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I am Not Done SCREAMING!

Posted by Rabbi Ron Symons on December 21, 2015

Will you SCREAM with me about HATE SPEECH and how it can lead to HATE ACTION? Elie Weisel teaches us: One of the Just Men came to Sodom, determined to save its inhabitants from sin and punishment. Night and day he walked the streets and markets protesting against greed and theft, falsehood and indifference. In the beginning, people listened and smiled ironically. Then they stopped listening; …

Countdown to our 10th Big Night

Posted by Roberta Levine on December 17, 2015

If our past Big Night events have anything to tell us about what to expect at our special 10th anniversary Big Night on April 2, it’s that you never know what you’ll encounter when you arrive. You might be greeted by hippie protesters (2011: Peace, Love and the IKCs) and when you walk in the door, get stared down by Men in Black (2010: Party with …

Yiddish at the JCC: Keeping Memories Alive

Posted by Roberta Levine on December 15, 2015

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 away in 1995, Marks became the class leader. The class starts with …

Cycle for Good

Posted by Marsha Mullen on December 9, 2015

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 for an hour. Participants all across North America will be riding at the …

At the JCC, the First “C” is for Community

Posted by JCC Pittsburgh on December 9, 2015

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, welcoming community. Our members come from down the street and all over …

STAND UP! Be the SHAMASH

Posted by Rabbi Ron Symons on December 6, 2015

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 to the rituals of Hanukah. Without a shamash, the other 36 …

We need more light!

Posted by Rabbi Ron Symons on December 3, 2015

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 light! Thank God for Hanukah. Every year, as we enter the …

The JCC Last Minute Gift Guide

Posted by Todd Smith on December 2, 2015

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 have compiled some great options that range from online to something you can …

“Self Portrait” — a Portrait of Hope

Posted by Roberta Levine on November 27, 2015

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 American family. I pour a boiling pot of noodles through the colander into the sink. The water runs off but the noodles stay, ready for …

412 Food Rescue Boards the J Line

Posted by Carolyn Gerecht on November 24, 2015

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 pack more than 120 bags of food for local students in …

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 special need by welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, embracing their uniqueness and diversity under our communal tent.