mention the 133 hostages.

It comes with a price. I tend to break more often. Some songs move me to tears, and I am not always positive. A few days after the October 7th attack, we held a community vigil and I said that even when it’s dark, we have to keep walking. That is still true. We pray that our children will never have to go to the army, but they will. We pray that they will never hear another missile alarm siren again, but they will. We pray our families will be safe. They’re not. But we have to keep walking, to believe that things can get better, and they will, eventually.

With broken legs, we get back up. With tear-soaked eyes, we look ahead. With a heavy heart, we start walking. And we move forward, one step at a time. Like with grief, we embrace the pain, understand that we lost people we love, and we need to continue to live.

For Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) it’s the same. We remember those we lost, and we are grateful for their sacrifice. We’ll celebrate the fact that we are here, alive, with our country and our freedom, and also the price we pay for that.

Gam Ve’Gam (this and that). This year we’ll say, “They are trying to get rid of us. Many have tried before. They will not succeed. Yom Ha’Atzmaut is officially a Jewish holiday.”

Am Israel Chai