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JCC State of Mind – January 19, 2024

Posted by Admin on January 19, 2024

Continuing the Work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Joachim Prinz When the nation's attention turned to the National Mall on August 28th, 1963, moments before the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream of what America could be, his ally, Rabbi Joachim Prinz of New Jersey took to the podium. He and King were among the ten leaders of …

JCC State of Mind – January 12, 2024

Posted by Admin on January 12, 2024

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to join the JCC’s talented team of lifeguards for a mandatory training session at our South Hills pool. Organized and led by a number of key members of our aquatics staff – Carla Hartley, Sarah Grimm, Anna Rose Watterson, Lex Glickman, Tim Griffith and Emily Lawrence – we discussed general preparedness, proper surveillance and water rescue techniques, teamwork, communication …

JCC State of Mind – January 5, 2024

Posted by Admin on January 5, 2024

In our increasingly multifaceted and complex society, collaboration between government and non-profit organizations is paramount in shaping the present and future of our community. At the heart of a thriving community often lies a dynamic partnership between the public sector and non-profit organizations. This collaboration can be a powerful force that when harnessed effectively, can bring about positive and lasting change. Earlier today, the JCC was …

JCC State of Mind: A weekly message to staff, board, and stakeholders

Posted by Jason Kunzman, President/CEO JCC of Greater Pittsburgh on January 4, 2024

December 22, 2023 When I think about the JCC’s approach to community, I often come back to the Jewish practice of requiring a minyan – a group of 10 – for daily prayer and certain religious rituals. A minyan fosters a sense of unity among the participants and symbolizes the collective strength and interconnectedness of the community. The bonds formed within a minyan contribute to the larger tapestry of Jewish communal life. Nearly …

Overcoming Fear and Learning to Swim at the JCC!

Posted by JCC Pittsburgh on January 3, 2024

First Person Perfect: Adult Swim Written by Mia McPherson, Contributing Writer, Mt. Lebanon Magazine | December 20, 2023 Photography by John Schisler Encouraged by JCC assistant aquatics director Sarah Grimm, Mia McPherson performs a freestyle stroke during a recent swimming lesson. Well into adulthood, Mia decided to challenge herself and learn to swim. I’ve always felt a fear of water. When I was a young child, I took a swim class …

JCC State of Mind – December 29, 2023

Posted by Rachael Speck on December 29, 2023

At the age of 16, I was hired for an amazing job. That job – titled “camp counselor” – is still, to this day, the best job I’ve ever had. It offered me invaluable skill-building such as leadership, responsibility and problem solving. More importantly, it’s where I discovered a sense of purpose, meaningful work, confidence and developed an affinity for working with children, young adults …

A Dream for a Better Future: Remarks made on October 27, 2023

Posted by Admin on October 31, 2023

Remarks made on October 27, 2023 5th Year Community Commemoration of the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Rev. Liddy Barlow and Rabbi Ron Symons On this sacred and liminal day, we stand together as spiritual siblings looking back on these past five years, considering our learning, cherishing times of joy, remembering moments of challenge. On this tender and poignant day, we stand together as interfaith bridge builders, representing so many partners …

Update from JCC Camps – October 2023

Posted by Admin on October 12, 2023

Dear JCC Day Camp community, These last few days have been sad and concerning for many of us as we watch the events unfolding in the Middle East. My thoughts have included our day camp Shlichim, colleagues in Israel and everyone living in our partnership community in Karmiel and Misgav. As many of you know, we welcomed nine Shlichim (Israeli staff) to our camp community this …

Our Lives Have Changed Beyond Recognition

Posted by Leah Garber, JCC Association on October 9, 2023

Sunday, October 8, 2023 Day 2: Operation Iron Swords I have never experienced the pain, frustration, fear, or sorrow that I feel today—and will continue to feel in the coming days. I am constantly on the brink of tears, which spill over every now and then—when our little grandchildren are not around. After a short, disturbed night's sleep, we woke to the intensity of the disaster, which is …

Start the New Year with a Mitzvah: Rosh Hashanah 2023

Posted by Admin on September 20, 2023

To ring in the Jewish New Year, more than 100 people gathered at both JCC's in Squirrel Hill and South Hills to celebrate and help give back to our community. Volunteers spent their time packing care kits filled with donation items that will be given right back to the Pittsburgh community. Care kits are being provided to local organizations fighting food and job insecurity, poverty, and …

Squirrel Hill

5738 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
P 412-521-8010

South Hills

345 Kane Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
P 412-278-1975

The JCC is open and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or special need by welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, embracing their uniqueness and diversity under our communal tent.