“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” -Betty Friedan I’ve always had a very different perspective of aging than most of my peers growing up. As a young child, I gravitated towards my great uncle Jack, who was a writer, proofreader, and editor. When my friends were beginning to […]
JCC State of Mind – February 2, 2024 Read More »
It’s nothing new to say that the JCC is all about its middle name -Jewish Community Center. Afterall, community (kehilla) is a core value in Judaism, and it’s a value that applies universally. Creating and supporting community as a vital, life-enriching force – that’s what the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh has been doing for almost 130 years.
JCC State of Mind – January 26, 2024 Read More »
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
JCC State of Mind – January 19, 2024 Read More »
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
JCC State of Mind – January 12, 2024 Read More »
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
JCC State of Mind – January 5, 2024 Read More »
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
JCC State of Mind: A weekly message to staff, board, and stakeholders Read More »
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
Overcoming Fear and Learning to Swim at the JCC! Read More »
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
JCC State of Mind – December 29, 2023 Read More »
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
A Dream for a Better Future: Remarks made on October 27, 2023 Read More »
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,
Update from JCC Camps – October 2023 Read More »
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,
Our Lives Have Changed Beyond Recognition Read More »
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
Start the New Year with a Mitzvah: Rosh Hashanah 2023 Read More »
At first glance, the bench outside the JCC’s Robinson building may just look like a beautiful piece of art, but once you look a little closer it’s easy to see that it means so much more than that. More than twenty years ago, Partnership2Gether was created to bring together the communities of Pittsburgh, Karmiel/Misgav, Israel,
Preserving memories through Art – Jewish Community Center Pittsburgh Read More »
Team Pittsburgh Shines at the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games and Access in Fort Lauderdale It’s not whether you won or lost, but how you played the game. That’s the true spirit of the JCC Maccabi Games and Access and a message echoed throughout the week by Team Pittsburgh’s coaches and staff. The JCC Maccabi Games
Team Pittsburgh Shines at the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games and Access in Fort Lauderdale Read More »
It’s a special time of year, a time to “Start Fresh.” To help you prepare, we put together an infographic — kind of a “fresh” take with interesting facts and information. Wishing each and every one of you Shanah Tovah Umetukah, “A Good and Sweet Year.”
Fun Facts about the Jewish High Holidays Read More »
L’SHANA TOVA! Our recent Nutrition & Dietetics Graduate Interns shared their recipes for a sweet and healthy new year. Cinnamon Apple Noodle Kugel (Serves 12-15) Hayley Tyson Ingredients 1 pound whole grain wide noodles 5 large eggs, whisked 2 teaspoons cinnamon + more to sprinkle on top 1/2 cup sugar Pinch of salt 3 cups
Healthy and Sweet – Recipes for Rosh Hashanah Read More »
As we celebrate JCC of Greater Pittsburgh’s new President and CEO, Jason Kunzman, on his first day in his new role, we wanted to share his remarks from our 128th Annual Meeting that took place on August 31, 2023. We are so excited to see all that Jason accomplishes in his new role. One of
Welcome to our new President and CEO, Jason Kunzman! Read More »
This week in Early Childhood we closed to our families in order to focus on preparation for the upcoming school year and the collective pause from which our team truly benefits along our ongoing journey – Masa – towards excellence. We spent our time in communities of practice in a variety of ways – through team building activities at J&R Day Camp; in discussion around the Reggio Emilia Approach and best
ECDC In-Service Week 2023 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.