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Category: Volunteer

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

Posted on by Dionna Dash

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.

A Day with the J

Posted on by Michelle Pearlstein

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! 

Beyond Camp: 5 ways to stay connected with Horizon Day Camp after summer

Posted on by Shana Medel

“Are we going to camp?”

The camp season may be over, but Matias Zurita, 3, asks his mom this question almost every time they get in the car. When they drive past familiar street signs, Matias will usually point in the direction of Pozez JCC, knowing fun is nearby. He often tells his mom, “No no, this way.”

Little Matias was one of the youngest children to spend his summer days at Horizon Day Camp, a free camp for children with cancer and their siblings. He was diagnosed with liver cancer last year, and since then, has undergone six rounds of chemotherapy and a major surgery. 

For Matias, camp made fun possible again. He could do all of his favorite activities — from swimming to playground fun to dancing — with the help of adaptive equipment and trained professionals. 

“He could forget what he was going through. And he loved every day at camp. I could see that,” said Neshmy, his mom. “From the very first day, as a mom, I knew this was the right place for Matias and for all children battling cancer.”

For many children and their families, Horizon is a magical experience, one that continues with year-round engagement opportunities beyond camp.

These five programs and events offer regular touchpoints to remain involved with Horizon, a community that exists long after summer is over. Each experience is adapted to meet every season and need, ensuring families can face one of their biggest challenges with the support they deserve. 


Go to a family fun day, made safe for children with cancer

Experience the joy and safety of camp with family fun days, monthly happenings made just for Horizon families. To protect immunocompromised children, every program is private, only open to families registered for Horizon Day Camp.

Annual favorites include exploring and experimenting at the Children’s Science Center, where families have the entire, freshly-sanitized museum to themselves. Another is Golden Boot Soccer with Coach Tamir Linhart, who formerly played for Hapoel Tel Aviv. For one day, children run and kick around adaptive, safe balls with Tamir and his team. All players go home with soccer jerseys and trophies.

“So many of our kids and their siblings have to miss parts of childhood because of a compromised immune system,” said Ilana Adler, Assistant Director and Family Support Specialist of Horizon Day Camp at Pozez JCC. “We create activities for them so they can experience life outside of cancer.”

And while children have fun with their friends, parents socialize with one another, often sharing experiences over coffee and snacks. This has been meaningful for Hani Attar, who has two daughters, Julia, 8, and Ayla, 3. His youngest was diagnosed with cancer last year.

“For so many of us, Horizon Day Camp came through when we were stumbling,” Hani said. “They gave us joy and comfort and relief.”

Hani could focus on caring for Ayla knowing Julia was safe at camp, her happy place. She used to tell her dad not to pick her up a minute before the end of the day.

Now, with family fun days, Julia has an opportunity to relive camp. She and her father have been to a number of them, including a movie screening and a wintertime event with crafts and games.

“She loves this camp and this community,” Hani said. “She said, ‘Sign me up every year. I want to go there.’”

Family fun day attendance has been steadily rising each month, at most reaching 40 families. The increase is largely because parents know their children can be in a space with friends without compromising their health. Keep an eye out for details on the next event, which will be Golden Boot Soccer from 10 am-1 pm on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Bring camp fun to your child as they undergo treatment

Horizon on Wheels brings the magic of camp to children undergoing treatment at Children’s National Hospital and L. J. Murphy Children’s Hospital, both of which have top-ranked pediatric oncology units. Patients are as young as 3 and as old as 16. 

Inside a rainbow-colored trunk, wheeled around by staff and volunteers, children get to choose their fun. There are toys, games, and crafts for all ages. Some may build Lego towers or color printouts of their favorite superheroes while others play a game of UNO or do an art project.

These one-on-one activities accomplish three goals: patients have fun, their siblings feel recognized, and their parents get a much-needed reprieve.

Every year, Horizon on Wheels engages more than 6,000 children in 21 hospitals. On their scariest days, there are bright moments of camp-like fun, created by people who care about them.


Participate in our biggest charity walk of the year

Lace up your shoes and walk with purpose alongside 200-some camp families and community members. 

HorizonWALKS is an annual fundraising event featuring a 1-mile lap around National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Every dollar raised helps children with cancer enjoy a summer camp made just for them, meaning all funds go directly to Horizon Day Camp at Pozez JCC.

All are welcome to walk — family, friends, colleagues. Participants can register as individuals or as part of a 5-10-person team. Those who cannot physically be there can become sponsors or make donations. The event also features fun, kid-friendly activities, including face painting, bracelet making, dancing, and games.

“When they see you, they knock you over with these huge hugs because they’re so excited to be around camp people again,” said Joellen Kriss-Broubalow, Director of Horizon Day Camp. “That’s how you know what you’re doing really matters.”

In April, at the third-annual walk, participants raised $133,000, surpassing their fundraising goal by about $7,000. The next event is slated for Sunday, April 27 in National Harbour and is looking to be an even greater success. 

Donate life-saving blood, right here at Pozez JCC

The American Red Cross holds four blood drives per year at Pozez JCC. Many of our donors are regulars, who stick their arms out again and again to help those battling pediatric cancer, among other diagnoses.

Over the past eight months, Red Cross has collected 150 units of blood, saving approximately 450 lives. And just a few weeks ago, at the most recent Pozez JCC blood drive, all 38 donor slots were filled, helping to exceed a goal of acquiring 25 units.

This is a small and important victory, as the Red Cross is witnessing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. Cancer patients use nearly a quarter of the blood supply in the entire country, more blood than anyone fighting any other disease. 

Donors of all blood types are critically needed, but especially those with O negative blood. To qualify for whole blood donation, you must:

  • Be in good health
  • Feel well
  • Be at least 16 years of age, with signed parental consent
  • Weigh at least 110 lbs
  • Meet this additional eligibility criteria, which covers medications, medical conditions, traveling to certain countries, and personal history 

The entire donation process, from arrival to departure, takes about one hour. The donation itself is only 8-10 minutes on average. For more information on upcoming blood drives, visit our events page at thej.org/events. 

Enjoy a casino night while supporting children with cancer

For one night only, Pozez JCC transforms into a casino with a cause. Playing table games, eating delicious food, and dancing to music all happen at Casino Night, an opportunity to raise funds for Horizon Day Camp and year-round programs for children with cancer.

All community members are welcome, no matter your level of involvement with Horizon. You can attend or become a sponsor of the next Casino Night, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Pozez JCC. More details will be released over the coming weeks.

Impact beyond summer camp

Fun days, blood drives, fundraisers — Horizon Day Camp is more than a summer camp. There are so many creative and meaningful ways for families to remain engaged, and for our entire JCC community to support children with cancer. Every program and event is an opportunity to strengthen parents and their little ones, giving them what they need and deserve. 

Fall Into Action with Volunteer Services: Make Your Mark This Election Season

Posted on by Emily Braley

As the fall elections approach, many of us are looking to fulfill our civic duty and make a meaningful impact. This season presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our democracy and contribute to the greater good. Whether you’re drawn to becoming a pollworker, writing postcards to get out the vote with the Center for Common Ground, or serving in our community, there are many ways to channel your passion into action. Each effort, big or small, plays a role in shaping our communities and ensuring that every voice is heard. Here are some impactful ways you can get involved and make a difference this fall.

National Pollworker Recruitment Day: August 1

Mark your calendars for August 1—National Pollworker Recruitment Day! Pollworkers are essential for ensuring that elections run smoothly and that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot. Your involvement helps uphold the values of democracy and strengthens the foundation of our communal life. Learn more on Wednesday, July 31st at 2pm with JCRC at their “Help JCRC Power the Polls” webinar. Sign up for the webinar here: Help JCRC Power the Polls | Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (jcouncil.org) Ready to sign up to be a pollworker? Click this link from A More Perfect Union to get started – Power the Polls.

Democracy as a Jewish Value: Getting out the Vote

Democracy is deeply woven into the fabric of Jewish values and tradition. From the biblical principles of justice and communal responsibility to the Talmudic emphasis on the importance of individual participation in communal affairs, Jewish teachings underscore the significance of each person’s role in shaping a just society. Helping to get out the vote is a manifestation of our commitment to justice and communal well-being. This act of outreach aligns with the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, or repairing the world, as it fosters a more inclusive and representative democracy. We will have several opportunities to write postcards to voters this fall including at the Pozez JCC’s open house on Sunday, September 22nd (more details to follow… save the date!) and on Tuesday, October 8th during the day and in the evening. Sign up at volunteer.theJ.org to join us.

Volunteering – Another Expression of Civic Responsibility

Another way to contribute to our vibrant community is to volunteer with us this fall. At the JCC, volunteers contribute to the well-being and cohesion of our community. Volunteers engage in activities that support social services, educational programs, and cultural enrichment across our organization and community. We would love to have you contribute this fall by volunteering with us – from cleaning up a park to making costumes for kids in need, we have something for everyone to contribute! Volunteering is a powerful form of civic engagement this election season.

Join us!

However you choose to volunteer this election season, you’re helping to build a brighter future and a stronger, more connected community. We hope to see you soon! See everything we have to offer by making an account on volunteer.theJ.org.

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.”  

Volunteer Opportunities Abound at the J. Heed the Call.

Posted on by Zina Segal

Just one week ago, we launched Pozez JCC’s Volunteer Services with two service projects and a presentation about the structure of our new program and our Social Impact priorities. In case you missed our presentation, here are a few insights into why we are doing all these amazing things and what is coming next! 

One of my favorite Jewish texts, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) opens with the statement (Pirkei Avot 1:2): The world stands upon three things: The Torah (learning), Avoda (work, temple service) and Gemilut Hasadim (acts of kindness). At the Pozez JCC, we agree with the sages of the first century CE (not about everything, but at least about this statement). To that end, there are three important pillars to the foundation of Volunteer Services: 

  • Learning. On each volunteer opportunity, we include two types of learning: Service Area learning (what is needed in our area, why is it happening, how can we help to create systematic change?) and Jewish learning (what does Jewish tradition say about this issue, why is performing this particular service is Jewish value?). 
  • Service Projects. Creating impact on our wider community by working together is at the core of what we do. Pozez JCC is an agent of change in building a more diverse, equal, and just society in Northern Virginia. 
  • Building Community. During each event, we will have icebreakers and an opportunity to meaningfully connect with other participants while learning more about the challenge being addressed. We believe that meeting like-minded people and building relationships is imperative to everything we are doing. We are here for people and because of people. In these times, when you can reach almost anyone on the planet, there are still so many people who don’t have someone locally to grab a coffee with within a 15-minute drive. We want more members of our community to feel connected and bonded to their people. By volunteering b’yachad (together), come find your people and become somebody’s person with us! 

These are the principles we keep in mind while creating all our volunteer experiences. Now let’s talk about what is currently on our volunteer menu. There are three priority areas where one can participate: Volunteer Opportunities at the J, One-off Volunteer Events with Partners, and Community Building Opportunities. In future blog posts, we will talk more about volunteer events and community-building opportunities, but today, we will explore the ways you can help at the J. 

With so many programs and events offered by the various departments daily, weekly, monthly, and annually, I’ll bet that many members can’t even imagine how many different opportunities there are to volunteer! If you come to the J for a workout, you might not know that we are also home to the only camp for neurodiverse teens and adults in NoVA. If you are an ECLC parent, you might not know about our amazing Israel shlichut program, and if you are a regular Mah Jongg player at the J, you might not know about our Jewish Family Ambassadors who work throughout NoVA. Becoming a regular volunteer at the J will help you learn more about all the amazing things happening here, help you get to know new people — who are passionate about similar things — and will help the J grow and serve more people.  

Here are areas at the J that need volunteers NOW: 

Administrative and Outreach Positions 

As you can imagine, we have lots of administrative tasks. Covering these needs will help you better understand the work of each program, help us create more effective procedures, and help you meet new people. Opportunities might include helping our membership team conduct surveys, leading tours for prospective members, helping to promote events on social media and building our online community, and helping to organize printed materials.  

Children and Youth 

If you are passionate about working with kids and teens – we have you covered! Some departments that need help in this area are Camp Achva, Horizon Day Camp and Chai 5 (after-school program). Opportunities might include helping Camp Achva to move in and out of Gesher’s campus each summer, creating meaningful experiences for children going through cancer treatment, helping kids foster relationships, and walking kids from their classroom to after-school activities in the gym and pool at the J.  

Disabilities and inclusion  

We are dedicated to building an inclusive community. Our D&I services provide social skills classes, adaptive sports, camp for neurodiverse teens and adults, and programs to help these members build community and friendships. Volunteering in this area will help participants become stronger and more independent and you’ll become more familiar with the needs of this community. 

J-Fit Health Club  

We all love a great workout! And what could be better than meeting other health-minded people by helping them check-in for group exercise classes, answering questions about equipment (once trained) and helping them to find the best machine for their needs! Our J-Fit and aquatics programs have 10 volunteer positions open! Most of them can be combined with your favorite workout while at the J! 

Whether you decide to volunteer for any of our ongoing volunteer positions, come to our one-off volunteer events, or choose to build community in your own neighborhood, we are here to support you and super grateful for your time!  

If you would like to learn more about Volunteer Services, have ideas about ways to give back to the community, or want to meet the people who are helping to fill these needs, Program Manager, Emily Braley (Emily.Braley@theJ.org) and I (Zina.Segal@theJ.org) are happy to treat you to coffee and conversation! 

We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you giving back to our community! 

Pozez JCC’s Volunteer Services Launches

Posted on by Emily Braley

We are a community of action. As a community, we are committed to repairing the world — starting here in Northern Virginia. When a need is identified, time and time again, our community has shown that it understands the value of working together to make a lasting impact.

To that end, we are proud to announce the launch of Pozez JCC’s Volunteer Services program—inspired by our community’s commitment to the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Gemilut Hasidim (acts of loving kindness). These are two Jewish values that inspire acts of kindness, service, and social responsibility.

When developing the Volunteer Services program, it was important that its foundation lead with Jewish values to create a program that unites our community and serves our neighbors and the wider world. Volunteers have already been in many programs in the JCC — from our popular NV Rides volunteer driver program to the intergenerational force that comes out every year to help us prep for the Challah Bake. The Volunteer Services program will build on our community’s rich tradition of volunteering and unite us in service — both within the JCC and in our broader community.

The goal of the program is to have something that inspires everyone — every age, every stage and every interest — to get involved and to feel connected to our community and to each other. To that end, there are a wide array of options and entry points to make participating easy and inviting.

Ongoing positions in our buildings and programs.

If you are looking for a regular (or semi-regular) opportunity within the JCC, we have roles in our camps, fitness, Israel engagement, membership, and much more. These roles are a great way to get involved with our community and create deep connections with our members and staff.

Flexible, Periodic Involvement

Looking for periodic opportunities to serve the community? Perhaps as a way to meet people and give back as you are available?  The program offers ongoing, impactful volunteer events planned with a variety of interests and abilities in mind. These events allow people to meet, engage and serve with only a one-day commitment.

All volunteer opportunities are live on volunteer.thej.org. There are currently 30 opportunities listed, including a “choose your own adventure” option for those with a particular passion or interest. Your talents and skills are welcome!

Please take a look at the opportunities and sign up to become part of our database. We want to harness our community’s diversity of skills and interests to make a lasting impact and connect us to one another. We treasure your suggestions and feedback. Contact volunteerservices@theJ.org to share ideas and/or opportunities you’re interested in. Volunteer Services is your home for service at the Pozez JCC. We believe in the power of community, the strength of unity, and the transformative impact of giving back. We look forward to serving with you!

The Purim Story… Ultimately, fate is in our hands

Posted on by Michelle Pearlstein

Tonight concludes the Jewish holiday of Purim, which celebrates the thwarting of a plot to destroy the Jewish community of ancient Persia. You may know that on this holiday, we tell the story of Queen Esther, who strategically hides her Jewish identity from her husband, King Ahausuerus. Eventually, she bravely reveals her status as a Jewish person to convince the king to stop his advisor from implementing his evil plan, thus saving the Jewish community.

Today, as a community, we are still reeling from the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and ensuing war, and the outrageous vitriol and antisemitism that has quickly become mainstream. We are reminded that serious challenges occur in every generation. Importantly, we are also reminded that our fate is ultimately in our own collective hands. We are responsible for one another. We must act with purpose and respond to the needs of our community.

You, the members of our community, understand that the J’s responsibility includes our membership but reaches beyond to the entire Northern Virginia Jewish community, and to the broader community. As we further engage people around Jewish values, we will be able to make a bigger impact throughout the region.  Moving forward, you will be seeing the J lean further into social impact, focusing on support for Israel, for democracy, and for repairing the world.

We thank you for your continued partnership in building community. It is your steadfast support of the J that helps us come together to weather challenging times and ensure that our community continues to thrive.

B’yachad (together)

The J = Community Connector for Adults

Posted on by Shari Berman

The Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia is proud to be a CommUNITY Connector and resource provider. In addition to the cadre of diverse programming it currently offers, the J is undergoing a strategic repositioning to better provide meaningful Jewish engagement to the Jewish families of young children in Northern Virginia and engage more adults in social impact activities through a new Volunteer Center. 

The mission of the J’s Adult Services Department (ASD) is to provide opportunities for adult enrichment through educational, cultural, recreational, social, and volunteer activities. Part of the ASD’s mission is to bring awareness of programs and services in Northern Virginia and the DMV to the adult population. 

For those interested in adult learning, the J offers educational programs and courses through its Adult Learning Institute (ALI). Current offerings include Yiddish Level 1 and 2 courses, Beginner and Intermediate Level Spanish courses, and 1-4 session classes on a various topics including Beginner Mah Jongg lessons. Last fall, a new Community Choir, called Makheylah, was introduced to teach students ages 16+ how to sing all kinds of music. ALI strives to offer both Jewish and general education to adults of all ages. Upcoming cultural and educational programs include: “Israel 101” on 2/20 and a “Firsthand Impressions of Gaza” on 3/7, a “Navigating Menopause” workshop on 2/28, a classical Jewish music concert on 3/3, an “AARP Safe Driver Course” on March 4 & 5, a genealogical author presentation on 3/10, and a Purim Prep program on 3/14.

Other opportunities for adult learners can be found at the Lifetime Learning Institute (affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (through George Mason University) and the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies. Virtual learners can log into Fairfax County’s Virtual Center for Adult Activities for a variety of classes ranging in topics from physical fitness, nutrition and aging to art and music (bit.ly/novaVCAA). The county also sponsors brain stimulating programs through its community and senior centers and public libraries.

For those older adults who are not yet ready to be retired, the Jewish Council on Aging will have its annual free Virtual 50+ Employment Expo on Thursday, February 15, 10am-3pm. This event features workshops on employment opportunities in Fairfax County, showcasing area employers hiring jobseekers of a certain age (virtualexpos.accessjca.org).

The J’s new Volunteer Manager Emily Braley will be sharing volunteer opportunities to drive seniors, as well as new volunteer initiatives from the JCC. The key priorities include:

  • HorizonWALKS/Horizon Day Camp
  • NV Rides
  • Disability and Inclusion
  • Food insecurity + addressing the needs of the unhoused
  • Israel and Antisemitism
  • Democracy and Social Justice

Volunteer opportunities are also offered by the Pozez JCC in conjunction with partner organizations. In December, the J partnered with Bethlehem Lutheran Church for Hypothermia Prevention Week and collaborated with congregations Beth Emeth and Olam Tikvah to cover more than 80 volunteer commitments during the week! Volunteers included adults and children; see the photo of Leslie Casciato, her two children and friends making sandwiches for shelter guests to eat the next day. Leslie and her children wanted to help the community during their school winter break. HPW gave her an opportunity to teach them about Tikkun Olam. She and her children also helped with cleaning up the sleeping mats at the end of the week. 

For MLK Day of Service, the J partnered with Volunteer Fairfax to prepare 150 activity bags for children being treated for cancer and collected 1,350 pounds of food for a local food pantry! On April 7, the kick- off to Good Deeds Week, additional activity bags will be prepared at Gesher Jewish Day School from 1:30pm-3:30pm and on April 14th all are invited to participate in HorizonWALKS at National Harbor; this fundraiser supports Horizon Day Camp – Metro DC so that kids with cancer and their siblings can attend summer camp at the J free of charge. The Women’s Social Impact Group is looking for ‘a few good women’ to join its dedicated group already performing mitzvot (good deeds).

Those interested in making a profound difference in the community, can complete a Volunteer Interest Form here: https://forms.office.com/r/Ld1DPpRW8V to get involved. We welcome your support and participation!

As I always say, there’s something for everyone at the J!

ReelAbilities Film Festival: Community partnerships, stigma-smashing film, and fine art

Posted on by Sarah Berry

The 2024 festival will open at the J and close at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts at the REACH’s Justice Forum. As per festival tradition encouraging accessibility for all, the films will be screened by partner venues throughout the region.

“These partnerships have been a cornerstone of the festival’s success since day one, eleven years ago,” says the festival’s director, Sarah Berry. “When we moved the festival to February  in commemoration of Jewish Disabilities Inclusion and Awareness Month, many of the local synagogues became participating venues.”

This year, half of the venues are synagogues, and the other half are a combination of arts organizations and direct service organizations. “It’s a privilege to work as a presenting partner with these organizations, we are all driven by similar missions of access, culture, and community,” Berry adds.

This year, our partners include Beth El Hebrew Congregation with Agudas Achim, Congregation Adat Reyim, Congregation Olam Tikvah, Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons, Reston Community Center’s CenterStage, ServiceSource, Temple Rodef Shalom, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The J is hosting the opening night screening, with attendee groups including Hadassah and Our Stomping Ground.

Not able to travel around town? No problem. ReelAbilities Northern Virginia will continue to make all films in the festival available to stream online. The lineup is comprised of contemporary international films, complemented by post-film programs, and an exhibit in the J’s Bodzin Art Gallery. For a full listing of events, visit www.theJ.org/ReelAbilities.

To screen the festival online, create an account at www.raffnv.filmfestivalplus.com.

Join us opening night!

We are excited to invite the community for a full program celebrating the arts on opening night. The evening includes a suite of short films celebrating creativity: films will cover topics such as art, entrepreneurship, comedy, filmmaking, and theater, allowing us glimpses into the lives of creatives in these fields, and how they make their art and dreams happen. The films will be followed by a Q&A with Anne Schlachter-Dagan, a local, legally blind painter.

Schlachter-Dagan’s exhibition, Bright Darkness, is now on view at the J’s Bodzin Art Gallery through March 6, offering viewers a glimpse into her personal experiences and highlighting the difficulties she encounters in perceiving light and color.

ReelAbilities Film Festival: Northern Virginia aims to shine light on the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Each film selected for the 2024 festival was done so with care by a committee of screeners, as well as each presenting venue. Thought was put into the quality of the films, the messaging, and the goal of each event. Heartfelt thanks for your time, committee members: Harold Belkowitz, LaRue Cook, Joan Ehrlich, Rachel Greenblatt, Dawn Kaye, Nancy Reder, Bill Rosen, BoMi Rosen, Michael Toobin, Charlotte Woodward, and Darcy Woodward.

We look forward to sharing these stigma-smashing films with our community, both in-person and virtually. Reserve your seats now at www.theJ.org/ReelAbilities.