A Newsletter of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore
Catch these captivating films at our 24th Annual Baltimore Jewish Film Festival!
David Sunday, April 15; 3:00pm Directors: Joel Fendelman and Patrick Daly USA 2011; English Guest Speakers: Stephanie Levy, producer Muatasem Mishal, actor (David) As the son of the Imam of the local Brooklyn mosque, eleven year-old Daud has to juggle the high expectations of his Father (Maz Jobrani) and his feelings of isolation. Through an innocent act of good faith, Daud inadvertently befriends a group of Jewish boys who mistake him as a fellow classmate at their orthodox school. A genuine friendship grows between Daud and Yoav, one of the Jewish boys, and his family. Unable to resist the joy of a camaraderie that he has never felt before, David, as he is known to the kids, is drawn into a complicated dilemma inspired by youthful deceit and the best of intentions.
April/May 2012 Nissan/Iyar/Sivan 5772
An Article of Hope
Mabul (The Flood)
Tuesday, April 17; 7:30pm Director: Daniel Cohen USA; 2011; English Guest Speaker: Daniel Cohen (director)
Sunday April 22; 2:00pm Director: Guy Nattiv Israel 2001; Hebrew with English subtitles Guest Speaker: TBD
Dawn is breaking on the morning of February 1, 2003 above West Texas when the peace of the early morning is shattered by two loud bangs. The Space Shuttle Columbia is announcing its return home. The shuttle is speeding toward a Florida homecoming, but something has gone horribly wrong. The shuttle has broken up, vanished! Gone is its precious cargo of seven astronauts from around the world. Among them, Col. Ilan Ramon, Israel’s first Astronaut. Also gone is a tiny Torah scroll – smuggled into a concentration camp during the Holocaust; safeguarded by Joachim Joseph, a Holocaust survivor; and carried into space by Col. Ilan Ramon. An Article of Hope, fulfills the promise that a boy in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp made during the Holocaust- to use the Torah scroll to tell the world what happened in the camp.
Yoni is almost 13, gifted, but physically undeveloped. He struggles daily to grow up before his up-coming Bar Mitzvah. He sells homework in order to secretly buy a body building wonder powder, he stretches every night with heavy weights tied to his legs and screams with full force in front of the wind to thicken his girlish, unstable voice. His new classmates, a year older and two heads taller, bully him at every chance they get and his parents barely say a word to each other and communicate through him. As if all this isn’t enough - only a week before the ceremony his autistic brother, Tomer, 17, hidden for years in a hostel that is now shut down - returns home. This shakes not only Yoni’s life, but the unstable foundation of the entire family.
Jewish Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 FYI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Children & Youth. . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Teens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Adults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Tickets $10/film (Film Festival continued on page 12)
Fitness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Arts & Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Aquatics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 JCC Center Staff/FYI. . . . . . . . . 14 Associated Corner. . . . . . . . . . . 15
Your Center for Jewish Life Wisdom for Today By Rabbi Steven M. Fink
Center News
The Jews of Odessa
The newsletter of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore
My wife, Sally, and I recently had the precious opportunity to travel to our sister city of Odessa in the Ukraine with a mission from the Associated. Twenty of us flew from Dulles to Odessa in late November in order to evaluate our strategic partnership with the Odessa Jewish community. We have had a close relationship with the Jewish community of Odessa for the last two decades. Our partnership, however, has not achieved the results of that with Ashkelon, our sister city in Israel, which has yielded substantial benefit to both Ashkelon and Baltimore. We asked the questions, “Did we want to continue this relationship and, if so, what should we do to reinvigorate it? How can our partnership with Odessa benefit both Jewish communities?” We returned from this exhausting trip ever more committed to continuing our relationship with the Jews of Odessa. Allow me to explain why. Odessa, once the third largest Jewish city in the world (after Warsaw and New York) now has a population of about 35,000 Jews. In contrast to what we expected, there is a vital and resurgent Jewish community in Odessa. The community’s two JCCs, the new Beit Grand and the Migdal JCCs, are the anchors of the Jewish community. These two facilities are filled day and night with a complete cross section of the population, from the very old to the very young. Congregation Emanuel, the Progressive synagogue, is a thriving synagogue, filled with those eager to embrace and learn about Jewish life. What we once thought was a Jewish wasteland has been transformed into a vibrant Jewish community. The poverty rate among the Odessa population is astounding. The Ukrainian government provides no safety net for its population. Every older person, regardless of profession, receives a pension of between $100-$125 a month. Everyone’s savings were wiped out during the early 1990’s. Without money, there is no food, heat, or health care. Utilities alone account for half of that monthly pension. Without the help of the Chesed Society, which provides food, medicine, and services to the elderly and children at risk, literally half the Jews of Odessa would go without the necessities of daily life. Our Associated sends a third of our annual contributions overseas to support world Jewry through the auspices of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (The Joint) which, since 1914, has provided food, clothing, and medicine to poverty stricken and oppressed Jewries around the world. Without these contributions, the Chesed Society could not fulfill its holy task of literally keeping thousands of Jews alive. While many Jews have left the former Soviet Union, millions more remain. They are committed to building a rich and relevant Jewish community for now and for generations to come. We will hear much more about our partnership with Odessa in the future. Stay tuned for more to come! Rabbi Steven M. Fink, D.Min., D.D.is the Rabbi of Temple Oheb Shalom. Rabbi Fink can be reached at rabbifink@templeohebshalom.org.
Ahavas Yisrael Chaburah Project Mondays, 12:00-12:30pm Weinberg PH JCC Join the Ahavas Yisrael Chaburah Baltimore chapter as we discuss a range of short, thought provoking, social & inspiring topics. Ladies can learn the Jewish laws regarding loving and relating to fellow Jews. These sessions are designed for the busy woman who is interested in learning Ahavas Yisrael (loving a fellow Jew).
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg JCC 5700 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 410.542.4900 410.578.0102 fax
Ben & Esther Rosenbloom JCC on the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Campus 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue Owings Mills, MD 21117 410.356.5200 410.581.0561 fax
www.jcc.org MD Relay: 1.800.735.2258 Neil Demchick Chairman of the Board Buddy Sapolsky President Ken Karsh Senior Vice President, Finance Phil Miller Vice President Ron Siegel Vice President Gail Zuskin Vice President Jan Cardin Membership Chair Randi Buergenthal Marketing Chair Robin Rose-Samuels Marketing Director Esther Apt Center News Editor The Jewish Community Center is an educational, cultural, and recreational agency supported by The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.
For more information, contact Jackie at 410.500.5919 or jforeman@jcc.org.
www.jcc.org
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Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
FYI Congrats to the JCC’s Winner of a New Kindle Fire! We are happy to congratulate Florence Chernak on winning a Kindle Fire in our January Membership Drive. We spoke to Florence to find out what she loves about the Baltimore JCC.
Q. How long have you been a JCC member? A. I have been a member for 15 years–since my oldest child was 2! I joined because of the Parenting and Fitness centers.
Q. What is your favorite thing to do at the “J”? A. The Fitness classes are great here, I love that they are always challenging. The camaraderie in the classes is also a huge plus.
Q. What would you tell someone who is considering a JCC Membership? A. The JCC has something for everyone- from infants to seniors. It is a place where you can walk in and feel like you belong.
Q. What will you be using your new Kindle Fire for? A. I am excited to use it to listen to music. I check Facebook and catch up on the news and weather. I can use it when I go on a trip -it’s very cool!
JCS Arriving Soon at OM JCC After months of construction, the Rosenbloom JCC in Owings Mills will welcome the Baltimore County office of Jewish Community Services (JCS) to our campus. The new 10,000 square foot JCS wing will officially open its doors on Monday, April 30th. Directly adjacent to our member check-in in the main lobby, you will see a new desk for JCS. This will be staffed by a specialist who can provide information about JCS services as well as resources in the general Jewish community. We encourage our members to inquire about the many services JCS will be offering including: career services, professional counseling for adults, children and families, assistance for seniors, and much more. In the coming months our JCC plans to partner with JCS to offer new and meaningful programs for our members and the community. If you have specific questions about what is offered at JCS and the JCC, call 410.466.9200 or visit www.jcsbaltimore.org.
Join the Party and Support JCC Youth! JCC’s Silent & Live Auctions Will Benefit ECE and the JCC Maccabi Experience Silent Auction: Sunday, April 22 through Thursday, May 3 Live Event: Sunday, May 6 at Magooby’s Joke House, 7:00 pm Our Early Childhood Education Center (ECE) and JCC Maccabi Experience are joining forces to sponsor an online silent auction. The money raised will benefit the ECE’s goal for a new interactive natural playground and will provide needs‐based scholarships for our children in ECE and our local teens participating in JCC Maccabi Sports or JCC Maccabi ArtsFest. The silent auction will be held online at www.biddingforgood.com/jcc. So far we have more than 200 items ranging from rounds of golf at Woodholme Country Club and Piney Branch to signed Ravens memorabilia, a tour and tasting for 10 at an exclusive area winery, theater tickets, private lessons in yoga and mah jongg, and many more highly-desirable items and services. Advance viewing of the online silent auction will begin on Sunday, April 1. Tickets for the live auction and comedy event at Magooby’s are on sale at www.jcc.org/bidsforkids. The cost is $25 for one ticket and $36 for two. In addition to a night of comedy and laughter, the live auction will also feature sought-after items such as skybox seating to a Ravens game, vacation stay in a beach house in Sanibel Island, Florida, a beautiful piece of jewelry from Radcliffe Jewelers, and much more. We expect a sell-out crowd, so order your tickets today! For more information on the Bids for Kids auction and comedy event, please call Esther Greenberg at 410.559.3545 or Paul Lurie at 410.559.3546.
(FYI continued on page 14)
The Owings Mills Farmer’s Market Returns Sundays starting June 3, 2012 through October; 8:30am-2:00pm, Rosenbloom OM JCC
Come to the market and choose from a fabulous array of fresh, local produce, baked goods, freshly sheared wool, honey in season, hot sauces, spices galore, tie dye, and more! For more information, visit www. Owingsmillsfarmersmarket.com and “like” New! Farmers’ Market in Owings Mills on facebook .
April/May 2012 A Nissan/Ayar/Sivan 5772
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Your Center for Children & Youth JCC ECE Teachers Travel to World Renowned Training Program in Italy Envision a classroom where collaboration among children, teachers and parents is taken to a new level. Imagine a space where the classroom is arranged like your own living room and the curriculum is fueled by the interests and ideas of the preschool children themselves. Although this type of educational environment may sound like a wishful teacher’s dream, it is actually based on the innovative and time-tested framework of the Reggio Approach. Backed by years of scientific research, the Reggio Approach encourages children to be the source and constructors of their own experience. “Instead of updating parents on something generic about their child, like the need for more diapers, teachers will be reporting on the child’s newfound interest in puppies or the fall leaves outside,” says D.J. Jensen, the Director of Early Childhood Education at the CJE of Baltimore (Center for Jewish Education) and current acting Director for the Meyerhoff ECE. “Reggio promotes communication with parents and colleagues on a much deeper level.” Earlier this year 70 Jewish teachers were selected from Baltimore, Rockville and Israel to participate in a five-day intense Reggio Emilia Approach program in Italy that took place this past March. The Reggio Approach is a philosophy of teaching preschool and primary school. While there are many training programs that offer a Reggio “inspired” curriculum, this program takes place in the very city where these teachings originated. Judy Bickford, a teacher in our four year old classroom at the Meyerhoff ECE in the Park Heights JCC, is one of the teachers participating in this experience. “If you could talk to Moses and get the Ten Commandments straight from his mouth, wouldn’t you?” Bickford asks. “That’s why I am so excited to be part of this initiative. We will be learning straight from the source.” Ms. Jensen points out that the basic principles of Reggio are respect, responsibility, and community, which are parallel to our Jewish values. “Since the Reggio program has agreed to facilitate a special program exclusively for the 70 Jewish educators that we are bringing, we will be able to focus on viewing these teachings together through a Jewish lens,” she says. The intent is for the teachers to bring back the educational vision of the city of Reggio Emilia and incorporate it into their teaching mindset. You can follow D.J. Jensen and JCC teachers, Judy Bickford and Sonia Bodner on their educational journey at www.jcc.org/ Italyblog
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Chris Sigman teaches the OM ECE children about healthy food portioning.
Stoler ECE first Preschool in County to Participate in Let’s Move Program After a very successful year introducing our Healthy Choices program at the Stoler ECE in Owings Mills, our Health Science Educator, Chris Sigman, decided to take on a new challenge for our school. She has upped the ante a little by registering the ECE for Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Childcare Program. Introduced in September 2011, this initiative is designed to change the way preschool-aged children think about food, nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity. This past January our school started focusing on four key areas in order to be recognized as a Let’s Move!-certified school. They include: Beverages: We now have pitchers of water available in all of our classrooms and we encourage our parents NOT to send their children to school with sugar-filled juice packs. Food: Fresh fruits and/or vegetables are served with both morning and afternoon snacks. Healthy homemade dips are prepared weekly to be served with fresh vegetables during snack time. Family-style dining is taking place for all snacks and lunch. Physical Activity: We are aiming for all of our preschool students to have a total of 60 minutes of movement each day and for our full-day, preschool plus students to have 120 minutes of movements each day. Weather permitting, outdoor play will occur at least once per day. Screen Time: We are encouraging families to reduce their child’s TV/Computer time to two hours a day, and will encourage family participation in National TV Turnoff Week on April 30-May 6, 2012. In the coming months Chris will be submitting a written journey as well as photos of the school’s progress on the Let’s Move! website. “We are very excited to be the first preschool in Baltimore County to participate in this program,” says Chris. “We hope to meet this recognition by May 1st.”
Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Your Center for Children & Youth Come Play with Us FREE at OM!
DBJCC
Monday, April 16-Friday, April 20; 10:30am Rosenbloom OM JCC
April 11; 10:15 & 11:15am Pratt Light St. Library, Federal Hill
Hands-on-Holiday Passover
April 16
Open Gym & Parachute Play
April 17
Circle Time & Songs
Come and learn about the holiday with other families in the area. Join us as we sing, learn and craft.
April 18
Arts & Crafts
Earth Day Celebration
April 19
Story Time with Grandpa Mikee
April 22, 11:00-3:00pm Jewish Museum of Maryland 15 Lloyd Street
Free for Members For more information, contact call at 410.559.3524 or parenting@jcc.org.
Got Shabbat Friday, April 27; 5:45pm Beth Am, 2501 Eutaw Place Connect with other Jewish families with young children and join us for a wonderful family Shabbat celebration.
Mazel Tales: It’s Story Time with the JCC! Children 5 and under Enoch Pratt Library, Roland Park Branch Wednesdays, May 2 & June 6 12:30-1:15pm
Includes a PJ Library story with a fun follow-up activity which could be a craft, musical fun or even cooking! All are welcome! In partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
Come and celebrate Earth Day with us. Fun for the whole family! Mitzvah projects, scavenger hunts, jewelry making, tastetesting and more.
Tot Shabbat
Birth-36 months Friday, May 4; 10:30am Jewish Museum of Maryland 15 Lloyd Street Join us on Friday mornings as we welcome Shabbat with singing, dancing, puppets and more. Families will be creating a challah plate they will be able to take home. For more information on downtown programs contact Kim at kjacobsohn@ jcc.org or 443.248.4219
For info contact Cindy at cneuman@jcc. org. or visit www.jcc.org/gotshabbat
Pre-Camp Programs @ the PH JCC Girls and boys ages 3½ -10 Monday – Friday , June 18- 29, 9:00am - 3:30pm No school . . . No camp . . . Nothing to do with your kids? Back by popular demand, you kids can join us for arts & crafts, sports, swimming, ceramics and tons of fun! $25/day JCC Members $35/day NM Full Week Savings: $100/week JCC Members $150/week NM Early drop off begins at 7:00 am, Mon - Fri, only $4 per day Late stay runs until 5:30 pm, Mon- Thurs, only $6 per day For more information contact Merav Levine at 410.500.5902 or mlevine@jcc.org.
April/May 2012 A Nissan/Ayar/Sivan 5772
Special JCC Member Discount for Family Camp at Capital Camps Capital Camps, the official overnight camp of the Baltimore JCC, is thrilled to offer a Special JCC Member Discount for our endof-summer Family Shabbaton. Experience the excitement of Jewish camp with the whole family for only $100 per person. Start the weekend with our special Shabbat programming; then enjoy the pool and lake, ropes course, arts & crafts, sports, and more! There will be time throughout the weekend for adults and kids to play separately and for families to enjoy being together. Each evening will include a family activity and a late night program just for adults. All activities will be supervised and facilitated by our fantastic camp staff. “This is a fabulous chance for families to celebrate Shabbat together and to experience all the joys of Jewish camping in one weekend” says Sam Roberts, Camp Director. The Shabbaton begins at the end of our Yotair 5-day Rookie Camp experience. Yotair is open to boys and girls entering 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade in the 2012-2013 academic year. The program is for new campers only, as we want participants to share their first overnight camp experience with other ‘first-timers’. Capital Camps combines superb staff with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the best experience for campers. Our activities merge sheer summer fun with Jewish identity-building. See what others are saying about the ‘Best Camp Ever’ at www.capitalcamps.org!
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Your Center for Teens MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENTS Grades 6-8
Spring “J” Dances Saturdays, April 21, May 12, June 9; 8:00-11:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
Northern Park Heights Mural Project Brings Communities Together This past October the JCC kicked off a new outreach program designed to improve race-relations in the Upper Park Heights community. The program targets neighborhood middle-schoolers. The group, which is comprised of Orthodox boys from a local scouting group and African American and Hispanic students from Fallstaff and Cross Country K-8 schools, has been meeting with artist, Jay Wolf Schlossberg-Cohen at the Park Heights JCC. Together they create art and discuss the difficult issues of social justice, race relations, stereotyping and even bullying. The discussions, which have taken place on alternate Sundays, have been facilitated primarily by Jay, PH JCC Vice President, Phil Miller and local poet, Jill Solomon. In recent months, the teens have grown more comfortable talking about issues and using their own identities and religions as examples. “It has been very rewarding to see them start to work together and learn from each other,” says Jay. The teens’ artistic endeavors over the past six months will be woven together to form a neighborhood mural which will be painted this May. The community will be invited to help paint the mural. The hope is that this project will start a conversation in the community that will lead to mutual understanding, cooperation, and acceptance
Its Saturday night . . . dance to the beat with a popular local DJ! Get on our VIP list and cut to the front of the line! Teen lounge and gym will also be open for your enjoyment. Bring the completed VIP form to the next dance, available online at www.jcc.org/teens. $10/Members $15/NM (includes snacks)
Middle School Mondays Mondays; 6:00-8:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
Saturday Night Take-Over Saturday, April 28, 8:00pm-11:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC Spend these Saturday nights hanging out with your friends or meet new ones at the “J”. The basketball courts, and track will be open for your use. Relax and socialize in the teen lounge, watch a movie, or play video games on a projection screen. $2/ JCC Members
$3/NM
For more information on Middle School programs, contact Brad at 410.559.3547 or bkerxton@jcc.org.
ArtShops @ PH Comics & Cartooning with Naftali Apt
Hang out in the teen lounge to play Wii, watch movies, play table tennis or pool and enjoy pizza and snacks, also enjoy the indoor pool and gym.
Girls ages 9-16 Tuesdays: April 17-24, 7:15- 8:15pm
JCC Members Only
Learn the fundamentals of creating comic books and comic strips. Students will. Learn techniques used by their favorite comic artists and will produce their own comic characters and strips.
The ULTIMATE Madden Tournament Monday, April 30, 6:00pm-8:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC If you enjoy playing Madden on the Wii then test your skills against other teens for the ultimate showdown. Enjoy free pizza and a grand prize for the winner.
Boys ages 9-16 Wednesdays: April 18- 25, 7:15-8:15pm
$27/M $35/NM
Arts and Crafts with Merav
JCC Members Only
Girls ages 9-11 Tuesdays: May 1-8, 7:15-8:15pm Girls ages 12-16 Wednesdays, May 2-9, 7:15-8:15pm
Table Tennis & Billiards Night
Create do-it yourself projects and bring home a variety of crafts including jewelry and hair accessories.
Monday, May 21, 6:00pm-8:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC Play table tennis and pool with your friends at the “J”. Movies, pizza and snacks included.
$27/M $35/NM For more information contact Merav Levine at 410.500.5902 or mlevine@jcc.org.
JCC Members Only
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Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Your Center for Teens Social Media and Bullying Workshop
Get Fit2Gether: The Teen Everything Class
Sunday June 3; 7:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
Sundays, April 22-May 20, 1:15-2:15pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
Join us for a discussion on Social Media and bullying in today’s society. Parents and teens will take part in separate workshops and discuss topics including how to talk about social media in a productive way and different types of popular social media.
Teens, get your friends together and build your own class with CSA Martial Arts & Wellness School! Choose from Karate, Kickboxing, Boot Camp, T’ai Chi, Meditation, Self Defense and Yoga. A great way to get moving and have fun!
For more information contact Paul Lurie at plurie@jcc.org or call 410.559.3546
For more information, contact Jen Lake at 410.559.3553 or www.CSAkarate.com
SAT & ACT Test Prep
College Preparation
One-on-one with 16 total hours: $1175 Small group (up to 4 students) 8-two hour sessions: $925 Contact Esther Gunter 410.559.3550 or email egunter@jcc.org.
$50/JCC Member
$75/NM
HaZamir in Concert Tuesday, May 22; 7:30pm Ohr Kodesh Congregation 8300 Meadowbrook Lane Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Come hear our talented young singers. This free concert is open to the public! Would you like to book HaZamir Baltimore for a concert in 2012? Contact Erika at 443.831.4205 or erikaschon1@comcast.net.
Suggested for 10th and 11th graders. We offer personal consulting appointments for college advising.
$75 per session Contact Esther Gunter 410.559.3550 or email egunter@jcc.org.
March of the Living April 16 - April 30, 2012 Thousands of Jewish teens will confront the depths of tragedy in Poland and travel on to Israel to celebrate the rebirth of the Jewish People. Read as Baltimore Teens blog about their journey at www.jcc.org/motlblog .
The JCC Summer Job Fair for high school and college students was recently held at both of our JCC locations. Students were advised on resume writing, interview skills and were provided resources to land that summer job or internship.
Krieger Schecter Middle School Annual Learning Festival at the JCC Over 150 students from Krieger Schecter Middle School spent a full day at the Owings Mills JCC participating in their annual Learning Festival which focused this year on the Olympics. Students learned all about the JCC Maccabi Games – an international Jewish teen Olympic-style event - then they fanned out around the JCC competing in swimming, basketball, Wii and even Drum’s Alive!
April/May 2012 A Nissan/Ayar/Sivan 5772
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Your Center for Adults Social Sports Club Tuesdays, April 24-May 29; 9:30-11:30am Rosenbloom OM JCC Spend Tuesday mornings with other adults who enjoy socializing and participating in organized sports. A new sport will be introduced every two weeks. Sports may include but are not limited to: volleyball, table tennis, pickleball, and a sport of the club’s selection. $12/JCC Member
$18/NM
For more information, contact Melissa Berman at 410.559.3593 or email mberman@jcc.org.
My Favorite Jewish Baltimore Stories Tuesday, May 8; 1:30pm & 7:30pm Rosenbloom OM JCC Take a journey through time and place with author Gil Sandler from WYPR talk radio’s ”Baltimore Stories” as he shares his favorite Jewish Baltimore tales. A true Baltimore native, Gil was born and raised in Charm City.
Meet Dr. Dan Morhaim, Author of The Better End Monday, June 4; 1:30pm & 7:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
Pickleball
$5/JCC Member
Thursdays, April 26-June 7; 9:3011:30am
For more information, contact Melissa Berman at 410.559.3593 or email mberman@jcc.org.
Be a part of the latest craze! Pickleball is an exciting sport that is a combination of Ping Pong, tennis, and badminton, and has been enjoyed for 20+ years by people of all ages, especially adults! Try something new! Pickleball T-shirt included! $20/JCC Member
$30/NM
For more information, contact Melissa Berman at 410.559.3593 or email mberman@jcc.org .
Day of Games Tuesday, May 1; 10:00am- 3:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC Be a part of this exciting day! Bring your Mah Jongg, Bridge & Scrabble games to play on this Day of Games! Stay, play and win prizes! Breakfast and sweets will be served! Co-sponsored by Kappa Guild Inc. $12/JCC Member
$18/NM
For more information, contact Melissa Berman at 410.559.3593 or email mberman@jcc.org.
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$8/NM
The modern medical world can often feel complex and overwhelming. Dr. Dan Morhaim, the Maryland State legislator’s only physician, will help you to feel empowered to navigate your own end of life care and care for your loved ones. Dr. Dan Morhaim is an adjunct professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Deputy Majority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates. He is board certified in emergency medicine and internal medicine. $5/JCC Member
Out of Faith
$8/NM
For more information, contact Melissa Berman at 410.559.3593 or email mberman@jcc.org.
Tuesday, May 15; 7:00- 9:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC Join your community in a screening of, “Out of Faith,” a documentary that confronts the complex issues surrounding interfaith marriage. Following the screening, join in a spirited conversation about the documentary and views on interfaith marriage in the Jewish community.
410.252.2046 padoniaparkclub.com “Top 25 Caterers” - BBJ
Impressions that last a lifetime
$5/JCC Member
$8/NM
For more information, contact Melissa Berman at 410.559.3593 or email mberman@jcc.org.
Catering & Event Planning Services
Indoor & Outdoor Weddings Bat/Bar Mitzvahs Corporate Events
Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Your Center for Adults Preparing For Your Future Series Monday, April 23; 1:30-2:30pm Rosenbloom OM JCC
Part 1 - What legal documents do you need? Learn about critical legal documents that should be part of every person’s estate plan. This informative session, led by trusts and estates attorney Jason Frank, will focus on the essential estate planning documents that every adult should have. The presentation will focus on last will and testaments, advanced directives and financial powers-of-attorney. Free for JCC Members $5/NM
Part 2 - Have essential estate planning documents executed! Wednesday, May 9; 1:00-2:00pm Weinberg PH JCC Legal Services for the Elderly, a program of the Baltimore City Bar Association, will assist Baltimore City residents in executing advanced directives and powers-of-attorney. Attorneys Ben Grossman and Ranjit Doraiswamy will provide an informative presentation about essential estate planning documents that every adult should have. The presentation will be followed by the execution of these documents for Baltimore City residents who have scheduled an appointment in advance. Call to reserve a time slot to have documents prepared. Please note that the presentation is open to both City and County residents, but the execution of documents is available to Baltimore City residents only. Free for JCC Members
Part 3 - Senior Services Available in Maryland Monday, June 18; 1:30-2:30pm Rosenbloom OM JCC Maryland Access Point (MAP) can link you to the services of 10,000 providers state wide. Learn about their 16 local walk-in sites and online assessment tools. MAP is a partner in the national Aging and Disability Resource Center initiative supported by the U.S. Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Free for JCC Members $5/NM This program is sponsored by a joint partnership with JCS. To schedule an appointment contact Melissa Berman at 410.559.3593 or email mberman@jcc.org.
Behind the Scenes with Center Stage Wednesday, May 2; 1:00- 2:00pm Join us for a peek of Whipping Man with cast members from Center Stage. Contact Lisa Shifren at 410.500.5903 or lshifren@jcc.org.
The Whipping Man at Center Stage
Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah Thursday, May 10; 11:30am-12:30pm Depart from PH at 6:00pm Why is this night different from all other nights? For three Richmond Jews- one a former Confederate soldier, two his former slaves-gathered around a makeshift Seder table at the close of the Civil War, age-old questions of justice and freedom find new and surprising answers. $36/JCC Member
$50/NM
Contact Lisa Shifren at 410.500.5903 or lshifren@jcc.org, RSVP by April 20.
Catch the latest in community and economic development news every Tuesday in your email inbox! Sign up for free at www.bmoremedia.com
$5/NM Adults at PH enjoyed a guitar performance by Valdimir Fridman and lots of great Tu B’Shevat fruit.
April/May 2012 A Nissan/Ayar/Sivan 5772
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Your Center for Adults All About Israel-Part 1 Wednesday, May 16; 1:00-2:30pm Weinberg PH JCC Join us for insights and thoughts on Israel from Leora Pushett. Just back from her most recent trip there, Leora will enlighten us about Israel - the people, places, practices, & Israel’s past. $2/JCC Member
$4/NM
All About Israel-Part 2
Learn Inn Experience
Wednesday, May 30; 1:00- 2:30pm Weinberg PH JCC Join us for a special film screening of Israel Inside, hosted by former Harvard lecturer Dr. Tal Ben Shahar. Israel Inside examines the core character strengths that have enabled Israelis to overcome challenges and turn a barren desert into a flourishing nation. $2/JCC Member
$4/NM
For more information, visit www.jcc.org/learninn or contact Lisa Shifren at 410.500.5903 or lshifren@jcc.org
Monday, June 11- Friday, June 15 Best Western Conference Center, Westminster Don’t miss out on this year’s exciting five day Learn Inn! Join us for a great array of entertainment, Jewish learning and fitness options including: • Jewish Learning with returning scholar, Rabbi Nochum Kats • Let’s Get Physical! Exercise with popular JCC instructors • Trip to D.C.: visit the National Gallery of Art, the Air and Space Museum or the Holocaust Museum. • Learn about the Cone Collection at the BMA • Dig deeper into the Jewish connection to farming and the environment with Kayam Farm. • Nightly entertainment featuring klezmer, jazz trios and more. This years performers include: Vladimir Fridman, Helmut Licht & Joe Ayala • Adam Gregerman, Ph.D from the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies will speak • Lecture by Baltimore Jewish Times Editor, Neil Rubin
Adam Gregerman
The JCC Learn Inn Experience is made possible in part through the generosity of the Helene & Leslie Moses Memorial Fund For details, contact Lisa at 410.500.5903 or lshifren@jcc.org or visit www.jcc.org/LearnInn
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Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Your Center for Fitness We Get Letters… Dear Jackie, I just left the JCC after an excellent session with one of your personal trainers. Polite, prepared, and professional, he listened to my hopes and expectations and guided me though a suggested workout. I have also started to attend the men’s cycling session Thursday evenings-the instructor is great. He always has a smile and pushes us without overwhelming us. My wife goes nearly every morning to your Group Fitness classes and she loves them! I just wanted to thank the JCC for your programs – they are really making a difference to us.
-R.W.
Fitness Party Join us for a fitness celebration! Stay for one class or try them all!
April 15 in Owings Mills Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC
8:00am BODYPUMP 9:00am BODYSTEP 10:00am BODYPUMP 11:00am BODYFLOW 10:00am-12:00pm SH’BAM & ZUMBA
Spring Craft Fair: 9am-12pm
Exercise and then shop – the perfect combination!
April 22 in Park Heights Weinberg Park Heights JCC
An evening to honor and celebrate
Dr. Paul D. Schneider Sunday, April 29, 2012 Upon his 29th and final year as headmaster of Krieger Schechter Day School
8:00am BODYPUMP BODYSTEP 9:00am BODYPUMP BODYCOMBAT 10:00am BODYFLOW 10:00am-12:00pm SH’BAM & ZUMBA For information at OM, contact Amy at 410.559.3534 or aschwartz@jcc.org. At PH, contact Jackie at 410.500.5919 or jforeman@jcc.org
Honorary Dinner for Legacy Donors, 5 p.m. Community Gathering & Celebration, 7:30 p.m. Followed by Dancing & Dessert Reception at Chizuk Amuno Congregation, 8100 Stevenson Road, Baltimore, MD For information on the tribute Storybook, event costs, or to make a reservation, please contact sfried@soink12.ksds.edu, 410/824-2050, or visit www.ksds.edu.
April/May 2012 A Nissan/Ayar/Sivan 5772
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Your Center for Art & Culture (Film Festival continued from page 1)
Wunderkinder Wednesday, April 25; 7:30pm Director: Markus Rosenmüller Germany 2011; German with English subtitles Gurest Speaker: Dr. Exsul Van Helden, Professor of Film, Video and Theatre at Stevenson University From the producers of Europa Europa comes this universal tale of musical prodigies whose friendship overcomes barriers of religion and nationality. Jewish siblings Larissa and Abrascha are violin virtuosos. Hanna, a young German girl, is also extremely gifted. Living in the small Ukrainian town of Poltava in 1941, they are united by a passion for music. When the Nazis invade, the children’s Jewish and German families must save each other from the forces of both fascism and Communism. Real-life musicians Elin Kolev and Mathilda Adamik, along with child actor Imogen Burrell, give endearing performances in this mesmerizing Holocaust drama.
Intimate Letters: Music and Words of Leos Janacek (1854 – 1928) Featuring Duo: Stephanie Ho and Saar Ahuvia, pianists Stanley I. Morstein, actor Sunday, June 3; 2:00pm Gordon Center For Performing Arts These deeply intense piano works became the “intimate letters” that Leos Janacek wrote to himself reflecting on his personal turmoil, tragedies and search for answers. Free admission (Tickets are free but are required, and can be obtained directly from the cashiers’ windows at both JCC locations.) This program is underwritten through the generosity of: Jon Levinson and Rosalee and Richard Davison. For more information, contact Marilyn Zvili at 410.559.3510 or mzvili@jcc.org.
The Time of Silence (Le Temps du Silence)
2012 Holocaust Commemoration
Yom Ha’Shoah
Monday, April 30; 7:30pm Director: Franck Apprederis France 2011; French with English subtitles Special Guest Speaker: Marine Cornut from the Alliance Francaise of Washington Manuel spent 18 months in Buchenwald. Shortly before returning to Paris, he had already started to wonder how he could talk about this experience. Who will listen? Who will have the necessary patience and compassion? That summer of homecoming, in 1945, in his encounters with men and women from outside, sensitive to his gaze, a devastated gaze, Manuel chose silence. A silence of survival. In fact, he’s not certain that he survived at all... Tickets: $10/per film For more information, contact Nancy at 410.559.2377 or ngoldberg@jcc.org . You can also buy tickets online at www.baltimorejff.com.
Media Sponsors:
From Generation
to Generation
rusu rusk
L’Dor Va’Dor
Sunday, April 22, 2012 7:00 p.m. Beth El Congregation 8101 Park Heights Avenue, Pikesville Keynote Speaker
Menachem Rosensaft, Esq. Founding Chairman of the International Network of Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors Please reply to bjcrsvp@baltjc.org or 410-843-7558. For more information, go to www.baltjc.org/shoah2012.
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Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Your Center for Aquatics JCC Swimming Team News Undefeated Season & Mid-Atlantic JCC Swim League Champions
SWI:M Program Monday, May 21- Thursday, May 24; 5:00-7:00pm (30-minute lessons, one each day) Rosenbloom OM JCC-Outdoor Pool This summer will be the third time that the JCC joins forces with the USA Swimming Foundation’s “Make A Splash” initiative to offer a series of free introductory swimming and water safety lessons to people who have not previously had formal swimming instruction. The SWI:M program will be held at the Shapiro Aquatic Park family pool during the week before Memorial Day. (For more information about the SWI:M program, visit www.jcc.org/SWIM or email swimlessons@jcc.org.)
Funding for SWI:M Program
On Tuesday, March 13, over a hundred Baltimore -area employees of Enterprise Vehicle Rentals participated in “Pool for Pools,” a fundraiser for the JCC’s “Safe Water Initiative: Maryland (SWI:M)” program. The money raised will help pay for swim lessons for families with demonstrated financial need. Visit www.jcc.org/SWIM or contact Sue Szembroth at 410.559.3536 or sszembroth@jcc.org .
The photo above was snapped the moment the JCC Swim Team found out they won! Congratulations to the JCC Barracudas swim team on an unbelievable season! • 65 swimmers participated in the JCC League Championships. The team took first place in the League championship for the third time in team history. • Six swimmers qualified for the Maryland State Championships • At State Championships, Kevin Whalen took first place in the 50 Freestyle, and second place in both the 50 and 100 Butterfly. Adam Todd placed in the top 8 finishers at State Championships in four events. • 14 swimmers qualified for Maryland Swimming Junior Championships. • At the Maryland State Junior Championships, 13-yr old swimmer Nolan Plant took 1st place in the 400 IM and 200 Freestyle, 3rd in the 200 Butterfly and 200 IM, and finished 4th in three other races. • Gerard Whalen, 14, took 2nd in the 200 butterfly and finished top 8th in three other races. • At the 26th Annual Black History Meet, 7-year old swimmer Alan Cherches won the “High Point” award for his age group after placing 1st in seven races and 2nd in his eighth.
• Head Coach Brendan McElroy was named an “All Maryland” team coach for the 2011 season by Maryland Swimming. • Aquatics Director, Bill Kirkner was named by the President of USA Swimming to the National Diversity Committee through the next Olympic cycle. In November, Bill represented Maryland Swimming at the USA Swimming Diversity Summit at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. • Two JCC Swimming coaches – Marisa Obuchowski and Justin Yarborough – qualified for the Speedo Champions Series Sectionals Meet.
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JCC Center Staff JCC President, Buddy Sapolsky Receives Distinguished Award We are proud to announce that the JCC of Greater Baltimore’s very own President, Buddy Sapolsky, will be receiving the Florence G. Heller Award this coming May from the Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA). The Florence G. Heller Award was established in 1968 and is presented to an exceptional JCC professional at each Biennial JCCA meeting. This award gives recognition to contributions that enrich the totality and breadth of professional practice and knowledge. Over the years, Buddy has been the recipient of the Fred A. Goldstein Memorial Service Award for Outstanding Professional Leadership and Service to the Jewish Community of St. Louis. He also was awarded the Daniel Thurz Distinguished Jewish Communal Professional Service Award from the Darrell D. Friedman Institute for Professional Development in Baltimore. Buddy has provided the JCC field with a shining example of what a professional leader can and should be and richly deserves this honor.
Congratulations to JCC employee Rocky Rosen for being inducted Into the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. (Rocky is second from the right.)
(FYI continued from page 3)
Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut 2012! Sunday, April 29; 12:00-4:00pm Towson University Join the Baltimore community to celebrate Israel’s 64th birthday. More than 1,000 people are expected to turn out for this day of festivities which includes a show by Israeli comedian and writer, Benji Lovitt. Come enjoy games and activities for children, delicious Israeli-style food, a festive Israeli-shuk of talented artists and the voices of some of the areas best choirs. Baltimore Hebrew Institute and Towson University’s Shoubin Lecture will sponsor a viewing of “Israel Inside,” a new, inspiring documentary exploring how a small nation makes a big difference. Event details, movie tickets and more are available at www. baltglobalimpact.org/independence. For more information, email advocate@baltglobalimpact.org. This is an event of the Baltimore Israel Coalition, a group of roughly two dozen local organizations, working to support Israel through education, advocacy and community-building. These organizations include: ACHARAI, AIPAC, American Jewish Committee, American Technion Society, THE ASSOCIATED, The Baltimore Board of Rabbis, The Baltimore Jewish Council, Baltimore Hebrew University, Baltimore Zionist District, the Macks Center for Jewish Education, The Darrell D. Friedman Institute, Diller Baltimore Teen Fellows, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Hadassah, Hillel, Israel Bonds, Jewish Community Center, The Jewish Federation of Howard County, Jewish National Fund, Jewish Volunteer Connection, Maryland/ Israel Development Center and National Council of Synagogue Youth.
Parent Advocacy 101 Sunday, April 29; 10am-12:00pm Rosenbloom OM JCC Back by popular demand, this workshop is designed to give parents an idea of various strategies to use during IEP meetings. The workshop will provide practical tips for ensuring clear communication and collaboration between families and schools. FREE Call the Resource Center to register at 410.887. 5443. Registration is required and limited! Sponsored by the Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Special Education, Resource Center for Families and Schools, Maryland Special Needs Advocacy Project (MDSNAP) and JCC Special Needs Services.
Jack DiLeonardi Congratulations to Jack DiLeonardi, a member of our Plant Operations team, on being awarded Employee of the Month. Jack is always in tune with the various needs of the JCC and is ready with a great idea before he is even asked! He responds efficiently and effectively and is always a pleasure to deal with. Thank you for your great service to our JCC Jack!
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Owings Mills 410.356.5200 | Park Heights 410.542.4900
Associated Corner Meet Andrea: Birthright Israel Andrea Greenwald had never travelled out of the country, let alone to Israel. She had heard about Taglit-Birthright Israel, the organization providing the gift of first time, peer group, educational trips to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18-26, through her “more Jewish” friends in college. However, at the age of 26, she still hadn’t made the choice to apply. “I knew the cut-off was 27, so I decided, this was my last opportunity. I just knew I had to do it,” says Andrea. She applied and was accepted to THE ASSOCIATED’s IMPACT Birthright Israel Experience in January 2011. Andrea wanted to meet new friends, experience Israeli culture and food. What Andrea did not know was that this trip was what she needed to awaken a deep spiritual connection to her Judaism – and to the Jewish community. “It was unbelievable. None of us knew each other and we just all sat down on the bus with these Israeli soldiers from our sister city, Ashkelon, that first day,” she recounts. “There was an immediate connection.” Andrea Greenwald
She was enthralled by her climb up Masada and awe-struck by the view –and the history – at the top of the mountain. She relished her couple of hours floating in the Dead Sea and smothering her body with its mud. It was going to the Kotel, the Western Wall, however, “that was very emotional for me.” “It just inspired me. It made me appreciate my Judaism so much more, being there, touching the wall, being able to put a note in the wall,” says Andrea. “Being at the Wall on Shabbat, it was incredible to be amongst all those people just like me.”
THE ASSOCIATED
Experience:
&
2012 Annual Meeting Vo l u n te e r E x p o Tuesday, June 19, 2012 5:00 p.m. Beth Tfiloh Congregation 3300 Old Cour t Road, Pikesville Visit www.associated.org/experience for details and to register.
April/May 2012 A Nissan/Ayar/Sivan 5772
Taglit-Birthright Israel’s founders created the Birthright program to send thousands of young Jewish adults from all over the world to Israel as a gift to diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world; to strengthen the sense of solidarity among world Jewry; and to strengthen participants’ personal Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish people. THE ASSOCIATED’s allocation to Birthright provides hundreds of youth studying at our area colleges and universities, and young adults living in our community, the chance to have this experience. “To me, Birthright was life-changing,” Andrea says. “I made friendships I know will last forever. Now that I am back at home, I want to get involved; I want to be a part of Jewish Baltimore, because I feel like I am part of something bigger.” Are you a Birthright Israel alum or do you know someone who is? Then visit www.associated.org/birthrightalum to find out how you can re-connect with your Birthright peers and get more involved in Jewish Baltimore! Also, celebrate Israel’s 64th birthday at an entirecommunity experience: April 29, 2012 at Towson University. Learn more at www.baltglobalimpact.org/ independence!
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Eden Café
Me • Latté
at the Weinberg PH JCC
at the Rosenbloom OM JCC Phone: 410.559.3531 www.melatte.com
Phone: 410.542.5185 eden.cafe@hotmail.com
April / May Hours Monday-Thursday 5:30am-10:00pm Friday 5:30am-6:00pm Fridays in OM 5/25-8/31 5:30am-7:00pm Saturday at Owings Mills 1:00-6:00pm Sunday 7:00am-7:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am-6:00pm Mon.-Thurs.: 9:00am-8:00pm Friday: 9:00am-3:00pm Saturday: 6:30-11:00pm
Sunday: 7:30am-5:00pm Mon.-Thurs.: 7:00am-2:30pm & 5:30-8:00pm Friday: 6:30am-2:00pm
Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Community Center 5700 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215
Holiday Closings Passover Buildings close at 3:30pm Friday, April 6; Closed Saturday & Sunday, April 7 & 8 Buildings close at 3:30pm Thursday, April 12; Closed Friday & Saturday, April 13 & 14 Shavuot OM closes at 5pm Saturday, May 26; Buildings & Rec Park closed Sunday & Monday, May 27 & 28 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Shapiro Rec Park Hours May 19-28 All Outdoor Pools Saturday, May 19-1:00pm-5:45pm Sunday, May 20-10:00am-6:30pm Saturday, May 26-1:00pm-5:30pm
Water Safety Day Sunday, May 20 12:00-3:00pm Join us for a day of fun and educational aquatics activities, including:
Outdoor Lap Pool Open Monday, May 21-Thursday, May 24-1:00pm-8:00pm Friday, May 25-1:00pm-5:30pm
• Consumer Product Safety Commission - pool safety demos
JCC and all Swimming Pools closed for Shavuot Sunday, May 27 & Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day Weekend)
• USA Swimming Foundation
* Starting May 15 you can check our summer Program Guide for complete outdoor pool hours or visit our website at www.jcc.org/schedules.
• Coast Guard Auxiliary boating and open water safety • American Red Cross FREE and open to the public. Stay tuned for details at www.jcc.org.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Baltimore, MD Permit No. 885