J Blog

“Before I was a Foster Grandparent I had a routine. I picked up my grandchildren from school, I cooked and I cleaned. That was my routine. Now, by volunteering in the Foster Grandparent program, I have a life! Last year I met with a young girl who told me she wanted to commit suicide. Her father was in prison, and she was having a really bad time. I saw her in the halls last week and stopped to talk with her...”

As a 24 years old Israeli, Halloween seems like a pretty weird pagan holiday. A bit different from the Israeli - Jewish version of it - Purim. Maybe it’s the creepy decorated houses, maybe it’s the undead ghosts roaming the streets and maybe it’s the sugar rush from candy that makes it feel like real magic is in the air. 

This year, as a shaliach here in Houston, I got to witness Halloween for the second time. This time was unforgettable. Celebrating Halloween was, as expected, a cultural shock. Not a shock of American culture, but a shock to my own Israeli culture and life.

The forty-first year of the Jewish Book & Arts Fair is right around the corner.  We have just a fantastic lineup of speakers, authors and performers. Not only do have a spectacular lineup of speakers, but we also have the honor of announcing the new name of the event, The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair.

We kick off this years event with author and host of the popular National Public Radio game show “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!,” Peter Sagal. Peter Sagal is heard by more than three million people every week. His show is broadcast on 450 public radio stations nationwide and via a popular podcast. Sagal is also the host of PBS’s new series, Constitution USA with Peter Sagal. The show follows him as he travels across country—on a Harley Davison Road King—to find out where the Constitution lives, how it works, its history and its vital relevance today. Sagal will present his unique perspective on looking at the news of the day when he speaks on Why Satire is the Only Reasonable Response to the Times in Which We Live.

At the ERJCC our goal every day is make memorable experiences and have a positive impact on our community, especially for the children in our programs, many of whom attend different schools, synagogues, churches, etc, We are the community hub where they can meet friends they wouldn't otherwise see. The program instructors and camp counselors are positive role models who strive to provide these experiences every day. 

In 2013 Greg Orphanides was awarded the Kerry O’Brien Coaching Award by U.S. Masters Swimming.  This award recognizes and thanks USMS coaches excel in the areas of building a foundation of a new club, reenergizing an existing club, mentoring a new club, create coaching education opportunities or successfully drive new events for USMS members such as meets, open water swims or clinics.