As we recognize Jewish American Heritage month this May, acknowledging the many Jewish contributions to American culture, history, military, science, and more – I am reflective of all we do at our Jewish Community Alliance to support families. L’dor V’dor, from generation to generation, I know we are making a difference for people in Jacksonville and beyond.
The countdown to summer is official and excitement is in the air! This school year flew by – I’m trying to savor and survive the last few weeks. It is heartwarming to see Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten students graduating from both High School and College. Congratulations to all the JCA graduates out there!
It may seem early – but do not wait to get in on our programs for your children next year. Registration for the 2025-26 school year in Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten and for our After School and Teen Connection programs next year are open. Follow this link to read more about After School and Teen Connection at the JCA; do not miss the opportunity to send your children to our safe and enriching environment next year.
Our incredible staff members are preparing three JCAmp locations for the summer and there is still some time left to register your children for memorable JCAmp experiences. Summers at the JCA create lifelong friendships and memories that will last a lifetime – and my boys are no exception. The Warm Up and Wind Down JCAmp programs are lifesavers for the first and last weeks of summer. They are always the first JCAmp programs I sign the boys up for when I am figuring out summer plans.
There is so much more than camp happening at the JCA this summer! New members will see big savings through May 31 when they join our community. From discounts on swim lessons and the Makos Swim Team, our J-Start packages, and much, much, more – our Aquatics Director, Coach Dustin, has more details on the savings we are offering new members; follow this link to read his blog. I should also mention that the Howard & Joy Korman Outdoor Pool is a great way to beat the heat; we spend many summer nights here cooling off in the pool.
The heat will be on this summer and not just from that brutal Florida sunshine. For the first time, we are hosting Hot Yoga at the JCA. Mark your calendars and get hydrated; the first Hot Yoga class happens at 1 pm on Sun, May 18 – click here to get registered. You can follow this link to read more about our instructor Berta Pono and what to expect while practicing yoga in 40-60% humidity.
If you want to avoid the heat entirely this summer, please join me for an airconditioned Full Moon Rosh Chodesh Yoga class in the Bryan Gooding Planetarium at MOSH on May 27 and/or June 25. These J Experience classes cost $10 for an individual and $18 for a duo – and they are amazing. I attended the first Full Moon Rosh Chodesh Yoga class led by Grant Helm in April; it was such a unique and relaxing experience for body and mind – I cannot wait to do it again.
As construction for the Building Our Future Together campaign continues, there are some very visible changes happening around campus daily. We truly appreciate your flexibility. If you ever have questions or concerns about the progress we are making, please email our CEO Adam Chaskin. Every Brick Counts; follow this link to read more about our brick campaign and how your family name can be displayed in perpetuity at the JCA.
I hope you join me in the excitement as we watch a new day at the JCA unfold before our eyes. We are Building Our Future Together and I am so honored to be a part of it.
Wishing your families and safe summer season,
Nicole Brown, Board Chair
