The Disabilities Discovery Journey

By Stacy Israel
Special Needs Coordinator
Jewish Community Center

A delay or disability does not define your child; it may explain his/her behavior. It may cause fear, it may be hard to accept, but with the right diagnosis you can begin to get the information you need. With the right therapy, technology and support services you can greatly improve your child’s life.

As your child develops and grows, it is critical to remember that each child is different. There is a wide range of what one can consider “healthy” and “typical” in terms of growth and development. You should address your child’s needs, just as you would any physical concerns or any social or communication issues.

Your child’s success is dependent on developing partners who can support you. You bring powerful observation, reinforced by a sense of love and responsibility, while professionals and physicians can monitor and provide expert advice. These partnerships are critical as no one parent can do this all on their own without burning out.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner and family about your fears. Be ready to accept that they might feel challenged as well. Not only will every child vary in disability, but every parent, teacher, and caregiver will vary in his or her understanding of the situation.

Talk to you neighbors, local schools, and support groups. Get to know what life is like for other families with a child with a disability, and find places to connect with other families like you. The JCC Baltimore Jewish Abilities Alliance has a Parent to Parent Network that will pair you with a parent in a similar situation.

Be proactive and get all the information you can about your child’s specific condition. Try to link up with organizations that can provide information and resources focused on your child’s disability. There will be many indifferences and red tape along the way; you need to be armed with knowledge.

Most importantly remember that these exciting times will be filled with dreams and challenges, but with love and proper nurturing your child will develop a sense of trust and security.

Get step-by-step information to help you on your child’s journey>>

For more information on the Baltimore Jewish Abilities Alliance or the Baltimore Jewish Community Center’s Special Needs program email Stacy Israel at sisrael@jcc.org or call 410-559-3576.

The Value of a Jewish Camp Experience

By Dori Zvili
Director
Camp Milldale

I’ve spent every summer since I was five-years-old at camp. (Except for one summer I spent with my cousins in Israel when I was 13!) I loved being a camper; I loved the fun summers, the memories, the surprises, the friendships. I loved every camp job I have ever had: Counselor-In-Training, Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, Sports Camp Counselor, Drama Counselor, Unit Leader, Assistant Director and Director.

But it was not until I became the Director of Camp Milldale, the day camp for the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, that I realized the true value of Jewish camp. Camp Milldale focuses on being a caring Jewish community. Jewish camp imparts Jewish values. The value of V’ahavtah L’reacha Kamocha, or “loving your fellow as yourself” is seen daily in every interaction, especially in those small moments.

I have learned that it’s the small moments that count the most…that I remember the most… that make me realize how lucky I am to be a camp director and to have the opportunity to give campers small moments that make a big, lasting impact.

How do I define “small moments?” A counselor holding a new camper’s hand walking to and from activities. A camper offering to trade popsicles because his friend likes the other flavor better. A specialist realizing that her activity is a camper’s favorite thing to do.  A camper learning to dive, or earning his first opportunity to go down the waterslide. All of these small moments make camp so special, so magical, and such an important part of growing up.

One of my most special small moments involved campers Jacob and Ira two summers ago. The two good friends were playing against each other in “gaga.” Ira was hit out of the game and was very sad about it. Jacob saw that his friend was upset and deliberately got himself out so that he could cheer up Ira. He sat down next to Ira, let him play with one of his action figures, and they both smiled and laughed. Jacob’s counselor told Jacob how proud he was of him, and Jacob replied (and I couldn’t make this up even if I wanted to), “I like dodge ball, but I like Ira better.” That is a small moment that makes a big impact.

We connect to the greater good. Camp Milldale strives to always have campers feeling good, but feeling good is not the same as DOING GOOD. Our focus on Tikkun Olum, or “repair the world” comes through in our every day activities like nature, Israeli culture, gardening, and cooking. This type of informal Jewish education is something in which campers connect.

David Mitnick, the Assistant Director of Camp Milldale feels, “A core Jewish value found at synagogues around the globe is the idea that learning never ends, and at Camp Milldale we feel that is true in an informal setting as well. At camp sing-a-longs, where campers sing songs from Israel’s independence to the latest Jewish Rock, Torah and Israel themes, it penetrates in a fun and inspiring way. Swim lessons fulfill the Torah requirement that we teach our children to swim. Swimming not only assists the child with independence, it also provides a life-saving skill. Camp is integral in providing these opportunities for our campers to grow and challenge themselves is a Jewish value that rests on our shoulders.”

The Foundation for Jewish Camping sums it all up best: “The impact of Jewish camp is immediate – campers return home connected to a community and friends that will last them a lifetime. And it doesn’t stop there. Children with pivotal Jewish camp experiences are more likely to become adults who value their Jewish heritage, support Jewish causes, and take on leadership roles in their communities.”

Check out  why Jewish camp is so important>>

Learn more about Camp Milldale programs>>

Envisioning a New Gordon Center

By Randi Benesch
Managing Director of Arts & Culture
Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore

Two years ago the Jewish Community Center (JCC) leadership set out to examine their arts and cultural programming. After surveying the community, they concluded it was time to re-position their focus on arts programming. I took on the role as Managing Director of Arts and Culture in July 2012 to help lead this new, exciting endeavor.

The arts can help strengthen and unite our community and give a voice to our Jewish identity, I want to create a warm and welcoming home to celebrate Jewish art and culture, both on our stages and in our classrooms; to connect us as a Jewish community, to encourage lifelong learning, to explore big ideas, stimulate conversation and, of course, to celebrate! As we grow, we will continue to make sure we are serving our diverse Jewish community, all ages and ethnic groups.

As we get started on this journey, a major focus is partnerships and collaborations, both internally within our JCC departments, and externally with the many Jewish organizations, synagogues and local arts organizations.

Programs
We kicked off the season with a wonderful program with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO). BSO Director Marin Alsop joined us, along with Chazzan Perlman from Chizuk Amuno Congregation, for a panel discussion on Leonard Bernstein’s Kaddish.

In January, we will partner with Center Stage to celebrate their 50th anniversary with an evening of snippets from one play in each of the five decades. Also in January, we are partnering with Maryland Public Television to present the season three premiere of the popular Downton Abbey show the night before it airs on PBS. Both programs will be held at The Gordon Center.

This fall, we kicked off a partnership with Pumpkin Theater to lead acting classes for teens and will continue this class in the spring. In March, STOOP Storytelling will come to the Gordon Center to lead a one day storytelling workshop. Collaborating and partnering with all of these wonderful local arts organizations means bringing their great programming out to our JCCs.

Community Engagement
Community engagement is another key piece to our vision, both with our audiences and our local artists. Connecting with local artists and giving them opportunities to create new art here at the JCC is crucial. We want to build a community, a network, of local Jewish artists who will start to consider the JCC as one of their artistic homes.

We started this fall in the lobby of the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC. In the days leading up to Sukkot, a local visual artist painted on silk fabrics which soon became the walls of the Sukkah. It was a wonderful experience for our members to see the process take shape.

In November, we presented Sheldon Low, one of the leaders on the Jewish rock scene, here at the Gordon Center, for a beautiful havdalah service followed by a rockin’ concert for all ages. We collaborated with local synagogues, camps and groups to give them an opportunity to perform live on-stage with Sheldon Low. It was a wonderful community event.

We will continue to engage our community in fun holiday celebrations, challah baking workshops, Hanukah candle making workshops, Tot Shabbats and more. With every professional artist we present in the Gordon, we also want to make sure we give the community a chance to interact and learn from these artists through master classes, workshops or panel discussions.

Of course, we will continue to nurture and grow our existing arts and cultural programs. These include the popular Jewish Film Festival and annual Cinefest, Hazamir (our Jewish teen choir), Jewish Theater Workshop (our community theater group) arts classes for all ages in a variety of disciplines, art gallery exhibits in both Park Heights and Owings Mills, Arts Camp, ArtsFest and of course the wonderful multi-disciplinary presenting series in the Gordon Center with professional local and national artists.

As schools continue to cut back their arts programming, the Jewish Community Center can help fill the void. With the expansion of the Early Childhood Center and the new space for Jewish Community Services, the third floor of that space is a 10,000 square foot area that will be designated as new educational space for Arts and Culture. It’s an incredible opportunity as we embark on this campaign to raise the necessary funds to create this new space. We want to engage the next generation of arts lovers and give them a gateway to connect, create and learn. This new state-of-the-art center will allow us to do that!

The arts are a part of who we are as Jews. We want the JCC to truly be a place for everyone. We are looking forward to having you join us on this journey.

For suggestions on artists you’d like to see us present, programs you think we should create, or other organizations or individuals we should be partnering with, email Randi Benesch at rbenesch@jcc.org.

Learn more about our Center Stage program>>

Purchase tickets now>>

What Adam Sandler Didn’t Know

By Esther Apt
Jewish Community Center

Too bad Adam Sandler didn’t live in Baltimore during the holiday season. If he had, I bet he wouldn’t have been so upset to be, “the only kid in town without a x-mas tree.” To quote his well-known Hanukah Song, here are some ideas to help make the season more…“fun-akkah!”

This Dec 25, nix the movies and Chinese food (or maybe just enjoy them later in the day).  From 1:00-4:00 p.m. the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC will be having their annual family event complete with games and entertainment for all ages. At Peace, Love & JCC, families can don their bellbottoms and love beads to have some 60’s style fun. The day will include plenty of arts and crafts projects, a slinky obstacle course, a moonbounce and a GIANT Twister game!

What about the rest of the week when the kids are off of school and you have to work?  Instead of spending their vacation time roaming the malls, teens in grades 6-8 can get a can get a taste of the JCC’s popular TNT summer program. “This is a great opportunity for kids to get in some community service hours while gaining leadership skills,” says Brad Kerxton, JCC Middle School Program Coordinator.

The first installment of TNT for a Day takes place on Wednesday, December 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC. The morning will be spent working in the preschool and the afternoon will consist of fun group activities.

After all the fun is done, buckle down and resolve to be healthy this year. As we all know, ‘tis the season to make those New Year’s resolutions!
Both JCC’s are offering an eight-week Weight Loss Program from January 6 to March 1, 2013. There are four levels to choose from and the higher the level the more personalized attention and guidance you will get.

For example, if you take charge of your own weigh-ins and weekly measurements but want to receive weekly motivational emails, “On my Own” is the program  for you. For eight personal training sessions and a food journal review, pick the “Crown Me Champ” option.

Check out the different weight loss program options>>

Learn more about Peace, Love & JCC>>

To register for TNT for a Day and for information on additional January and February dates, contact Brad at bkerxton@jcc.org .

Helping Youngsters Understand Feelings

By Zac Price
Director, Meyerhoff  Early Childhood Education Center
Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore

Think about a time when you were extremely mad, where steam was coming out of your ears, where your blood boiled. How well do you work on problems when you are this angry?

Not very well? I know when I’m like that, I can barely speak much less solve a problem.

With this in mind, let’s unpack the learning that is going on with the labeling of children’s feelings. Often we have to give the children the words for their emotions. By labeling what is going on, we can help the children understand their feelings. Only by understanding these feelings can someone work through them or get help working through them.

First, the children are asked to connect their emotion to language, not an easy thing to do. As the children get slightly older, we start to ask them to recognize the feelings of the other children who are having problems. We use words like, ‘Look at his/her face. What do you think they are feeling?’

As they get older we continue building onto the labeling with phrases such as ‘They do look sad/angry/frustrated/upset. How do you feel when you are sad/angry/frustrated/upset? What can we do to help them?’ We are trying to get youngsters to take the perspective of a peer or other individual, the beginning stages of feeling empathy.

Understanding another’s point of view is extremely difficult for young children because in their perception of the world, everyone thinks like them. The “terrible twos” are children not understanding why they can’t have what they want. They don’t understand that you have a different perspective on why they can’t have that toy right then.

This difficulty with different points of view is why phrases like ‘you’re not my friend’ are so hurtful to children. They don’t understand why someone doesn’t want to be their friend when they still want to play with them. (Note: Children understand a friend as the person they want to play with most. The idea of multiple friends is not an easy thing for them and does not fit their logic structure.)

Children are going to be part of a society where they must be able to work with other people. Start them on the right round early on and teach them that if we are constantly only thinking about ourselves and how we feel, then no one will want to work with us. Whether it’s in the workplace or on the playground, a little empathy can go a long way.

New Professionals … Leadership … Cohort …. Fellowship … Professional Development … Recruit … Retain … Train

By Cindy Goldstein
Executive Director of DFI

What do all of these buzz words have in common?

As the Friedman Fellowship enters into its fourth year, the Darrell D. Friedman Institute for Professional Development at the Weinberg Center (DFI) is pleased to introduce to you its newest cohort of outstanding new Jewish communal professionals working in the Baltimore area. The Friedman Fellows are nominated by their organizations and selected among an outstanding and promising group of new Jewish professional leaders who are in the field up to three years.

DFI has been selecting a cohort of up to 10 participants each year since the fall of 2009, awarding fellowship funds to be used over a two-year period to new professionals working in Jewish organizations, synagogues and agencies in Baltimore. The fellowship enables them to have a mentor and to engage in professional development opportunities that enhance their professional skills and Judaic competencies. These experiences lead to excellent service in their work and to career advancement in the Jewish communal field.

The Friedman Fellowship is supported by an endowment created by community leaders and donors. It was matched by the Weinberg Foundation, all of whom recognized Darrell Friedman when he retired as President and CEO of THE ASSOCIATED. We are therefore able to attract and retain new fresh grow leadership in the field and to Baltimore. This is a “perk” for an organization and a fellow, allowing them to grow professionally thanks to the generosity of our community’s leadership and THE ASSOCIATED’s strong commitment to professional development.

This fall we are introducing KADIMA, a leadership development pilot program facilitated by Beth Gansky, leadership coach, created for the Friedman Fellows, to assist them in clarifying and developing their professional  and leadership goals, to provide tools to advance their careers and to create a cohort and network of these new professionals to  further their learning and collaboration in our community. Participating will be our newest cohort, listed below, along with our continuing 2012 fellows: Molly Amster, CHAI, Melissa Berman, JCC; Brad Cohen, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation; Marisa Danto, THE ASSOCIATED; Rabbi Kelley Gludt, Beth Am;  Nechama Goldman, AJOP; Caren Leven, Oheb Shalom;  Loryn Strauzer, BHI.

Our newest cohort, selected this fall of 2013, include:

• Sora Brill, Donor Services Representative, THE ASSOCIATED
• Carly Frank, Campaign Associate, THE ASSOCIATED
• Ilana Knobel, Special Events Coordinator, UMD Hillel
• Darren Levin, JLIC Rabbi, Johns Hopkins University Hillel
• Lane Levine, Community Network Director, Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc.
• Amanda Max, Children’s Service Director, Jewish Community Center
• Lara Nicolson, Family Engagement Associate, Center for Jewish Education
• Jessica Shimberg, Associate Director for Jewish Life and Learning, UMD Hillel
• Ahuva Spetner, Program Director, JEPGirls of Maryland

For a complete list of all Friedman Fellows, and to apply for next year, visit www.thedfi.org>>

Fun for Sukkot

By: Melissa Berman
Assistant Director of Arts & Culture
Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore

If you are like me, your memories of decorating the Sukkah include some type of paper chain creation. First, you would inevitably cut the paper strips to different widths and then you would contort the paper until it twisted just right. Once you found someone tall enough to help you hang it, the links would tear just as you stood back to admire your creation. Hardly the start to a joyous Sukkot!

But don’t let the paper chain fiascos of the past get you down!  Hidur Mitzvah (beautification) is a fun part of the Sukkot celebration in which the whole family can get involved.

Fruit and Veggie Banner
Since Sukkot celebrates the harvest time, why not create a fruit and veggie banner? Use heavy felt to cut out the various shapes. After this step is complete, cut holes in the shapes and thread them onto some ribbon. Then string and hang.
As an added benefit, your children may even want to eat their fruits and veggies, now that they’ve had a chance to “play with their food.”

Family Sukkot Celebration
You may have shaken a Lulav and Etrog but have you made an Etrog shake? On Thursday, October 4 from 5:30-7:00pm your kids can make and shake their own crafted Etrog Maracas during Deborah “Spice” Kleinman’s family friendly concert at the “J.”

This Family Sukkot Celebration will also include a craft table and fresh produce for sale by Kayam Farm and a short service led by our very own Rabbi Jessy Gross.

Artist in Action
You can also watch as the panels for our Sukkah are being created. Local silk painting artist, Alkesandra Fadeyeva will be making art in our lobby on Monday, Sept 24 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, Sept 27 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday Sept 28 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

As it is tradition to welcome others into your Sukkah, we invite you to wander through our Sukkah and enjoy your holiday with us.

You’re Number One

By Amy Schwartz
Fitness & Wellness Director, Jewish Community Center

Is your life about volunteering for school, cleaning up messes, making snacks, planning meals, driving to school, scheduling play dates, etc.? Do you feel guilty when you do something for yourself?

Making “you” a priority helps the whole family. Having a family is one of the greatest joys in life. But it can also be one of the hardest parts of your life to integrate with your exercise routine. Why? Because people often put their families before themselves – often going so far as to forget their own needs.

Since most of us already know that we should take care of ourselves—but often have trouble figuring out how to do it—here are some guidelines for getting there:

• Protect the “physical” you with adequate sleep, regular exercise, and good nutrition.
• Value the “emotional” you as much as the physical, with a support system of friends.
• Schedule fun activities often—it’s just as important to plan pleasure as it is to plan work.
• Combine family time with exercise—go for a hike, ride bikes, play Frisbee, go to the park.
• And finally, learn to say “No!” Reserve your “yes” for the things that are most important to you.

Just remember – you are as important as your kids. Yes, your family needs your time and energy. Taking care of yourself sets a great example. Positive energy creates more positive energy. The happier and healthier you are, the happier and healthier your kids and spouse will be.

There are so many time efficient ways to get in at least an hour of fitness that will help you be healthy. Group fitness classes provide a social atmosphere, great energy and extra motivation – or hire a personal trainer to help you meet your personal fitness goals.

Want to learn more about group fitness classes or personal training at the JCC? Contact Lynn Rosen-Stone (Owings Mills JCC) 410-559-3535 or Jackie Foreman (Park Heights JCC) 410-500-5919.

Honey, Honey!

By Esther Apt
Jewish Community Center

‘Tis the season to dip your apples… and make new friends!

With the crisp air and fall weather around the corner, I am anticipating the start of one of my favorite food seasons as well.  In just a few short weeks at our Rosh Hashanah tables, a delicious pairing of foods will take place- the magic of apples and honey.

The unique taste of sweet honey with fresh apples evokes memories of previous Rosh Hashanah’s spent with dear family and friends. Many of us reminisce of holiday food and apples of all types and colors picked fresh from the trees. Just like different apples have different tastes, honey has its own breed of distinct tastes and flavors as well!

But, did you know that there are three different categories of honey?

•  Comb honey from a honeycomb
• Liquid honey which has been extracted, creamed or granulated honey
• Chunk honey found in a jar

All together there are over 300 unique types of honey available in the United States. In general, light-colored honey is much milder in taste and dark-colored honey is stronger.

Want to learn more?
Join us on Sunday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills Jewish Community Center for a Bagel Brunch & Honey Tasting. Singles ages 55+ can enjoy bagels with all the fixings while they get a chance to meet and mingle.

Make this a start of a sweet new year by trying different flavored honey with a tasting and conversation led by local food maven, Eli Schlossberg, president of a consulting company specializing in gourmet and kosher marketing and distribution.  Want to strike up a conversation with that special someone? Impress them with some fun facts about this sweet Rosh Hashanah treat!

Stop by our Rosh Hashanah Luncheon, Wednesday, September 12 at 12:00 p.m. at the Weinberg Park Heights Jewish Community Center to start a sweat year. Enjoy a delicious holiday meal and a honey tasting. Conversation about Jewish foods and traditions will be led by Eli Schlossberg. Share your traditions with lifelong friends and new friends.

Prior to Yom Kippur, explore the origins, evolution and manifestations of the Kaddish prayer on Wednesday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m.at the Gordon Center for Performing Arts. Join us for A Discussion with BSO Maestra, Marin Alsop & Chazzan Emanuel Perlman of Chizuk Amuno Congregation and learn the story behind the composition of Bernstein’s Symphony No. 3 Kaddish and find out how the BSO will perform it. Then meet us at the Meyerhoff on Sunday, September 30 at 3:00 p.m. to watch the performance together.

For more information on singles programs at the JCC for ages 55+, contact Melissa at 410-559- 3593 or mberman@jcc.org.

Full Circle

By: Linda G. Speert
Vice President of Endowment and Fund Development
THE ASSOCIATED

It was a beautiful spring Sunday afternoon in early May as I sat in the Lloyd Street Synagogue observing and celebrating the first 10 years of the Harry Greenstein Legacy Society with members and their families. I couldn’t help recalling some of the first members from a decade ago whose stories made a lasting impact on me.

For Harry Klimen, THE ASSOCIATED was literally his family for more than 80 years. As a little boy, he and his three older brothers lived in two different orphanages owned by THE ASSOCIATED. In addition to a home, THE ASSOCIATED provided vocational training for the brothers. Harry joined the Young Men’s and Women’s Hebrew Association (predecessor of the Jewish Community Center) and volunteered in the coatroom. As an adult, recalling his own childhood, Harry was drawn to the Big Brother/Big Sister program, where he became the stable, loving adult in a child’s life. When he needed a place to live out his later years, a social worker from Jewish Family Services (now Jewish Community Services) found a home for him in what was then called the Concord House.  Coincidentally, it was on the same piece of property as the orphanage where he lived 80 years prior. As he wrote in his personal legacy statement for the Endowment Book of Life, “Who do you leave your money to but your family? Throughout my life, THE ASSOCIATED has always been there for me. Now it is my turn to give something back.” Although he passed away many years ago, his legacy continues to provide for his family of Jewish Baltimore.

Sitting in that historic synagogue, thinking of Harry and so many other men and women who created legacies, I was reminded of what a legacy is all about. It is a way of coming full circle within one’s own lifetime. But it is also a way of connecting with the generations through the decades and the centuries.  What more fulfilling responsibility can there be than helping bring legacy donors and the community together to enrich both?

Learn more about the Harry Greenstein Legacy Society>>