Shalom Friends,
I am beyond honored to be writing my first greetings to you as Board Chair of this remarkable organization. The JCA is my family’s second home and where my friends come to watch our children learn and grow as we improve our minds, bodies, and spirits. You will often see me chasing my nine-year-old twin boys while enjoying everything the JCA has to offer. Please slow us down and say hello!
While we often join in times of celebration and Jewish tradition on our campus, we also supported each other at many somber gatherings in the last year. As we prepare for the upcoming High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, this season serves as an important reminder to reflect. Approaching the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel, our grief is still poignant. We continue to pray that the hostages in Gaza are returned to their homes and for strength for all of Israel.
I hope you all plan to join me at the Jacksonville Jewish Center on October 7, 2024, at 7 pm, for a community-wide commemoration hosted by the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida. Marking one year since the attacks, we will remember the victims and honor the heroes in Israel. As we stand in solidarity, we continue to show the strength and perseverance of our Jewish community.
In the coming weeks, our amazing JCA staff members will share more details about the extraordinary changes, programs, and events happening on our campus and throughout Northeast Florida this month. As cooler temperatures approach, I hope you have your pickleball gear ready! Our new pickleball courts will officially open on Sun, Oct 6 at 8 am with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Tennis Pro Lucas Ramos Campos will have more details about when and how you can sign up to play pickleball at the JCA.
Starting Oct 26, the Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival presented by the JCA will quite literally make moves all over town! J Institute Director Heather Terrill as well as Festival Chairs Debbie Banks and Whitney Kuvin are bringing our infamous Jewish author and film events to twelve venues throughout Northeast Florida. As we gear up for an unforgettable opening night with Comedians Joel Chasnoff and Benji Lovitt, and our festival closing with Adam Nimoy, author and son of acclaimed actor Leonard Nimoy – I know you do not want to miss the lineup this year. The 2024 festival brochure is headed to members’ homes, but you can get a preview of what is happening and where on jcajax.org/jcafest.
While you are on our website purchasing your JJCAF tickets, I hope you will save your spot at Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool and Kindergarten’s 50th Birthday Party on Sun, Oct 27. Our JCA’s Alumni Coordinator Theresa Levy has every detail down to the lox and schmeers ready for the celebration. If you are 21 years or older and have a connection to our school you are invited, visit this link to RSVP by Oct 11. I also encourage you to register for the J Experiences Faye Hedrick is hosting in St. Augustine and Riverside this November.
As the construction phase of the Building Our Future capital campaign begins, things may look a little messy on campus but I can assure you that the progress we are making to improve our agency is beautiful and the best is yet to come.
L’shana tova u’metukah! Wishing you a good and sweet new year,
