We proudly present JCC Global's first Stewardship Report. It highlights our commitment to fostering Jewish community connections worldwide. Through strategic initiatives and global partnerships, we've expanded our reach and impact, strengthening Jewish identity and cultural exchange across borders. Click here to read the report:
Plans for "JCC Global - From Good to Great" Budapest Retreat are underway
The JCC Global Budapest retreat, scheduled for December 9-12, 2024, is gaining momentum with registrations from 30 JCCs worldwide. This event launches the 'JCC Global - From Good to Great Program,' a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening Ukrainian JCCs affected by the war.
Building on the successful 'JCC Global Amitim-Fellows' model, the program will foster global partnerships to enhance the capacity and sustainability of these JCCs and the global JCC network. This vital initiative is made possible through generous funding from the Jewish Federations of North America.
JCC Global Reception at the home of Sheila Lambert
We extend our deepest gratitude to JCC Global President Sheila Lambert for hosting an intimate reception at her New York home on September 12th. The evening brought together friends and colleagues to hear compelling accounts from JCC leaders in Israel, Serbia, and Ukraine. These leaders shared powerful stories of resilience in the face of adversity, underscoring JCC Global's crucial role in nurturing strong, adaptable communities worldwide. The warm atmosphere fostered meaningful connections and a renewed sense of our global JCC family.
JCCs of North America JSummit, September 16-18, Chicago
JCC Global delegates from Israel, Mexico, Serbia, and Ukraine joined 400 peers from 86 North American JCCs at the JCCs of North America Chicago JSummit. This gathering provided an invaluable platform for Jewish leaders to connect and address pressing contemporary issues. We extend our sincere appreciation to the JCC Association of North America leadership team for their exceptional hospitality and for fostering such a welcoming environment.
On the program's second day, attendees visited Lake County JCC to view the culminating exhibition of the "JCC Global Jewish Lens program". This showcase highlighted the collaborative work between Chicago JCC and Halom JCC in Kyiv, Ukraine, teens, offering all participants a chance to experience the powerful visual dialogue between these two communities. The program was sponsored by David and Robin Nankin.
Israeli teen ambassadors from Binyamina-Giv’at Ada Community Center in Israel hosted by the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, New York
A successful teen exchange in New York this past August marked the culmination of a long-term partnership between the two JCCs. Spearheaded by Orit Lander, CEO of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, NY, and Levana Karo, Executive Director of the Community Center in Binyamina-Giv'at Ada, Israel, this ten-day program fostered meaningful connections and solidified plans for future collaborations. This impactful experience demonstrated, once again, the value of global JCC partnerships in nurturing cross-cultural understanding among Jewish youth and Jewish communities.
To watch a summary video, click here:
To read the impressions of Orit Lander, click here:
Bless the Bitter and the Sweet
שמור אלי הטוב, על המר והמתוק
The words of poet Naomi Shemer in her popular song “For All These Things” aptly capture the national mood this holiday season:
“Every bee that brings the honey
Needs a sting to be complete
And we all must learn to taste the bitter with the sweet.
Keep, oh Lord, the fire burning
Through the night and through the day
For the man who is returning
from so far away.
……..
For the sake of all these things, Lord,
Let your mercy be complete
Bless the sting and bless the honey
Bless the bitter and the sweet.”
As we approach the new year, many of us will gather around holiday tables with an empty chair—a poignant reminder of the hostages still awaiting return. We're nearing the one-year mark of the tragic events of October 7th, 2023, and its tragic aftermath. Jewish communities and JCCs worldwide are preparing to commemorate this somber anniversary with local, regional, and global events. Yet, even in these darkest moments, we must not lose sight of hope. As we mourn, we also reaffirm our commitment to envisioning a peaceful future for the Middle East region. We must hold onto the belief in hope and peace, not just for ourselves, but for all of humanity.
Shana Tova
JCC Global team
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