An Open Door, An Important Responsibility
Yesterday, I learned that 77% of people seeking Jewish connection turn to a JCC first. That number should command our attention. Rabbi Daniel Septimus shared this datapoint throughout his visit to Indianapolis this week. Daniel, the former CEO of Shalom Austin, now leads JCC Association’s new Center for Jewish Peoplehood. He repeated the statistic because […]
The Legacy That Lives On
Recently, I walked into a restaurant to meet a special group for breakfast. Before I even reached the table, I could hear the laughter. Stories were flying back and forth, old memories resurfacing, and every conversation seemed to find its way back to one person: the late Rod Hofts, who served as the JCC’s Director […]
What Kids Gain Emotionally at Summer Camp
Summer camp fills long days with swimming, sports, and songs around the flagpole, but the real magic often happens beneath the surface. JCC Indianapolis runs summer camps built around more than fun and games. Every session, campers grow in ways that stick with them long after the last bus ride home.
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: Rabbi Hal Schevitz’s Thoughts on our JCC
Earlier this week, our JCC gathered for its 113th Annual Meeting. It was a special evening to recognize the extraordinary contributions of our staff and volunteers and to elect the next slate of officers and directors who will help lead our organization in the year ahead. It was also a meaningful celebration of all we […]
3 Lifelong Recreational Skills Tennis Can Teach
The lessons learned through recreation often continue long after the activity itself ends. At JCC Indianapolis, we believe sports can teach lessons that last a lifetime, and tennis is a great example. While it helps participants stay active and improve physical fitness, it also encourages habits and skills that support lifelong participation in recreation and […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: The Ordinary Things Worth Protecting
This past weekend, I traveled to the Detroit area to celebrate a family simcha (a joyous occasion): the b’nai mitzvah of two of my next generation cousins.As we sat together before the service began, my cousin, the mom of one of the b’nai mitzvah boys, quietly shared something that has stayed with me all week. […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: Because I Care and Because I Was Asked
As we close out the week, I find myself reflecting on one of the highlights of the past several days: the first meeting of our JCC Hand in Hand Annual Campaign Task Force. Led by JCC Past Board Chair Katy Cantor and JCC Board member Suzanne Rothenberg, this dedicated group has already begun laying the […]
Top 4 Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is one of the few activities that combines fitness, recreation, and stress relief in a way that benefits people of all ages. At JCC Indianapolis, our pools provide opportunities for children, teens, adults, and seniors to stay active while enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in the water. Whether you’re […]
Shabbat Shalom from Sam: When the Lights Went Out, the J Shined
At 7:41 a.m. on Thursday, I received a text letting me know that the JCC had lost power. As inconveniences go, it was a pretty significant one. We were in the first week of camp, transitioning classrooms in our Early Childhood Education center, and navigating one of the busiest times of year for membership, aquatics, […]
Honoring Service and Community This Memorial Day
As Memorial Day approaches, it offers an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and community connection. At JCC Indianapolis, we recognize the importance of honoring the service and sacrifice of those who came before us while also creating opportunities for families and friends to spend meaningful time together. Across generations, Memorial Day serves as a reminder of […]