J Blog

As the Chair of the 47th Annual Ann and Stephen Kaufman Book and Arts Festival, I am often astonished when people ask me, “what programs I recommend.” Obviously, these people didn't join me when I opened the 12th annual Jewish Film Festival with The Man in the Wall. Indelibly etched in my memory were the dismayed and shocked faces of the audience as they witnessed this spectacle. My tastes may be a little different than yours.

Everyone knows we do it big in Texas! So what better way to kick off the opening night of the 47th Annual Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, than with famed fashion designer and industry icon, Isaac Mizrahi!

For the 30th year through its Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball, the J is ensuring all children in Houston can learn and grow from our array of enriching classes, camps, and early childhood programs.

The Scholarship Ball benefits the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund, and will be held this year on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. The black tie gala will include a seated dinner, dancing, live music, and a silent auction, all to help support families in the community who may not have the means to fully afford programming for their children at the J. Since the ball’s inception, over 9,000 children’s lives have been brightened by the more than $12.5 million raised.

The week of October 12-19 is Bone and Joint Health National Action Week. We at the Fitness Center think that every week should be bone and joint health action week, but we are still glad that it is important enough of a health concern to make it a National Action item.

There are a few things that come to mind when we think of bone and joint health, such as arthritis, back pain and osteoporosis. There are also a handful of ways that you can educate yourself on injury prevention.

One of the greatest joys of the High Holiday season is getting to spend time with family and friends. On the holiday of Sukkot, we have the added bonus of spending that time outdoors, in the temporary dwelling of a sukkah.

Every Yom Kippur, as the sun is setting and the holy day is nearing its end, we sing this prayer:

Petach lanu sha’ar, 
Beit neilah sha’ar, 
ki fanah yom.

Open the gates for us, 
At this time when they are closing, 
For the day is coming to an end.

The benefits of maintaining proper posture go well beyond just looking good. Not only do joints such as shoulders, hips and knees move better with proper posture and alignment, but internal organs also work more efficiently when your posture is in line.

In fact, the effect of improper posture on the internal organs can create digestive and circulatory issues that can lead to discomfort, lack of energy and even illness. Proper posture can also help reduce headaches caused by improper neck alignment and reduce lower back pain.

Many of Houston’s largest employers will generously match employees’ charitable donations, sometimes even doubling them. The matching gift process is quick and easy, and the impact that a matching gift has on the J is significant. When you give $180 to the J, your gift becomes $360. Together, you and your company have done an incredible mitzvah (good deed) for the children, families and seniors that the J serves.

We are so excited for the start of the 2019-2020 school year at the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood School (BAS)! Our teachers have been hard at work learning, growing, and preparing for the new school year that began this week. 

Some of you may know that being a JCC preschool means we are part of a larger network which includes JCC preschools across North America. The Early Childhood branch of this network is called the Sheva Center. The Sheva Center offers JCC preschools an innovative approach to early childhood education, empowers teachers and directors, and positions JCC early childhood education centers as examples of excellence.

The time has come to end the summer vacations and begin to plan for the new year. In Jewish tradition, this new year is marked by Rosh Hashanah and begins the celebration of the high holidays.

As you gaze out at the beautiful pool, water, trees, and children enjoying each other, it is important to remember the creation of the world. A few common themes of importance at the time of the new year are reflection, positive changes and newness.