The Talmud teaches us that among a parent’s most important responsibilities is to teach their child how to swim. This teaching is not just about water safety; it is about equipping the next generation with the skills they need to navigate life’s currents, to find confidence, and to thrive.
For 67 remarkable years, Al Rose has lived out this teaching through his service at the JCC. Generations of children and adults alike have learned to swim, compete, and grow under his guidance – through swim lessons, the Sailfish swim team, and our Masters swim program. For more than half of the JCC’s history, Al has been part of our story, embodying the agency’s mission of strengthening individuals and building community. His “portfolio of impact” even includes having trained an Olympic athlete!
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of our lives, it was the Sailfish swim team – thanks to Al’s determination – that became one of the first JCC programs to come back online. In those uncertain times, Al provided not only a safe return to the pool but also a sense of normalcy, resilience, and hope for our community.
On a personal note, my own daughter spent three years on the Sailfish team. Beyond mastering her butterfly stroke, she walks the halls of Taylor Allderdice High School today with the confidence instilled in no small part by the care, encouragement, and lessons she received from Al in the pool.
As Al steps away and enters retirement, we celebrate his immeasurable impact and wish him only the best. At the same time, we look forward with pride to carrying on the tradition he built. The JCC’s aquatics program will continue to honor his legacy of building skills and character for many years to come.
Thank you, Al, for nearly seven decades of service. You have changed countless lives, and your ripple effect will continue to be felt far into the future.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom,
Jason