PJCC Centerview January 2010

Peninsula Jewish Community Center Your Center for Life!

Winter 2010 • Tevet / Shevat / Adar / Nisan 5770

CenterView

Getting Fit: Center Member Jim Greeley

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hen Jim Greeley (below) wanted to improve his health, he started working out with Personal Trainer Robert Nussbaum. With defined goals, a little elbow grease and a lot of determination, Jim lost almost 40 pounds within four months.

“I saw weight loss results almost daily, but strength conditioning results were slower to

see,” Jim admits. “However, Robert kept me motivated.”

Today Jim is at his goal weight and continues exercising up to five times a week. “I enjoy coming to the PJCC,” he says. “It’s an enjoyable experience.”

Follow Jim Greeley’s lead and start taking charge of your own health.

Incorporate the five key 5 Elements of a Balanced Fitness Routine elements of fitness training (see left). Even better—create • Aerobic fitness Walking, jogging, biking, swimming or water aerobics two to three hours a week. your own customized fitness • Muscular fitness Strength train to increase bone strength and muscular fitness. Also helps weight loss. training program by calling • Stretching Improves range of motion and posture and relieves stress. Stretch three times weekly. a PJCC personal trainer today • Core stability Crunches or fitness ball routines make abdomen, lower back and pelvic muscles stronger. at 650.378.2775.

• Balance training Balance deteriorates with age; improved balance = improved stability and less falls.

Help Us Truly Welcome All

by Deborah Pinsky, Executive Director

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ou may have recently received our annual mail appeal for gifts to the PJCC’s senior transportation and children’s scholarship programs. If you’ve contributed already, a huge thanks; your gift is already helping children and seniors who face special challenges.

If you’re still considering your donation, I urge you to please give generously today.

Your support makes a huge local impact, lifting spirits and lending a needed hand: • Children and youth receive more scholarship awards than ever to attend our award-winning Camp and Preschool.

• Entire families come together for organized volunteer and social action efforts.

• Free programs abound to help with job searches, Mind-Body-Spirit wellness, engagement with the arts, and much more.

“For two years, I was almost a virtual recluse because of health problems and not driving. The programs have given me a new lease on life.”

— Laurie, Get Up & Go participant

• Isolated seniors are transported and escorted to medical appointments, grocery stores and community celebrations.

Todah rabah (thank you) for being part of this wonderful, caring community.

P.S. Please use the enclosed envelope to make your tax-deductible contribution today! Mail to: PJCC Annual Appeal, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404. You can also donate at www.pjcc.org; click on ”Connect With Us.”

This issue of CenterView: A Focus on Jewish Life Jewish Life

‫ חוויה יהודית‬

Chavaya Yehudit

Whether it’s a triple digit donation to help fund a new cultural arts center, or a used jacket for the One Warm Coat drive, all gifts make the Center what it is: a community of family and friends that help support and sustain one another.

Claude McRoskey of Burlingame decided to donate four personal training sessions to someone at the PJCC. As a result of his generosity, two members who were unable to afford personal training were able to enjoy the benefits of two private sessions each.

“I just like to pass it on,” says Claude, a member of the PJCC since 2008. “That’s my reward.”

And an attitude worth sharing. From canned goods to scholarship funds, your donation helps make a difference in the life of someone else.

PJCC Guiding Principles

‫עיקרים‬

Ikkarim

Welcoming All

Our Community of Family and Friends

Wholeness of Body, Mind and Spirit

Repairing the World

Hachnasat Or’chim

Kehilla u’Mishpacha

Shleimut

Tikkun Olam

‫ הכנסת אורחים‬

‫ קהילה ומשפחה‬

‫ שלמות‬

‫תקון עולם‬

Tu B’Shevat Celebrating the Bounty of the Trees

Purim The Festival of Fun!

Shevat 15, 5770 • January 30, 2010

Adar 14, 5770 • February 28, 2010

Sometimes referred to as the “birthday of the trees,” Tu B’Shevat celebrates the time in which trees emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. The holiday also reminds us of our responsibility to care for the earth God provided, in order to preserve it for future generations. The day is marked by eating fruit, particularly those mentioned in the Torah praising the bounty of the Holy Land: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, dates and olives.

Purim celebrates the story of an ingénue queen who used her wit, wisdom and beauty to save the Jews of the Persian Empire. Tradition calls for dressing up in costume, enjoying a festive meal and hearing a public reading of the story of Esther. It’s also customary to give mishloach manot (edible gifts) and remember the less fortunate through tzedakah (giving funds to the needy).

Center e h t t a Celebrate Check your Program Guide for details on these and other holiday events!

FREE! Tu B’Shevat in the Lobby • Thursday, January 28 · 4:30 – 6:00 pm Explore our spiritual connection with nature and sample local delicacies.

This program made possible by the Koret-Taube Initiative: A New Look at Jewish Culture and Peoplehood.

Tu B’Shevat Family Seder • Sunday, January 31 · 2:00 – 4:00 pm Celebrate the “birthday of the trees” with art projects and a delicious Seder.

This program is partially supported by a generous grant from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.

Family Purim Carnival • Sunday, February 28 · 5:00 – 7:00 pm Grab your graggers (noisemakers), come in costume and join us for a wild and crazy carnival—we’ll have pizza dinner, Hamentashen (cookies), Jump house, mask-making and more! This program is partially supported by a generous grant from the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund.

Emphasizing the “J” in PJCC

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by Scott Hartley, President

he PJCC is the center of Jewish life for my family and many of our friends. Our Jewish life is immeasurably enriched by the time we spend both in formal and informal meetings and programs at the Center, along with our involvement in the local synagogues and the Wornick Jewish Day School.

The PJCC has successfully emphasized the “J” in our JCC in the last two years both in our programming and the look of our buildings. Lisa Wachtell of our Board of Directors led a strong group to define our “Guiding Principles” and had them artistically

made into a permanent part of our Center’s pillars.

Rabbi Tamar Malino has done much to embellish our Jewish lives and cultural programming. She’s been tasked with deepening Jewish experiences throughout our community and has worked hard and effectively to implement this challenging goal.

In conjunction with local synagogues and other Jewish organizations, she is helping to create a robust Jewish experience on the North Peninsula.

And thanks to all of you. Together, we are making the PJCC a warm and welcoming place to explore a lush, abundant Jewish life.

JE WISH LIFE THRIVES AT THE PJCC

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Chancellor Arnold Eisen with Rosanne Levitt.

Margot Leverett & The Klezmer Mountain Boys.

Artist Kingsley inserts a scroll into “Inscribe.”

ewish life is indeed thriving at the PJCC. A lucky, engrossed audience enjoyed a rare Bay Area appearance in November by one of the world’s foremost experts on American Judaism, Chancellor Arnold Eisen of The Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in New York.

Our summer “Jewgrass” double-bill concert featuring The Wronglers and Margot Leverett & The Klezmer Mountain Boys was a toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’ success.

And how about the recent community art project with the artist, Kingsley? Enthusiastic participants worked alongside the Southern California artist to create a giant Mezuzah installation. Entitled “Inscribe,” the work is composed of scrolls containing their personal hopes, dreams and visions.

This winter, “In the Mood for Food” programs will address topics such as Jewish ethics, food and the environment; Judaism and healthy eating; and will offer a family community service day to help feed the hungry. In the spirit of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), there will even be a composting class so you know what to do with the remains of your feast!

As Members and guests embrace these enriching opportunities, the PJCC looks forward to delivering even more exciting new explorations of modern Jewish life.

“Inscribe” (right) is on display in the PJCC lobby.

Children creating scrolls for the exhibit.

Health & Fitness Open House

Sunday, January 24 · 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Art: Rebekah Goldstein

PJCC Art Gallery presents:

Jewish Environmental Artists of the Bay Area On display through March 3, 2010

Go

Greethne with

PJCC

Using materials from nature, Zach Pine turns rocks, branches, leaves and sand into ephemeral, abstract works of art.

Rachelle Cohen manipulates maps to create drawings that address climate change, geographical and political borders, and personal connections to places and people.

Ceramic artist Susan Duhan Felix specializes in ritual objects, and the drawings of Rebekah Goldstein express a tension between our interaction with the environment and the natural world. Don’t miss this unique exhibition showcasing four local Jewish artists in whose art the environment plays a central role.

Art: Susan Duhan Felix

2010 Bring-a-Friend Fridays

January 29 • February 26 • March 26 Members, bring friends for free on the last Friday of the month— ask about each month’s special offer!

Camp is Coming!

Look for your camp brochure mailing in late January. Can’t wait?

Take a sneak peek online at 2010 www.pjcc.org/camp. mer Camp Sum Save the date—Priority Camp Registration! Members enjoy priority registration starting February 18, 2010. Our awardwinning camp serves a summer of fun and a lifetime of memories for kids and runs from June 14 – August 27. For more information, please call 650.378.2704 or email camps@pjcc.org.

Peninsula Jewish r Community Cente

• Preschool Camps • General Camps • Specialty Camps • Extended Care

The PJCC and Blood Centers of the Pacific Blood Drive

Thursday, February 25 · 3:30 - 7:30 pm

PJCC Employees Ace the “Alcatraz 100”

2010

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ongratulations to Assistant Aquatics Manager Cheryl Ogden and PJCC Personal Trainers Karen Pinckard, Chris Wulff and David Danker! All took part in the recent Alcatraz 100, a challenging 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz to Aquatic Park. A special mazel tov to Cheryl and Karen: out of 360 swimmers total, Karen placed 1st in the “Non-Wetsuit Age 40 - 49 Division,” and Cheryl placed 2nd in From left: David Danker, Chris Wulff, Karen Pinckard and the “Wetsuit Women’s Division.” Cheryl Ogden.

For Jewish Teens Ages 13-16 August 1 – 6, 2010 To learn more about the PJCC’s 2010 delegation, email Rona Goldstein, Director of Sports and Recreation at rgoldstein@pjcc.org.

In Appreciation to Our Donors for their Gifts and Contributions July 1 – October 1, 2009

A special thank you to Ann and Irwin Bear for their generous support as Anniversary sponsors ($1,250 to $2,499) of the PJCC’s 60th Anniversary Gala. This gift was omitted from the fall edition of CenterView.

PJCC FUNDS Children’s Scholarship Fund Harmony Yogurt, Inc. Kathy Reich and Ken Meyer

in memory of Jimmy Lefkowitz

Camp Scholarship Fund Maryam Arjomand Margarita Bekker Amy Blodgett Daniel Dadoun Kristin Donato Linda Gardner Lisa Goldstein Jennifer Horne Esohe Idusogie Michelle Ke Maureen Martin Jill Nelson Tressa Noehren Rachel Perkel Kathleen Reich Avrom Roy-Faderman Natalie Sanchez Hilary Somorjai Andrew Wu

Senior Bus Fund

Shirley Lerner Nancy and Larry Lewis in memory of Dorothea Mayer Nancy and Paul Shaw

PJCC DEPARTMENTS Early Childhood Education Andrew Sabin Family Foundation Karen Alexander Shelley and William Atlas in honor of Katelyn Parchan Baja Fresh Chevy’s Restaurant Jenny Deng Heidy Feinberg Susan Goldman Lahl Family Noah’s Bagels Sasounian Family Faina Shpiler Vince Tarry Photography Ting Family Yogurtouille

Youth & Family Jewish Community Federation for Summer Camp Jewish Education Project

Adult The Senior Excursion Fund of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund Jewish Community Endowment Newhouse Fund Paul and Ruth Steiner Permanent Endowment Fund

Cultural Arts

HighCom Security Services Inc in honor of Bob Scott’s Ikkarim Award

Admin

Anonymous Ann and Irwin Bear in memory of Helen Braunstein Roxanne and David Cohen in memory of Jimmy Lefkowitz Judy and Michael Garb in memory of Jimmy Lefkowitz Susan Hamlin Selma Mittelman Shirley and Robert Rosenberg Sand June Activewear

United Way

Anonymous

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID San Mateo, CA Permit No. 822

Peninsula Jewish Community Center 800 Foster City Blvd.

Foster City, CA 94404

Make room on your plate for

A culinary feast of programs to nourish the mind and tingle the taste buds! Here’s just a taste:

Menu

MLK Jr. Day of Service Project.................. Sunday, January 17, 2010 Tu B’Shevat in the Lobby..........................Thursday, January 28, 2010 Jewish Ethics, Food and the Environment Symposium ..... Saturday/Sunday, February 20/21, 2010

Monday at the Movies presents Robert Kenner’s Food Inc.................... Monday, February 22, 2010 Other programs include Jews on the Chocolate Trail, Israeli cookbook author Janna Gur, Nutrition for Kids and more!

For additional programs and schedules, visit www.pjcc.org.

BAC Holiday Hours Jan / Feb / March 2010

Friday, Jan. 1 Monday, Jan. 18 Monday, Feb. 15 Monday, March 29 Tuesday, March 30 Wednesday, March 31

New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Day President’s Day Erev Passover Passover 1st day Passover 2nd day

8:00 am 5:00 am 5:00 am 5:00 am 5:00 am 5:00 am

– 1:00* pm – 11:00* pm – 11:00* pm – 5:00* pm – 11:00* pm – 11:00* pm

* Note: Pools close 30 minutes prior to the close of the Byer Athletic Center.

CenterView is published by: Peninsula Jewish Community Center 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404 P 650.212.PJCC (7522) • F 650.378.2799 www.pjcc.org

A beneficiary agency of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.

A proud member of the North Peninsula's Jewish Campus.

Family Favorites!

Fitness Center and Swim School