Written by Rachael Speck, Chief Program & Innovation Officer
Each ringing in of a secular new year gives us the chance for new beginnings –new you, new opportunities, new goals, new habits, and in our case – new programs and services. As an organization, we’re always listening, learning and evolving to ensure our offerings reflect the needs and interests of our community. That commitment fuels innovation, and as we kick off 2026, I’m excited to share how much “new” we have planned for the year ahead.
Building on the success of the JCC Maccabi Campus Games, we’re thrilled to participate in Junior & Mini Maccabi – a one-day Maccabi experience for pre-teens ages 9-12 hosted by the Kaiserman JCC in Philadelphia on Sunday, May 3.
We’re offering new opportunities to engage in Jewish life, learning and building connections to Israel through dynamic programs featuring Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Israel Right Now with Israeli journalist Haviv Gur and our Curious Conversations series, a program that stems from our groundbreaking partnership with YMCA, that will offer meaningful learning experiences for pre-teens and adults to combat antisemitism and racism through education, dialogue and actionable strategies. We are also delighted to continue hosting Dean Aseef, our Community Shaliach, for a second year of Israeli programming and engagement throughout Pittsburgh.
For parents with young children, we’re expanding our JParent initiative to foster connection and community. New offerings will include Spa and Spirituality, a Shabbat dinner series, book club and a workshop focused on building spirituality in the home and meaningful conversations about faith.
AgeWell South Hills in the is introducing a wide range of new opportunities designed to build community and inspire creativity and lifelong learning amongst our older adults – from a weekly Scrabble club and Israeli culture group to a grief support group and more. We’re also expanding partnerships with community experts to address topics important to older adults such as estate planning and cognitive wellness.
We continue to make investments in our facilities to enhance the experiences we currently offer and add new ones. The newly renovated fitness area and Centerfit Platinum locker rooms in Squirrel Hill will elevate fitness and wellness with new classes like Muay Thai boxing, new swim clinics, our first DEKA competition at our Squirrel Hill location.
At our Family Park site in Monroeville, we’re expanding our reach by hosting life-cycle events, celebrations and community programs at the new Cove building. In advance of the camp season, we are constructing a new shaded pavilion over the sports court to provide additional shade for our 400+ campers at J&R Day Camp. Enhanced facilities benefit our growing neurodiverse camper population and the entire camp community and position us toward ensuring that Family Park remains a cherished community asset.
Browse our Winter/Spring 2026 programs and discover something you’ll love
As we begin 2026, we invite you to join us – to try something new, reconnect and be a part of all that lies ahead. Whatever your aspirations are for the new year, we’re here to support you and grow alongside you. Here’s to a vibrant, meaningful and exciting year together, in community.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rachael
