Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia
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As we begin the New Year, we are very excited by the diverse array of programs offered here at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV). As you may be aware, the JCCNV Board of Directors and staff have embarked on a comprehensive strategic planning process which will help us in developing plans for the future direction of the Center. This initiative, coupled with the results of the recent study by the Pew Research Center entitled “A Portrait of Jewish Americans,” has provided a fresh perspective through which we are looking at everything we are doing, and considering doing, at the JCCNV for our community. Through a series of interviews, conversations, and discussions, one of the things we have learned is that we need to share the important work we are currently doing, day in and day out, to engage, nurture, and strengthen our Jewish community. On a daily basis, we engage a diverse population spanning four generations and ranging in age from six weeks to well past 90. With each program and group, we look to instill Jewish values, culture, and traditions in our programming. In this letter, we will introduce Sheva (seven), one of our newest initiatives, which will impact our youngest audience in our Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). The JCCNV is participating with JCCs throughout the country in the JCC Association’s Sheva Early Learning Framework. This program builds upon the foundations already in place through the Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy and aligns beautifully with the Jewish values and principles that are the foundation of our ECLC. The seven core principles of Sheva include: 1. Children as constructivist learners, including the concept of kavod (respect) for each child’s ability to think for himself/herself 2. Early Childhood Directors as visionaries, guided by their chochma (wisdom) 3. Early Childhood educators as professionals who develop ahavat limud (a love of learning) for themselves and their students 4. ECLC families as engaged partners in the ECLC kehillah (community) 5. Environment as inspiration for inquiry, including curiosity, intellectual engagement, and creativity 6. Emphasis on the Jewish value of sh’mirat ha’guf (taking care of our bodies) through nutrition and exercise 7. Israel as the story of the Jewish people
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President/Executive Director’s Message Board and Committees Chailights Volunteer Spotlight / Philanthropy Spotlight Supporting the Center Federation Spotlight Giving Circles/Donations New and Returning Members NoVa Jewish Congregations Jewish Day Schools Policies Staff Program Registration Form
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Membership Community Engagement Jewish Journeys Shabbat Programming Israel: Up Close Cultural Arts Performing Arts Fine Arts Dance Academy Family Services Early Childhood Services School-Age Services Teens Special Needs Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Fitness and Sports Aquatics Adult Services
Through the Sheva program, we will continue to strengthen Jewish values in our youngest members and their families. Throughout all of our programming, we will continue to share what is wonderful about being Jewish, in ways that engage Jews of all beliefs and practices, and welcomes those of other faiths who make up the JCCNV family. We hope you will join us on this fantastic journey.
Annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception
B’shalom,
36th Annual Membership Meeting
Tuesday, May 27, 6:30pm
Tuesday, May 27, 7:30pm Connie Pesachowitz President
Jeff Dannick Executive Director
Your Complete Mind, Body and Spirit Center.
Centertainment • www.jccnv.org • (703) 323-0880
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