Mary Marks keeps memories alive. Once a week for the past 20 years, she has volunteered to lead a Yiddish Conversation class. “She gets a mob,” said one of the students at a recent session. The class was started in 1989 by Ann Cohen, whose hand-written transliterations are still being used today. When Cohen passed […]
Yiddish at the JCC: Keeping Memories Alive Read More »
Spin your wheels for a great cause! This Sunday, December 13, we’re participating in the JCCs of North America Cycle for Good, which benefits the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry. Between 8 and 11 am, participants will bring in food items to donate and ride a stationary bike in the Squirrel Hill Centerfit Spinning Room
There’s a lot of disturbing talk these days, talk that is designed to play on people’s frustrations and fears. It’s talk that seems to free some people from their common decency, from tolerance and acceptance of others. It’s talk that breeds the hatred that destroys community. It won’t happen here. The JCC is a diverse,
At the JCC, the First “C” is for Community Read More »
Each and every year, as we light the candles for Hanukah, we are very particular to ensure that the shamash serves its purpose. You know what I am talking about: the shamash (helper candle) is supposed to a light the fire for all eight days. It has a weighty responsibility, that shamash, when it comes
STAND UP! Be the SHAMASH Read More »
Ain’t it the truth. We can’t seem to tune on the news, pick up our phone or read the paper without feeling a great sense of darkness nowadays. Shootings in Colorado Springs, San Bernardino and Pittsburgh, let alone Paris and the challenges of refugees fleeing their homelands for fear of their lives… we need more
We need more light! Read More »
Hanukah starts Sunday evening and Christmas is just around the corner, so we took some time to explore some awesome ideas for those still looking for the ultimate last minute gifts for friends and family. Successful last minute gift shopping is a skill. Nothing to feel bad about; we’ve all been there. Let us help. We
The JCC Last Minute Gift Guide Read More »
As we retreat into the warmth of family and holiday tradition, we’d like to share a poem that envisions the shared values of our community. Self Portrait The Day After The Paris Massacre Today I identify with my All-Clad colander on the granite counter between my kitchen and the table where sits my racially, all-clad
“Self Portrait” — a Portrait of Hope Read More »
A special program at the JCC with J Line on Sunday defined for me the positive direction in which we’re moving, and our own potential and enthusiasm to bring Jewish learning to life for teens. Last Sunday morning, in partnership with 412 Food Rescue, nearly 40 J Line teens and staff met at the JCC to
412 Food Rescue Boards the J Line Read More »
#GivingTuesday – A Chance to Think Beyond the Turkey You’ve made it through Thanksgiving dinner. You’ve fought your way through the spend-so-you-save shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You’ve had a chance to start working off Thanksgiving bounties at the JCC. You’ve had a weekend to recover and a day back at the office.
#GivingTuesday – A Chance to Think Beyond the Turkey Read More »
An adult study partner of mine recently turned me onto a new author, Anne Lamott. She suggested that I read Anne’s Help, Thanks, Wow (2012), a beautiful exploration of the essence of prayer. I was hooked, and read 2 or 3 more of Anne Lamott’s books making my way through her Christian references to find
Thankyou for Our Families and our Nation Read More »
Yet again, we are under attack. The attack is two-fold. It is life-threatening. People across our globe are being killed and oppressed because too many of us are not embracing the concept “Love your neighbor as yourself” as a way of life. The devastation in the Sinai, Beirut and Paris (just to mention a few of
How quickly will our pulse return to normal after Paris, Beirut, Sinai…? Read More »
My jaw dropped when I looked at the food column in the New York Times last Sunday. One of my favorite food writers, Mark Bittman, chose to make his farewell column, entitled “Slice of Heaven,” about Bread and Salt Bakery in Bloomfield. Not Queens. Bloomfield, Pittsburgh. I’m not going to lie; I was confused. First,
Pittsburgh Pizza — Who Knew? Read More »
My Hat of Choice: Brooklyn Dodgers My Dad, Jerry, still thinks that the Dodgers play in Brooklyn! He won’t give up on that reality even though he and I, along with my son Micah, have actually been to a Dodgers game in Los Angeles. It is my Dad’s honor that I wear a Brooklyn Dodgers
The Dodgers are Still in Brooklyn Read More »
As I was reviewing the curriculum for our Girls on the Run team, I realized that we are now more than halfway through the program. We have such an amazing group of third to fifth grade girls from five different schools, and with so many different personalities. It got me thinking about the vision of
Girls Just Want to…Run! Read More »
What if they are writing my eulogy today? Not to be morbid, but it is time for me to start thinking about what they might say at my funeral. Trust me, I have many years left, (God willing), but it is still time to think. I got to thinking about this when I stood in
What will they say when? Read More »
Last week I saw a tweet that the Carnegie Museums are celebrating their 120th year anniversary: I made a new dinosaur friend @CarnegieMNH #CarnegieClash https://t.co/kTLPMIECek — Sally Wiggin (@SWigginWTAE) October 19, 2015 How cool is it that both the Carnegie Museums and the JCC share the same birthday! To celebrate this historic anniversary, the Carnegie Museum of Art,
Carnegie Museums Turn 120 Read More »
When is Enough Enough? I had a moment this summer. I went to one of my favorite big box stores to buy some screws for a project. The middle-aged salesman helped me politely and then asked what type of drill I had. I told him that I have a regular drill. He clarified for me
If I Still Shout Today… Read More »
As the seasons change from summer to fall, a similar transformation is taking place in the JCC Palm Court, where the walls of the American Jewish Museum have turned fluorescent and neon. After almost two years of preparation, the American Jewish Museum is opening a special exhibit this week — Jane Haskell: Drawing In Light.
Jane Haskell Exhibit Brings Special Glow to the JCC Read More »