You may remember the blog, Jen’s Fitness Journey: #GymMotivation. We’re delighted that Jen is starting this new blog, “Virtually Fit.” Enjoy! June 5, 2020 “Exercise should be regarded as a tribute to the heart” -Gene Tunney Somehow, it’s June. The impossibly fickle months of March and April have wrapped up, May has started and finished. […]
Stress is definitely a fact of life for all of us lately and for now, there is no end in sight. We may not be able to do anything about the source of our stress, but we can find ways to lower it. Try some of these ideas: Manage your time by making lists each
Can you avoid stress? Read More »
I just finished editing our church’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. It has taken me awhile to complete it because I keep receiving one email and text after another canceling events and engagements. Our church members’ responses range from extreme denial (“It’s a hoax”) to extreme concern. At this point no one is panicked –
Practicing Kindness and Social Distancing Read More »
The Heinz Endowment’s President Grant Oliphant shared some heartening thoughts about the power of community that we want to reiterate. We would like to thank him for his compassionate leadership in this difficult time. You can read his entire blog post here. “It is important for us all to remember that this moment will pass.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve watched anti-Asian sentiment spike not just around the country as China fights to contain the coronavirus on the other side of the world, but right here in Pittsburgh, in the city I call home. The panic about a sudden, deadly virus can be understood and even expected. But this
Coronavirus Has Not Reached Pittsburgh, but Fear and Racism are Spreading Read More »
First, a confession: I am a news junkie, a Twitter addict and a political wonk. It comes from my years of working in TV news in Washington, DC. It used to be part of my job. Now it’s just part of me. I left DC and moved home to Pittsburgh for many reasons. One being
Campaigns, Civility and Conversation Read More »
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” As we celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his dream that every person be
We are still dreaming. Let's ensure every person is counted Read More »
Behavior experts say that it takes about 1 month to form new habits, and many people try to create (or break) habits at the start of each year. With the right attitude and focus, you can stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve long-term success. Here are just a few tips to help you
31 Days to Unbreakable Resolutions Read More »
Although I have only been in Pittsburgh for two years, I have come to identify with and take pride in being a Pittsburgher. When I first arrived in Pittsburgh, I was overwhelmed by the sense of community and openness as a new resident and college student. I am a Master’s in Social Work student at
Reflecting on World Kindness Day and Planning for February’s Random Acts of Kindness Day Read More »
As we celebrate the 8 nights of Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, we usually like to consider the meaning of this holiday. There are a lot of different Chanukah stories out there, and many interpretations of why we celebrate for eight days. One thing we believe is that Chanukah commemorates the rededication
A Chanukah Greeting: "Be the Shamash" Read More »
With colder weather upon us and shorter periods of light outside, I’ve found myself thinking about the long winter ahead and what kinds of things I’ll do with my kids in the evening and during the weekends. That line of thinking often gets me lost in the Bermuda triangle of internet surfing and so I’m
Young children and the stresses of the long winter ahead Read More »
Last week, not only was I able to escape the cold of Pittsburgh, but I also had the opportunity to conclude my 18-month Generation Now Fellowship with a full-day Disney Institute Leadership Excellence workshop in sunny Orlando, FL. An immersive, world-class experience designed for ambitious professionals who are interested in changing the landscape of Jewish
Disney – The Happiest Place on Earth! Read More »
I Lived, We Live: What Did We Miss? was an exhibit about the community of Hazelwood organized by Hazelwood residents and presented last winter here at the JCC’s American Jewish Museum. While the origins of our relationship stem from loss and trauma, our two communities have forged bonds, shared experiences and built meaningful friendships. Center
Shining Light on that "They Lived" Read More »
I distinctly remember two phone calls my wife and I received shortly before 10 a.m. that day. “Are you in shul? The street is blocked by police cars,” the congregant inquired. We replied that we were out of town and not at synagogue. A minute later the phone rang again. It was Sam Schachner, president
An Unprecedented Year Read More »
At 5:30 am this morning, we reopened our doors with renewed commitment to live up to our mission — for you, for our neighbors and for our community. From last October 27 until this October 27, we strived to live up to our mission: We nurtured people with hugs and kisses and hugs and hugs
JCC Staff Reflection in Commemoration of October 27, 2018 – One Year Later Read More »
Pay it forward: An expression for when the recipient of an act of kindness does something kind for someone else rather than simply accepting or repaying the original good deed (https://www.dictionary.com/e/pop-culture/pay-it-forward/). So what do the JCC’s youth basketball program and Catherine Ryan Hyde’s 1999 novel, Pay it Forward, have in common? Simply put, the JCC
Basketball at the JCC: A Unique Approach to Changing the World for the Better Read More »
The 2020 Census – Every Person Counts! This is the essence of the constitutional requirement to count all people every 10 years. The results of the census directly impact the ways we are represented in Congress, the amount of federal funding our community receives and the many ways that public, private and not-for-profit organizations serve
The 2020 Census: Everyone Counts!!! Read More »
When Rabbi Ron Symons invited me back to Pittsburgh for Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement, to worship with our Pittsburgh neighbors and to participate in a community event at the JCC, I did not hesitate to say yes. The slogan “From Parkland to Pittsburgh, Stronger Together” has heartfelt meaning for me, as our two
The Concept of Forgiveness Read More »
The South Hills Pool will be closed Monday, August 17 through Saturday, August 29 for annual maintenance and improvements.
We anticipate reopening on Sunday, August 30.