Shabbat Shalom from Sam: The Ordinary Things Worth Protecting
This past weekend, I traveled to the Detroit area to celebrate a family simcha (a joyous occasion): the b’nai mitzvah of two of my next generation cousins.As we sat together before the service began, my cousin, the mom of one of the b’nai mitzvah boys, quietly shared something that has stayed with me all week. […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: Because I Care and Because I Was Asked
As we close out the week, I find myself reflecting on one of the highlights of the past several days: the first meeting of our JCC Hand in Hand Annual Campaign Task Force. Led by JCC Past Board Chair Katy Cantor and JCC Board member Suzanne Rothenberg, this dedicated group has already begun laying the […]
Top 4 Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is one of the few activities that combines fitness, recreation, and stress relief in a way that benefits people of all ages. At JCC Indianapolis, our pools provide opportunities for children, teens, adults, and seniors to stay active while enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in the water. Whether you’re […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: When the Lights Went Out, the J Shined
At 7:41 a.m. on Thursday, I received a text letting me know that the JCC had lost power. As inconveniences go, it was a pretty significant one. We were in the first week of camp, transitioning classrooms in our Early Childhood Education center, and navigating one of the busiest times of year for membership, aquatics, […]
Honoring Service and Community This Memorial Day
As Memorial Day approaches, it offers an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and community connection. At JCC Indianapolis, we recognize the importance of honoring the service and sacrifice of those who came before us while also creating opportunities for families and friends to spend meaningful time together. Across generations, Memorial Day serves as a reminder of […]
The People Who Believe in Us
I’m going to start by sharing something that makes me feel vulnerable: when I became a 28-year-old Executive Director at the JCC in Birmingham, Alabama — my hometown — I had no idea what I was doing. I had passion and cared deeply about the mission. But I was learning in real time how to […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: A Living Mosaic
Everywhere I turn at our JCC lately, I see people building something together. A few weeks ago, I asked many of you to share your stories. What came back was extraordinary: stories of friendship, healing, belonging, growth, tradition, and connection. Again and again, one truth emerged. In moments when life felt fractured or uncertain, people […]
What to Expect at CampJCC This Summer
Summer is quickly approaching, and families throughout Indianapolis are beginning to plan for a season filled with activity, friendship, and new experiences. At JCC Indianapolis, CampJCC provides a summer camp experience where children can stay active, build confidence, explore new interests, and create lasting memories in a welcoming community environment. From recreation and aquatics to […]
Giving Back This Spring: Volunteer Opportunities at the JCC
As the petals bloom and the world awakens with new life, there’s no better time than spring to give back to your community. At JCC Indianapolis, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that not only contribute to a strong sense of connection but also foster personal growth and development. We believe in the power […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: Tell Us Your “Why”
For the past 18 months, I’ve had the honor of telling stories — stories about our JCC, community, and the people who make it what it is. Some of those stories have been yours. And they’ve stayed with me. But the truth is, I know they are only a small glimpse. Because every single day, […]