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JCC State of Mind: March 14, 2025 – Special Purim Edition!

Posted by Aaron Cantor - Director, Emma Kaufmann Camp and Rabbi Hindy - Senior Director of Jewish Life on March 14, 2025

Special JCC State of Mind: Purim Edition Written by Rabbi Hindy and Aaron Cantor Happy Purim! A holiday of joy, humor, and delightful chaos. In that spirit, we bring you a completely fictional news story—because what better way to celebrate than with a little playful imagination? While Pittsburgh may not be hosting the 2028 Olympics, if any organization could make the impossible happen, it’s the JCC of …

Whole Health Insights: Are You In Need of An Extreme Vacation?

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on March 11, 2025

Spring break season has me thinking about vacations and getaways. Lately, I’ve noticed a pattern in conversations with friends and colleagues. When I ask how they’re doing, I get the same response: “Hanging in there, but I can’t wait for my vacation!” Then, they proceed to tell me about their pre-vacation routine plan: cramming in extra work, finishing a big project, skipping workouts and sleep, …

JCC State of Mind: March 7, 2025 – Partnership and Vision

Posted by Jason Kunzman, President & CEO on March 7, 2025

At the heart of everything we do at the JCC is an obligation to build a stronger and more inclusive Jewish future. We do so through fostering inclusion and creating a vibrant, welcoming space for all. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our funders and philanthropic partners. Their belief in our mission enables us to expand programs, reach more families, …

JCC State of Mind: February 28, 2025 – Harry B. Davis Championships

Posted by Brandi Tedesco, Assistant Division Director, Sports & Recreation and Sophie Levitt, Travel Basketball Coordinator  on February 28, 2025

Following the pandemic, the world faced countless uncertainties.  How many times did each of us ask ourselves what would the “new normal” look like?  Would sports and athletics remain a staple of community life? The pandemic’s impact was particularly profound for young athletes, whose education, social interactions, and athletic pursuits had all been disrupted.  At the JCC, we recognized the critical importance of creating a …

Whole Health Insights: Don’t Be Tricked – 4 Strategies for Evaluating Wellness Products

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on February 26, 2025

As a Wellness Coach with 20 years of experience in Corporate Health and Wellness, I’ve been asked to evaluate many health products. Over the years, I’ve encountered my fair share of misleading claims about programs, supplements, packaged foods, and gadgets. While these products often promise better health outcomes, they’re vague about how they actually deliver on that promise. It’s been my job to ask the …

JCC State of Mind: February 21, 2025 – Bring Them Home

Posted by Jason Kunzman, President & CEO on February 21, 2025

Our hearts are heavy once again as we process the devastating news that the bodies of four Israeli hostages—Shiri Bibas, Ariel Bibas, Kfir Bibas and Oded Lifshitz—have been recovered and returned to Israel. Their brutal murder at the hands of Hamas and their long, unjust captivity in Gaza are painful reminders of the deep wounds inflicted on October 7, 2023—wounds that have not healed and, …

Whole Health Insights: How to Enjoy a “Big Night” Out Without Paying for It the Next Day

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on February 18, 2025

JCC Big Night Olympics is Saturday, March 1, and the excitement is mounting! We’re anticipating the chance to dress up, catch up with friends, and enjoy an evening of music, dancing and laughter. Many of us are also excited about the food, the drinks, and a fun reason to indulge. After all, it’s a special occasion! Unfortunately, my ability to recover from a "Big Night" is …

JCC State of Mind: February 14, 2025 – Member Appreciation Week

Posted by Jason Kunzman, President & CEO on February 14, 2025

At the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, our members are the heart of everything we do. You bring our community to life—whether it’s through fitness and wellness, cultural and educational programs, or the countless moments of connection that happen in our spaces every day. That’s why we have been thrilled to celebrate Membership Appreciation Week—a time dedicated to recognizing and thanking YOU for being part of our …

JCC State of Mind: February 7, 2025 – Tu B’Shevat

Posted by Maggie Feinstein, LPC - Director, 10.27 Healing Partnership on February 7, 2025

This year I am excited to celebrate the approaching holiday of Tu B’Shevat, as my family has done for the last 15 years. Tu B’Shevat, or the Jewish “new year for the trees,” is an ever changing holiday that is growing in popularity. It is celebrated on the 15th of Shevat, or February 13th this year, when in North America we are still in the dead …

The Power of Giving: Fostering Inclusion and Opportunity

Posted by JCC Pittsburgh on February 7, 2025

Thoughts of a Gesher Donor As Jews, we believe that acts of generosity go beyond the mere transfer of goods or funds to those in need. Helping others—Tzedakah—is an act of justice, a sacred obligation to bring fairness and balance to the world as part of our covenant with G-d. This month marks Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month (JDAIM)—a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness …

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