This past week has been filled with energy, intention, and anticipation across our JCC.
On Monday morning, we opened the doors of our Early Childhood Development Center to welcome children and families in both Squirrel Hill and the South Hills for the new school year. The joy, curiosity, and laughter of our youngest learners reminded us once again of the power of beginnings and the potential of every community member.
That evening, we came together with our partners at the Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement and the 10.27 Healing Partnership to welcome the Hebrew month of Elul—a time for introspection, preparation, and renewal. The JCC’s Rabbi Hindy Finman and Beth El Congregation’s Rabbi Alex Greenbaum guided participants in exploring the meaning of unity as we approach the Jewish High Holidays. Those in attendance then joined in mindfulness activities before concluding with the stirring sound of the communal shofar blowing. It was a moving reminder of both personal reflection and collective strength.
Meanwhile, our dedicated staff have been working hard preparing our facilities for a full return to year-round activity. The pools at our Squirrel Hill location have been cleaned and are now filled and will reopen on Tuesday, September 2. And the finishing touches are being placed on our lower-level fitness renovation as we look to amplify our approach to health & wellness and better accommodate the top training modalities (high-intensity interval training and functional fitness) called out in the 2025 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends Report.
As we move through these final weeks of summer and into the fall, our team at the JCC is poised for one of our most impactful years yet. Be sure to check our recently published program guides to seek out how you can get involved. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,
Jason