Uncategorized Archives - Jewish Community Center Pittsburgh

Results for: Uncategorized

Know what you're looking for?

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 …

Recovery: The Secret to Crushing Your Fitness Goals (Even After a Setback)

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on February 4, 2025

If you’ve ever taken a tough exercise class at the JCC, you’ve probably heard the instructor emphasize the importance of recovery. Why? Muscles do not grow during exercise itself; they grow during recovery. When we exercise, particularly with strength training or high-intensity activities, muscle fibers experience tiny amounts of damage. It’s not until the process of recovery that muscle growth occurs. The good news is that …

JCC State of Mind: January 31 2025 – CFLK Shabbat Dinner

Posted by Rabbi Hindy Finman - Senior Director of Jewish Life/Director, CFLK & Melissa Hiller - Community Engagement and Development Officer on January 31, 2025

The JCC Center for Loving Kindness (CFLK) Advisory Committee is a committed group of leaders from Greater Pittsburgh, each working to strengthen community. Over time, it became clear to us that even those who help others need space to reset. CFLK is here to answer that call, offering a moment to pause, lean on one another, and recharge. This past Friday, Advisory Committee members and guests …

Diversity and Inclusion Month is February!

Posted by Annie Kostovny, JCC Fitness and Wellness Coordinator on January 31, 2025

Definition: “Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are concepts that describe the value of people's differences and the importance of creating a sense of belonging for all.” Exercise can evoke strong feelings in anyone, and especially for differently abled individuals, who might feel self-conscious of our bodies or the ways in which we are able to move them. Sweating and increased temperatures may bring sensory sensations to the forefront. Maybe you …

Learning to Lift: Part 1: Benefits of Resistance Training

Posted by Jordan McGinnis, Fitness & Wellness Coordinator, JCC South Hills on January 29, 2025

The topic of resistance training has gained popularity in recent years, and it is very exciting to see from a professional’s standpoint. However, for someone who hasn’t had much experience with resistance training, it probably feels a bit overwhelming. In this series of newsletters, I hope to provide you with a basic understanding of what resistance training is, its benefits, and how to appropriately apply …

JCC State of Mind: January 24, 2025 – Leadership Gathering

Posted by Jason Kunzman, JCC President and CEO on January 24, 2025

Yesterday, the JCC’s Leadership Team came together for a ½ day "advance" to assess our progress in both programs and organizational culture and to prioritize our work for the immediate future. Instead of calling our time together a "retreat," we embraced the term "advance." While "retreat" could imply stepping back, "advance" speaks to our purpose: Moving forward together, building momentum and striving toward shared goals. This …

Whole Health Insights: Does Calorie Counting Work?

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on January 21, 2025

People often ask me if they should count calories to lose weight. Unfortunately, my answer is rarely what they want to hear. Like so many things in wellness and nutrition, the answer is: it’s complicated! Some people hope I’ll say, “Yes, absolutely,” and hand them a precise calorie target and a logical prescription to make the pounds melt away. Others secretly pray I’ll say, “No, it’s …

JCC State of Mind: January 17, 2025 – Breaking Ground

Posted by Jason Kunzman, President & CEO on January 17, 2025

As we step into a new year filled with opportunities and challenges, it’s a good time to reflect on the pivotal role the JCC plays in meeting the evolving needs of our community. Together, we are more than just a community center; we are very much a home for connections, values, growth and fun! The JCC has always been guided by our vision of activating community …

Squirrel Hill

5738 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
P 412-521-8010

South Hills

345 Kane Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
P 412-278-1975

The JCC is open and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or different ability by welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, embracing their uniqueness and diversity under our communal tent.