One of the great privileges of working in the JCC movement is the opportunity to learn from and with others who share a deep commitment to strengthening their communities.
This past week, I had the opportunity to step away from Pittsburgh for a JCC CEO retreat, spending time with colleagues from across the Mid-Atlantic region who understand both the unique joys and the challenges that come with leading a Jewish Community Center. There is something incredibly valuable about being in a room with people who understand your work, who are navigating many of the same questions, and who are willing to share openly, challenge one another’s thinking, and learn together.
Our time together included Torah study, thoughtful conversation, and an exploration of several themes that feel especially relevant to our work at the JCC.
One idea that resonated with me is that it’s not always the what we do, but more often the how we do it, that makes the greatest difference. The programs we offer, the services we provide, and the initiatives we pursue are all important. But the way we approach our work, the way we treat one another, and the way we create opportunities for people to feel valued and connected are what ultimately define the experience of being part of a JCC community.
We also spent time discussing generational divides, both in the workplace and across our broader communities. As our workforce and the people we serve continue to evolve, we have an opportunity to be curious about one another, to challenge our assumptions, and to recognize that different perspectives and experiences can make us stronger. Doing this well requires us to listen, adapt, and find meaningful ways to bring people together across differences.
And, of course, we made time to reflect on the deeper purpose behind our work.
Rabbi Harold Kushner famously wrote about the importance of dropping the hot coal of anger and resentment rather than continuing to hold on to something that causes us pain. That idea prompted me to reflect on how fortunate we are to do the work we do. Our profession is not without its frustrations, difficult days, or moments when the challenges can feel overwhelming. But how lucky are we to have jobs that bring us so much joy, allow us to build meaningful relationships, and give us the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of others?
I left the retreat feeling recharged, inspired, and excited to continue this journey alongside my colleagues here at our JCC. There is much ahead of us, both in terms of the challenges we must navigate and the opportunities we have to pursue. I am energized by what lies ahead and reminded that we do not have to navigate it alone. We can draw strength from one another, learn from our experiences, and continue to find meaning and joy in the work we do every day.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,
Jason