My concern about the US political discourse has been simmering for months. It all came to a boil this weekend with videos and commentary and photo opportunities and debate and more commentary…. I am simply embarrassed about the level of discourse and wish it would change. Do you? Without getting political, I did a little soul […]
OY!!??!! What is going on in Politics? A Yom Kippur Exploration Read More »
With the holiday season upon us, it’s easy to let loose and celebrate with loved ones and food. Lots and lots of food! While it’s healthy to make exceptions during times of celebration, you can help yourself by sticking with your goals during the holidays. One food ritual for Rosh Hashanah is eating apples dipped in honey.
Recipe Makeover – Rosh Hashanah Edition Read More »
Yes, the holidays are late this year…but they are coming. It is the middle of September and I have yet to dunk one piece of apple in a bowl of honey. How about you? The holidays are late because last year, as a part of the regular calculations to ensure that the Hebrew intercalcualted solar/lunar
The Jewish Holidays are LATE this Year Read More »
Here’s an extraordinary story: JCC staff member Carolyn Martin is celebrating 50 years at JCC. Ask Carolyn if things have changed, and she’ll respond with a big laugh. “Yes. Yes. Yes,” she says. “Big time!” Carolyn grew up in the Hill and as a child, attended after-school and day camp (where she had her first train
Carolyn Martin: 50 Years at the JCC and Counting Read More »
Hello! And Welcome! I’m Brittany Reese, a registered dietitian, personal trainer, group exercise instructor and food lover. I am excited to start this blog series about helping people to achieve their health and wellness goals. This blog will provide information and support concerning nutrition, health and wellness to our community at the Jewish Community Center. It is
Nutrition Classes Will Promote Healthy Lifestyle Read More »
“Take a look at these photos,” says Rachel Marcus, handing over a snapshot of three campers in T-shirts, smiling broadly, and a beautifully composed black and white photo of a young girl sitting on a counselor’s lap, both laughing gleefully. “Happy kids,” Rachel says, characteristically matter-of-fact. “That’s what we’re about.” Marcus, JCC Associate Executive Director, has been
Rachel Marcus: A Lifetime of Service to the Community Read More »
The programming at the JCC’s after-school Clubhouse is what sets our program apart from other programs. Clubhouse is able to take full advantage of the JCC’s facilities, from tournament-sized gyms and heated indoor swimming pools to grade-appropriate homerooms, art rooms and play rooms in a dedicated area – the Clubhouse. Participants are able to choose from
Kids Love the JCC's After-School Clubhouse Read More »
Capping off our year-long celebration of the 120th year at the JCC, we are moving swiftly into the future with significant updates to our digital presence — the JCCPGH.org website. In the next couple days, the homepage will have a new feel to it. Reflecting what members have told us matters most to them, we simplified
JCC Digital Update Read More »
Reggio and Jewish Values Enrich Our Early Childhood Program We often are asked how the Reggio Emilia Approach (REA) to learning–the philosophy that we embrace at the JCC Early Childhood Development Center preschool–prepares children for Kindergarten and for life. As part of the Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative, which provides educator professional development opportunities and program
The JCC's Philosophy of Early Childhood Learning Read More »
By now you’ve probably heard of this new smartphone game, Pokémon Go. The 90s card game has been transformed into a virtual game. In less than a week, Pokémon Go has surpassed Snapchat, Facebook and Whatsapp in the number of daily users, with no sign of slowing down. What makes this game so special, and subsequently
Pokémon Gym Memberships Available at the JCC Read More »
For the next three weeks Le Tour de France will dominate all conversation in my household where race coverage will be blasting from every electronic device from sun-up to sun-down. Most discussions center on routes, team tactics, doping scandals and tour favorites. My thoughts every July, though, turn to Italian cycling champion and humanitarian Gino
The Untold Story of Gino Bartali – Le Tour de France Legend Read More »
A state Senior Community Center grant will fund AgeWell at the JCC’s pilot of an innovative program for caregivers. The Aging Mastery Program (AMP)® for Caregivers through AgeWell at the JCC, developed by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), will be offered in both Squirrel Hill and South Hills beginning in the fall of 2016.
AgeWell at the JCC Receives Senior Community Center Grant Read More »
Let’s Continue the Movement of Men Stepping Up to Stop Gender Violence For the third year in a row, we are joining with dozens of other regional leaders in signing the Father’s Day Pledge #FathersDayPledge #PAsaysNoMore This vow to break the generational cycle of violence for children, teens and young adults calls on all of
Father's Day Pledge: Breaking the Cycle of Violence Read More »
Manny Gold Humanitarian Award LYNNE CARVELL Ziggy Kahn Award BEN FORMAN Inductees SAM BELLINSoccer BRETT HOROWITZBaseball ALLAN TISSENBAUMTrack Scholastic Athletic Awards SAMANTHA AMOS, Upper St. Clair High SchoolVolleyball / Tennis / High Jump JAKE AVERCH, Winchester Thurston High SchoolLacrosse / Ice Hockey / Fencing JAMISON BEIRIGER, Central Catholic High SchoolSoccer JORDYN BRINER, South Fayette High
Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Western Pennsylvania 2016 Awards Read More »
We do it every day. Maybe twice. Maybe three times. And each time we look in the mirror, we very well might see something different: a hair out of place, a blemish, a twinkle in the eye, a sense of calm…. Jewish wisdom encourages mirror-gazing…. of a different type. You see, our collective mirror stood
Shavuot – Come! Look in the Mirror Read More »
If you’re wondering what that long line is across the street from Casbah on Highland Avenue, people are waiting to try Millie’s homemade ice cream. It’s worth the wait. Millie’s is the brainchild of husband and wife duo Lauren and Chad Townsend. Chad was the executive chef at Salt of the Earth. Before opening their brick-and-mortar storefront
Millie's Homemade Ice Cream Read More »
PSO Brings Music for the Spirit to the JCC The JCC’s Katz Theater will be the site of a special Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Music for the Spirit event – Father and Son: Klezmer Insights on Wednesday, June 15. Noah Bendix-Balgley, the former Concertmaster of the PSO, will share a behind-the-scenes look at Klezmer in anticipation of the June
Father and Son: Klezmer Insights Read More »
The artwork included in Community Day School’s (CDS) Student Art Show at the American Jewish museum, organized by CDS art teacher Jeremy Lerner, reverberates with playful exploration and buoyant energy. The works are based on curriculum around aesthetics, the principles and elements of design, and analysis of the methods and concepts artists throughout history have
CDS Artwork Shines at AJM Read More »
Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 1: Fitness Centers Open 8 am-2 pm; Family Park Open 11 am-7 pm