Bobby Lapin, Evelyn Rubenstein JCC member and volunteer, recently recounted his experience with Houston Astro’s great, Craig Biggio.  Bobby shared his story of how Biggio took the time to have a huge impact on his child’s life at a time that he needed most.  Read the full story, “Biggio belongs in everybody’s hall of fame” here on chron.com.

My grandparents are the perfect couple --- and not in a cliché “still in love after all these years” Hallmark card sort of way, but in a really solid, loving and tender sort of way. Anyone who spends a little bit of time with them can see how much they admire each other. It’s in the way they look at each other and even more in the way they speak to and about each other. Together they have survived war, hunger, anti-Semitism, a Communist regime, persecution, immigration and illnesses, and still through it all there is no bickering. If they harbor any irritations towards each other, they are overshadowed by their deep love and mutual respect. I once asked my grandmother what their secret is. She told me that when they got married, they made a decision that there would be peace in their home and they have kept that promise to each other.

December is literally the darkest month of the year, with sunset starting just after 5:00PM each day.  The celebration of Hanukkah, the festival of lights, which begins on December 16, 2014 stands in sharp contrast to the darkness of our winter months.  

Hanukkah itself is not mentioned anywhere in the Torah so the earliest accounts of its celebration comes from the Talmud. The Talmud even asks Mai Hanukkah, or what is Hanukkah?  The answer is “…Eight days of celebration on which mourning and fasting are prohibited. Because when the Hellenists entered the sanctuary, they defiled all the oil that was found there. When the Maccabees triumphed, they looked for oil to light the Eternal Flame, and only found one container with the seal of the high priest intact. The vial contained enough oil for only one day, but a miracle occurred, and they were able to keep it lit for eight days from that container...” (Shabbat 21b).

In September of 2012 I got what I thought was the worst news ever. My husband’s job was transferring him to a city I had barely heard of in "The South!" Yes, they were going to pack us up and drag me, and our then toddler, kicking and screaming (me louder than her) down to, of all places, Houston, TX! As a self-proclaimed city snob, I didn't even know there were big cities in the South, much less Jewish people. Everything I knew about Houston was based on stereotypes. I half expected to find cowboys riding horseback down Main Street. In a matter of months we packed up our comfy Chicago life, where we were surrounded by family and friends and headed to the wild, wild, west where we knew no one.

"Today I completed a challenge that I never thought possible. Today is Labor Day, Monday, Sept 1, 2014, and I competed in, and finished, my first triathlon."
-- Rabbi Jill Levy

This may not seem like such a huge accomplishment for those who are "fitness people," but I have never been particularly skilled in the sports and fitness department. However, there was something driving me to train for and to participate in this event. Since I work at the J, where we have an amazing fitness center, trainers and two pools, I knew I had the resources, I just had to use them.

After 12 weeks of training I received my race number and stood at the bank of the lake ready to enter the water at the start of the race. At that point, I asked two of my friends if they would say the shecheyanu blessing (Blessed are You, God, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season) with me, my way of praising and thanking God for the ability to reach this moment in my life. It was not until I was on the bike that I realized I had a choice. I could have said the blessing at the race finish instead of at the beginning.

In that moment, I realized...

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that J Morgan, Fitness and Aquatics Director, will be leaving the J as of September 24, 2014. J has been on staff for eighteen months and has done a great job in supervising the day to day operations of both fitness and aquatics. He has grown programming in both areas and provided a great deal of leadership to the staff. Born and raised in New Orleans, J’s family is all in New Orleans, and the desire to return home became very important to him. He will be assuming a similar position at the JCC in New Orleans. He will be missed very much, and I know that you all wish J nothing but the best. We are currently conducting a national search to fill the Fitness Director position.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Morgan Fox as Aquatics Director. In June Morgan joined our staff as a swim coordinator at Kaleidoscope Camp and the coach for the swim team. Morgan has an extensive aquatics background as well as expertise in nutrition and health management. She is a great addition to our staff, and we are very fortunate to have her join our aquatics team. Congratulations and welcome to Morgan! 

Sunday, August 25, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Join us with the family dog for some fun in the indoor pool.  Before we close the indoor pool for maintenance on Mon, Aug 25, we're opening up the pool to you and your dog. Give your dog a chance to go wild in the pool at the J.  

Ten years ago, Betsy Levinson thought it would be fun to join an aquatic exercise class at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. 

Little did she know she later would become the teacher.

Now, the 53-year-old fitness instructor leads several different classes five days a week, working with men and women from a wide variety of age groups.

This week we opened the “Panda Art Museum” at the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Center.  Dozens of parents, grandparents and classmates attended. The museum showcases famous artists who pique the interest of four year old children which include Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Marc Chagall, David Garibaldi and Vincent Van Gogh.  The artists represent different styles of art, exposing the children to different materials, vocabulary, creativity and Jewish values.

The project began as an “empty canvas project” meaning each week the canvas came out and the children applied texture and color. The canvas evolved through the twelve weeks and inspired the children to inquire and want more. The children not only experienced painting, but also collage, sculpture and engraving. 

This project involved...

The Houston Jewish Film Festival  closes this weekend.

You do not want to miss this weekend’s films and activities. Saturday and Sunday are jam-packed with six screenings. 

Saturday Night: Double Feature + Lounge

Make Saturday evening (March 22) a night out at the ERJCC.  We will have two great films, light appetizers, dessert and drinks - all in one place. The first film, Hunting Elephants, will bring a few laughs and the second film will leave you on the edge of your seat. Come for one or both films and then join us in between films in the Lounge located in the Joe Frank Theatre of the Arts. 

We will be mixing up cocktails, s’mores and other lite bites. The Lounge will be open from 7:30-8:30 pm and is the perfect place to relax between films, schmooze with friends and continue discussing the festival’s films. Food and beverages are complimentary, and we are offering a discounted price for both films. Where else can you get a complete night out for $12 per person? ($15 for non-members) 

6:00 PM Hunting Elephants | 8:30 PM The Attack

Sunday: Something for Everyone

Sunday is closing day, and we have a wide variety of films for your viewing pleasure. So many great films on Sunday, it will be hard to decide…so don’t. Laykie’s Gourmet Café will be open from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM so you can stay nourished in between films. 

11:00 AM An American Tail  |  1:00 PM The Jester
4:00 PM Glickman  |  7:30 PM The ZigZag Kid