April Shalom

Shalom Friends, 

 As spring unfolds around us, we are reminded of the beauty of renewal and the timeless message of Pesach, Passover. In our heritage, this season calls us to reflect on the journey from bondage to freedom. This time of year reminds us of transformation in the ancient story of our people and on our paths of growth. It is a time of hope and the promise of new beginnings. 

We are embracing this season as an opportunity to support each of you on your journey at our Jewish Community Alliance. Whether it be in strengthening your mind, nourishing your body, or deepening your spirit – just as Passover teaches us about resilience and renewal, our JCA is here to help you learn, connect, and thrive in meaningful ways. 

For those looking to engage their minds this season, our J Institute offers an incredible variety of enrichment programs for adults such as Jewish learning classes, book discussions, award-winning local field trips, and guest speakers who bring new perspectives on history, culture, and faith. I encourage you to read more about the Spice Detective’s visit to Jacksonville on Tuesday, April 8. A Taste of Israel with Chef Yaniv Cohen brings food demos and tastings into our Bessie Stetzer Frisch Auditorium to help us explore the rich flavors of Israel. It is just $18 to join us; follow this link to read more about our evening with Chef Cohen, the Spice Detective, and purchase your tickets today.  

If physical well-being is your focus, our fitness and wellness programs at the JCA provide unique and motivating ways to stay knowledgeable about your health while being active and energized. From the Balance and Bones workshop happening on Apr 9, to Hot Yoga on May 18, and Strength Training for Motherhood starting May 23. Additionally, the Baptist Health Wellness Center at the JCA is hosting Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors, Expert Chats with local physicians, and Vision Screenings in the coming weeks. There really is something for every adult looking to grow their strength, improve their bodies, and inspire wellness in their daily lives in our community.  

For those of us reflecting on our Jewish heritage and seeking spiritual growth this season, we invite you to join us at the many events planned in the coming months that celebrate and honor our faith and traditions. A somber yet celebratory time of year for many of us, there are several community-wide events planned to help us honor Israel’s National Days.  

Our JCA will host a tour at the JFCS Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery at 10 am on Tue, Apr 22 in commemoration of Yom Ha’Shoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day, and on Wed, Apr 23 at 7 pm, Beth El – The Beaches Synagogue will host a Yom Ha’Shoah Remembrance Ceremony. We will gather in solidarity for Yom Ha’Zikaron – Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism with Israeli Emissary, Shaliach Oren Perry on Tuesday, April 29 at The Center, and celebrate as a community at The Temple for Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s 77th Independence Day at 12 pm on Sun, May 4.  

I am beyond proud to share that thanks to our incredible staff members, our JCA received funding from the Yamim Grants, Mit-Habrim | Connections initiative to support some of our events that honor Israel this season. Thanks to this partnership between the JCC Association of North America and the Israeli Government’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism we are strengthening Jacksonville’s ties to Israel.  

Please join us to honor this season of possibilities at the JCA. Whether through meaningful gatherings, Jewish learning opportunities, or acts of kindness, we can make this a time of year one of inspiration and renewal for everyone here. 

 Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and meaningful season, filled with renewal, connection, and hope. 

Warmly,