They say things come in threes, and this past week at the JCC was a powerful testament to that. We didn’t just have a busy week; we had a BIG week that celebrated our present achievements while firmly planting seeds for the future of our community.
Big Night returned this past Saturday, and it did not disappoint. We were thrilled to welcome over 800 guests for our annual “party with a purpose.” It was a beautiful reminder of why community is worth celebrating and why the work we do here is worth investing in. Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported us, and helped make the night such a resounding success.
Just two days later came Big Monday, marking the close of the 2025–2026 Harry B. Davis Basketball League (HBD) season. Since November, our players have been hitting the hardwood to learn the fundamentals of the game – shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding, defense, and proper footwork. But HBD is about much more than a box score. It’s about building a lifelong love for the game and the values that come with it.
One of the most inspiring aspects of HBD is the way the league sustains itself across generations. Nearly 60% of our coaches this year once played in the league themselves, embodying a true “pay it forward” spirit. It creates an aspirational arc for today’s players, who see not just the game in front of them, but the possibility that one day they will return as mentors and leaders for those who will follow. I had the privilege of seeing this play out personally when after hanging up his HBD jersey, my own son made the transition to coach, giving back to the program that helped shape him into the young man he is today.
And as if that wasn’t enough for one week, we also welcomed a BIG visitor to our community: Barak Hermann, President and CEO of the JCC Association of North America. Supporting more than 170 JCCs and JCC camps across the continent, JCCA focuses on three critical areas of talent management, Jewish peoplehood, and impact & innovation.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Barak joined us at Big Night, met with members, supporters, donors, and staff, and even spent time with our early childhood educators during their in-service training. No matter the audience, Barak was consistent with his message, not only encouraging our JCC to continue its important work in the present but to also play an active role in curating our community’s future. Our work, he reminded us, is about long-term impact. The choices we make and the programs we build over the next three to four years will shape Jewish life and community engagement 30 or even 40 years from now.
That idea resonated deeply this week. Whether it was celebrating together at Big Night, watching young athletes grow and learn through Harry B. Davis basketball, or reflecting on the future of the JCC movement with Barak, it was clear that our work is very much about more than just today. It is about inspiration, teamwork, and building a community that lasts for generations.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,
Jason
