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 foundation for our 2026 campaign.  In 2025, we set out to raise $250,000 and, thanks to the generosity of our community, raised more than $410,000. Those funds helped us respond to growing needs across our JCC and the broader community we serve.

At the start of this week’s meeting, Suzanne invited each volunteer to share why they were willing to commit their time and energy to this effort. What followed was one of those moments that reminds you exactly why our JCC matters.

JCC Past Board Chair Claudette Einhorn answered with remarkable simplicity: “Because I care and because I was asked.” Another JCC Past Board Chair Brad Bell spoke about his commitment to the JCC and the profound impact it continues to have on the community that surrounds us on Hoover Road.

Next, JCC Board member Rick Weiss and Past Board Chair David Kleiman reflected on the important role the JCC plays in building relationships with those of other faiths. 

And Marshall Kahn, who has served as Board Chair both here and at the JCC in Louisville, reflected on a lifetime of Jewish communal involvement — from his days as a BBYO teen to his leadership roles today — and his commitment to ensuring a strong future for the JCC.

Their words were moving, inspiring, and deeply affirming. They reminded all of us that our community is built by people who care enough to say yes when asked, who believe in our mission, and who are willing to invest their time, talents, and resources to ensure the JCC remains vibrant for generations to come.

What happened shortly after made an already meaningful meeting even more memorable. Just two days after our meeting, one of our task force members shared that he is doubling his 2025 commitment to the 2026 Hand in Hand Campaign. There is no stronger vote of confidence than someone choosing not only to continue their support, but also to deepen it.

The timing could not be more meaningful. Our community’s needs have only grown since last year. Between uncertainty surrounding government funding and rising costs for families, the requests we receive for financial assistance continue to outpace the resources currently available to meet them. The work ahead of us is significant, but moments like these remind me why I am so optimistic. We are fortunate to have volunteers who care deeply about this community and who are willing to step forward to help ensure that everyone who needs the JCC can continue to access it.

As we head into the weekend, I am grateful for these leaders and for the many volunteers, donors, members, and supporters who stand hand in hand with us. Your generosity, commitment, and belief in our mission gives me unshakable confidence that together, we are moving toward an amazing future. 

Shabbat Shalom

Sam Dubrinsky
Chief Executive Officer