Shabbat Shalom from Sam: When the Water Rises
As the floodwaters rose across Greater Indianapolis this past weekend, I found myself scouring news sites and social media, trying to comprehend the damage throughout our community. By Saturday evening, I was overwhelmed by the scale of the destruction. I wanted to help but did not yet know how. Around 7:30 pm, I texted my […]
The Confidence Boost Hiding in Fall Sports
A child calls for a pass, misses it, then asks for the ball again. That one moment says more about growth than any final score ever could. At JCC Indianapolis, those small choices matter just as much as the big plays. Our youth sports programs give children room to practice courage along with athletic skills, […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: A Clear Vision, an Evolving Path
While some weeks bring unmistakable momentum, others offer something quieter but equally useful: perspective. This week fell into the latter category, reminding me that progress is rarely linear. We can be confident about where we are going while recognizing that the steps required to get there may shift as we learn, encounter unexpected turns, and […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: From Exclusion to Belonging
One Friday morning a few weeks ago, I walked into my office and found a voicemail from lifelong JCC member David Berman. That voicemail led to a conversation I have continued to think about. When I called him back, it became clear that David was not calling with a concern or a request (though those […]
Back-to-School Routines That Actually Work
The school year brings a new rhythm to family life, and the afternoon hours often carry the biggest shift. JCC Indianapolis shapes back-to-school routines for families throughout Indianapolis, IN. Familiar faces, room to move, and a dependable activity can fit into the week your family already has. Our campus gives kids and parents a place […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: A Story I Rarely Tell
This morning, I logged into Facebook and one of those “On This Day” memories caught my attention. It was a picture of me holding my newly earned spin instructor certification, and I couldn’t believe that fourteen years have already passed.Seeing that photo immediately took me back to a chapter of my life that I don’t […]
An Open Door, An Important Responsibility
Yesterday, I learned that 77% of people seeking Jewish connection turn to a JCC first. That number should command our attention. Rabbi Daniel Septimus shared this datapoint throughout his visit to Indianapolis this week. Daniel, the former CEO of Shalom Austin, now leads JCC Association’s new Center for Jewish Peoplehood. He repeated the statistic because […]
What L’dor V’dor Teaches Us About Staying Fit
Busy summer schedules make it easy for workout routines to slip, but a few small adjustments can keep momentum going. JCC Indianapolis supports members through fitness classes designed to fit even the most unpredictable weeks. This month also brings a meaningful value into focus, one that connects fitness, family, and community.
The Legacy That Lives On
Recently, I walked into a restaurant to meet a special group for breakfast. Before I even reached the table, I could hear the laughter. Stories were flying back and forth, old memories resurfacing, and every conversation seemed to find its way back to one person: the late Rod Hofts, who served as the JCC’s Director […]
What Kids Gain Emotionally at Summer Camp
Summer camp fills long days with swimming, sports, and songs around the flagpole, but the real magic often happens beneath the surface. JCC Indianapolis runs summer camps built around more than fun and games. Every session, campers grow in ways that stick with them long after the last bus ride home.