GlowWild
March29,2025
$30 TempleBeth-El beth-elsa.org/upcoming-events
PurimSpiel&Dinner
March14,2025
Free TempleBeth-El beth-elsa.org/upcoming-events
TheJCCisnotaffiliatedwiththeeventsmentioned
There’sasurpriseinside... Flipthroughtodiscoverit!
Israel'straditional“YomHa'Em”(MothersDay)wastransformedintotheannual “YomHa'Mishpacha”(FamilyDay),inrecognitionofthevariedfamilystructures andthechangingrolesoffamilymembersinIsraelisociety.
Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Holzman Auditorium, located on the Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community
Comeenjoyafun-filleddayofexcitingactivities&gamesforall ages!It’stheperfectopportunitytoconnectwiththecommunity. Don’tmissthisdayofcelebration,play,anddiscovery!
Scanthecodebeloworvisitjccsanantonio.org/jewishjourneys tolearnmoreandRSVPforthisFREEevent!
Fitness Center/Lap Swimming
*Aquatics Facilities close 15min. before closing time
M¡da5 É Th Øèda5 530aÌ900Í
FØida5 530aÌ6Í
Saö Øda5 & S da5 8aÌ6Í Tennis Clubhouse
M¡da5ÌTh Øèda5 8aÌ900Í
FØida5 8aÌ6Í
Saö Øda5 & S da5 8aÌ6Í
Administrative Offices
M¡da5 É FØida5 8aÌ5Í
JCC Fogiel Gift Shop
M¡da5 Cx¡èed
T eèda5 & Th Øèda5 1ÍÌ6Í
Wedeèda5 & FØida5 11aÌ4Í
WANT TO CONTACT US?
Mai N beØ À210Á 302Ì6820
MebeØ SeØ(iceè À210Á 302Ì6866
EaØx5 Chixdh¡¡d À210Á 302Ì6846
Y¡ öh SeØ(iceè À210Á 302Ì6859
SÍ¡Øöè & Fiöeèè À210Á 302Ì6825
Teiè Cx bh¡ èe À210Á 302Ì6833
Sei¡Ø SeØ(iceè À210Á 302Ì6860
Gifö Sh¡Í À210Á 302Ì6863
Ad(eØöièig À210Á 302Ì6810
Eaix jcc@jccÌèa¤¡Øg
Web jccèaaö¡i¡¤¡Øg
Therewillbenofacilityclosuresor holidayhoursduringthemonthsof FebruaryandMarch.Pleasevisit ourwebsiteforfutureholiday hours.
For more information, visit jccsanantonio.org/support or contact Allison Smith at smitha@jcc-sa.org.
Asweenterthevibrantseasonofspring,it’sonlyfittingthatwe takeamomenttohonoranincredibleindividualwhohasbeena cornerstoneofourcommunityformanyyears.Pleasejoinmein congratulatingourChiefOperatingOfficer,BetsyCowan,onher well-deservedretirement.Betsy’sexceptionalleadership, dedication,andunwaveringcommitmenttotheJhaveleftan indeliblemarkonallofus.Herservicehastrulybeenextraordinary, andwhilewe’llmissher,wewishherallthebestasshebeginsthis newchapterofherlife.Betsy,thankyouforeverythingyou’vedone tomaketheJabetterplaceforallofus.Youwillbemissed,but yourlegacywillliveon!
“Themostimportantformsofleadershipcomenotwithposition,title, orrobesofoffice,notwithprestigeandpower,butwiththe willingnesstoworkwithotherstoachievewhatwecannotdoalone; tospeak,tolisten,toteach,tolearn,totreatotherpeople’sviewswith respecteveniftheydisagreewithus;toexplainpatientlyandcogently whywebelievewhatwebelieveanddowhatwedo;toencourage others,praisetheirbestendeavours,andchallengethemtodobetter still.Alwayschooseinfluenceratherthanpower.Ithelpschange peopleintopeoplewhocanchangetheworld.”RabbiJonathanSacks, LessonsinLeadership.Betsy,thankyouforyourleadership.
Springisalwaysatimeforrenewalandgrowth,andthisyear,we havesomanyexcitingprogramsandeventstolookforwardto. Whetheryou’relookingtoregisteryourlittleonesforearly childhoodeducation,signupforsummercamp,orcelebrateJewish cultureandheritage,there’ssomethingforeveryoneattheJthis spring!
First,wewanttohighlightEarlyChildhoodRegistrationforthe 2025-2026schoolyearattheDreebenSchoolforYoungChildren.If youhaveachildbetween6weeksandPre-K,don’tmissouton securingtheirspotforayearfullofgrowth,exploration,andfun.
(Seepage10)
Then,ofcourse,there’sourSummerJ-Camp,offeringkidsfrom Kindergartenthrough9thgradethechancetodiveintoasummer packedwithactivities—fromartsandsportstoswimmingandfield trips.Spotsarefillingupfast,sonow’sthetimetosignup!(See page10)
Forour50+community,we’rethrilledtoannouncetheongoing competitionattheTexasSeniorGames—aninspiringopportunity tostayactiveandengagewithothersinthecommunity.Whether you’reacompetitororacheerleader,we’dloveforyoutojoinin.
(Seepage6)
ThisspringalsobringsusthechancetocelebrateJewishAmerican HeritageMonthwithaseriesofeventsthathighlighttheincredible contributionsofJewishAmericans.We’llhonorandreflectthrough adiverserangeofactivitiesfocusedonCommunity,Art,Literature, Cuisine,Film,History,andLegacyallthroughoutMay.Staytunedto ourwebsiteandsocialmediaformoredetails.
CarisaHeiss CEO
TheJCCMemberSpotlightisaplacewherewecangettoknowthepeopleinourcommunity-the peopleweseeeveryday.Sometimesweseemembersworkingoutandwonderwhatthey’relike,or maybewewonderifweshouldbedoingwhatthey’redoing,ormaybe,asinthecaseofJohnPoteet, someoneisinspiringusandtheydon’tevenknowit.
Johnandhiswife,Shirley,joinedtheJCC23yearsago.Sincethen,Johnhasbeendoingstrength training,staticanddynamicstretching,balanceexerciseforfallpreventionandforcardioworkoutshe usestheellipticalmachineandhealsoroadbikes.Heevendoesalittlejuggling“forhandtoeye coordination.”Johnremindsusthat“stayingfitenhancesfunctionalityandslowstheprocessofaging.”
IaskedJohnwhatmotivateshimtoworkout.Hisanswerisbothwittyandwise,“Iwanttolookasgood asIcan,feelaswellasIcan,andfunctionindependentlyaslongasIlive.That’scalled‘Keepingthewolf awayfromthedoor’.”Hesaysheknowsthatthewolfwillwin,buthewants“tofunctionindependently untilthewolfcatchesmenotlooking.”
IfyouarenewtotheJ,Johnsaysyoushoulddefinitely“takethetour,”andasfarasexerciseisconcerned“setrealisticgoals.” Healsoremindsusthat“recoveryisasimportanttoagoodprogramasexercise.”
ItoldJohnthatfellowmembershavecomeforwardandcalledhimaninspiration,andaskedhimwhathethoughtaboutthat. Heansweredthathe’s“deeplyhumbledandflatteredwiththethoughtofinspiringothers.”Headdedthatweshould“never underestimatetheimpactyoumayhaveonothers.”
Johnknowswhathe’stalkingabout.Ihaven’tmentionedit,butJohnis95yearsyoung.He’sfit.He’squickandhe’san inspirationtousall.
April Myers,
MemberEngagement&
RetentionCoordinator
We're grateful to have you in our vibrant community!
DvirBar-Galisadistinguishedphotographer, photojournalist,directorforT.V.andexperton Shanghai'sJewishhistory.AgraduateofTelAviv UniversitywithabackgroundinFilmStudies,Mass Communications,andtheArts,Bar-Gal'scareerspansa rangeofmedia,fromnewscameramantodirectorof shortdocumentaries,focusingonculturalstories, travel,andcurrentaffairs.
GrowingupinHaifa,juststepsfromtheMediterranean, Bar-Galwasdeeplyinspiredbythedynamic,everchanginglandscapesofseaandshore.Thisconnection tothenaturalworld,particularlytheshiftingmoodsof thesea,remainsacentralthemeinhisphotographic work.Overtheyears,hehascapturedthefleeting beautyofthecoastline—fromtheshiftingcolorsofthe watertothedelicatefootprintsleftinthesand.
In2001,Bar-GalrelocatedtoShanghai,wherehebegan extensivejournalisticresearchonthecity’slostJewish cemeteries.Hisdiscoveryandpreservationefforts, whichincludedcollectinggravestonesandadvocating fortheirpropermemorialization,broughtinternational attentiontoShanghai'soverlookedJewishheritage. Hisworkinthisareahasbeenwidelycoveredinboth printandbroadcastmediaworldwide.Since2003,BarGalhasledtheShanghaiJewishHeritageTour,sharing thisrichyetforgottenhistorywithpeoplearoundthe globe.Between2004and2009,Bar-GalownedARTSEA PhotographyGalleryinShanghai—thecity’sfirst gallerydedicatedexclusivelytotheartofphotography.
Hisgalleryplayedasignificantroleinthepromotionof contemporaryphotographyinShanghaiandbeyond.
VisittheFogielGiftShopforallyourgiftneeds!FromBar/BatMitzvahtoweddingsandholidays,finduniqueJudaica, jewelry,homedécor,andmoreontheMainLeveloftheCampusoftheJewishCommunity. ARTISTIC JOURNEY, FOGIEL GIFT SHOP SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL ARTISTS
ourney
Bar-Galistheauthorofthreephotoalbums:SeaSpirit(1998), FortheBenefitofthePeople(2010),andShanghaiJew(2013) Additionally,in2009,hepublishedthefirst-everPassover HaggadahofChina.
AfrequentguestspeakerinU.S.universitiesandcultural organizationssince2013,Bar-Galcontinuestoengage audienceswiththeuntoldstoriesofShanghai’sJewish community.
AfterrelocatingtoSanAntonio,Texasin2022duetothe COVID-19pandemic,Bar-Galremainscommittedtohis missionofpreservingculturallegaciesandsharingthemwith theworld.
HisexhibitionhistoryincludessoloshowssuchasSeaSpiritat TelAviv’sCinematheque(1998),NewZealand’sSightsatZOA HouseTel-Aviv2001,RedLandatArtseaGalleryinShanghai (2005),andHanging-OutinSH(2008),aswellasgroup exhibitionsinBeijing’s798ArtHub(2009).
Bar-Gal'sworkcontinuestoexplorethemesofmemory, identity,andtheever-changinglandscape,bothphysicaland cultural.Throughhislens,heinvitesviewerstoreflectonthe impermanenceoftimeandthesignificanceofpreservingthe storiesthatshapeourworld.
BesuretostopbytheFogielGiftShop,locatedinsidethe CampusoftheSanAntonioJewishCommunity,toseeDvir's photographyinperson.
Tuesday/Thursday1PM-6PM|Wednesday/Friday11AM-4PMorcall210-302-6863
TheJCCFore!TheKidsGolfClassic rvices,after-
Friday, March 28, 2025
jccsanantonio.org/jccforethekidsgolfclassic to tee off and learn about our registration,
San Antonio Celebrates
AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
ThisMay2025,theBarshopJewishCommunityCenterwill presentaseriesofartsandhumanitieseventscelebratingthe richnessofJewishcultureandtraditions.Wewillfeaturea diverserangeofactivitiesfocusedonArt,Community,Cuisine, Film,History,Israel,Legacy,andLiterature.
Visitjccsanantonio.org/jahmsafordetailsonallourupcomingJAHMevents!
ThroughoutMay,we’llbeshowcasinganartexhibitinthelobby oftheSanAntonioJewishCommunityCampus,exploringthe theme"WhatDoesJewishAmericaLookLike?"Besuretostop byandviewtheworkofourselectedartists!
Scanthecodeorvisit jccsanantonio.org/adulthappeningsto viewandregisterforthelistedprograms, aswellastodiscoverotherevents.
Scan the code for tickets & sponsorship opportunities
Let’s honor the richness of Jewish culture, remember the resilience of Jewish history, and celebrate the beauty of our stories that have endured through time.
Joinusforavarietyoffunandengagingactivitiesthisspring!OurGroupMah JonggsessionswillbeheldonTuesdays,February4,11,18,25,andMarch4,11, 18,25at6:30PMforjust$5.Ifyou’relookingtoimproveyourskills,Intermediate BridgemeetsonThursdays,February6,13,20,27,andMarch6,13at9:15AM.We alsohaveBeginnerBridgeonTuesday,February4and11at9:15AM.Ifyou're newtoMahJongg,don’tmissourBeginnerMahJonggclassesonThursdays, March27,April3,10,17,24,May1at6:30PM,alsojust$5.Finally,getreadyto cookwithusinCookingwithBubby,wherewe’llmakeHamentaschenon February19andAppleHandPiesonMarch19,bothat10:15AMfor$5.
Wealsoprovidetransportationformembers65+inthesurroundingareatoandfromtheJCCfordaily programsandspecialevents.Tocheckeligibility,ortosignupforkosherlunches, contactGabeKomerofskyat(210)302-6860orkomerofskyg@jcc-sa.org.
AleezaBenShalom
AbigailPogrebin& RabbiDovLinzer
JoinusforexcitingeventsliketheJewishFilmFestival, WineTours,JBrewskytastings,concerts,andtheAuthor SpeakerSeries!Plus,ourYoungAdultprogramsinclude funeventslikethemonthlyHeBREWShappyhour. There'salwayssomethinghappening,sodon’tmissout! Scanthecodetolearnmore.
Scanthecodeorvisit jccsanantonio.org/aquaticstoviewand registerforthelistedprograms,aswell astodiscoverotherprograms.
JCCSeaSerpentsSwimTeam
Ages:AllAges
May6–June30
PracticeTimesVarybyAgeGroup
Members:$140|Community:$200
(RegistrationopensMarch3)
JoinusforanexcitingsummerintheMaverickSummerSwim League!Whetheryou’reimprovingyourswimmingskillsorjust havingfun,oursupportiveenvironmentisperfectfor swimmersofalllevels.Diveinandmakethissummer unforgettable!
SummerSwimTeamPrep
Ages:AllAges
April1–30
PracticeTimesVarybyAgeGroup
Member$45|Community$70
SilverSwimmersONLY:Member$70|Community$90
Prepareforthesummerswimseasonwiththistechniquefocusedclinic!Strengthenyourcompetitivestrokes,turns, dives,andracingskills.Thismonth-longclinicistheperfectway todiveintotheseasonandgetaheadstartonyoursummer swimgoals.
Readyforasummerjobthat'sbothfunandrewarding?
Makeasplashinsafety!JoinourLifeguardCertification Classesanddiveintothecoolestcertificationforteens.Gain essentialskills,becomeacertifiedlifeguard,andbethe heroaroundthepool.Yourjourneytobecomingthe ultimatewaterprotectorstartshere!
REGISTRATIONOPEN!
LifeguardReview-BlendedLearning Member$120|Community$145
LifeguardCertification-BlendedLearning Member$220|Community$260
Participantsmustbetheageof15bythecourse'sfinalday.
Scanthecodeorvisit jccsanantonio.org/aquaticstoview andregisterforthelistedprograms,as wellastodiscoverotherprograms.
THE"TEXASSENIORGAMES"MIGHTSOUNDLIKEIT'SALLABOUTGRANDPA'SBOWLING TEAM,BUTDON’TBEMISTAKEN!THEY'REFORANYONE50ANDUP,WHETHERYOU'REA SEASONEDATHLETEORJUSTLOOKINGTOGETSTARTED!
Scanthecodetoregister! Scanthecodetoviewtheschedule!
HaveQuestions? Scanthecodeorvisittxseniorgames.orgforallthedetailsoncompetitions, schedules,events,andmore.
THANKYOUTOOURSPONSORS!
BasketballLeaguesandPick-Up
Lookingforcompetitivebasketballinafun,socialatmosphere? Whetheryou'relookingtostayactive,meetnewpeople,or challengeyourselfonthecourt,ourleaguesofferaninclusive environmentforplayersofallskilllevels.
Don'tmissoutontheaction!Visitourwebsitetostayuptodate withupcomingleaguedates,registrationinformation,andallthe latestupdates.Joinustodayandtakeyourgametothenextlevel!
Pick-UpBasketball
Tuesdays:7:15PM-9:00PM
Saturdays:1:15PM-5:00PM
Pick-uptimesanddatesmaychange;scanthecodeaboveforthelatestupdates.
TENNISCLINICS
Wednesdays|9:00AM-10:00AM& 7:00PM-8:00PM
Clinic:February5-February26
Fridays|9:00AM-10:00AM Clinic:February7-February28
Scanthecodeorvisitjccsanantonio.org/adultsports tolearnmoreabouttheleaguesandregistertoday!
PleasemakenoteoftheJCC’supdatedrefundpolicy.Allprogramregistrationsaresubjecttoafeeof$40ifyoucancelyourregistrationbeforethe programstarts.Cancellationswithinthefirsttwoweeksoftheprogramaresubjecttoa$60fee.Ifyoucancelaftertwoweeksofprogramactivity, arefundwillnotbeavailable.Weunderstandthattheremaybeextenuatingcircumstancesrequiringacancellationandwillconsiderspecial requestsastheyarise.Allrefund/programcreditrequestsmustbemadeinwriting.
Pleasecheckourscheduleweekly,asclasstimes,instructors,andlocationsaresubjecttochange. Stayupdatedtoensureyoudon’tmissoutonanyofourofferings!
J-TheoryHIIT|FC
Ron|30min.
FunctionalFit|MBS
Robin|55min.
8:15AM
BodyPump™Express
Cindy|CS|30min.
AquaFit|P Kim|55min.
BodyPump™|CS
Cindy|60min.
Cycle|MBS
Laura|55min.
PilatesMat|MBS
Anita|55min.
Core&Focus|CS
Laura|30min.
YogaFlow|DS
Anita|55min.
BarreAbove™|DS
Laura|55min.
9:00PilatesPlus
Laura|DS|55min.
AquaFit|P Carol|55min.
StepItUp|CS Angela|55min.
MusclesinMotion
Kim|MBS|55min.
TotalBody|MBS
Angela|55min.
DynamicStretch Kim|CS|30min.
YogaFlow|DS Kathy|55min.
Fit4Life|AD/LB 45min.
BarreHIIT|DS
Mandi|30min.
TotalBody|MBS
Mandi|30min.
Core&Focus|MBS
Mandi|30min.
HappyNewYear!
HIITExpress|CS Cindy|30min.
BodyPump™|CS
Cindy|60min.
J-TheoryHIIT|FC
Ron|30min.
FunctionalFit|MBS
Robin|55min.
8:15AM
BodyPump™Express
Cindy|CS|30min.
AquaFit|P Angela|55min.
BodyPump™|CS
Cindy|60min.
Cycle|MBS Mandi|55min.
PilatesFoamRoller
Anita|MBS|55min.
Core&Focus|CS Mandi|30min.
HathaYoga|MBS
Roberta|55min.
Fit4Life|AD/LB 45min.
ZumbaHIIT|MBS
Angela|30min.
Barre|DS Roberta|55min.
LineDancing|MBS Angela|30min.
J-TheoryHIIT|FC Ron|30min.
Barre|DS Roberta|55min.
9:00PilatesPlus Laura|DS|55min.
AquaFit|P Angela|55min.
MuscleFusion Kim|MBS|55min.
TotalBody|MBS Roberta|55min.
DynamicStretch Kim|CS|30min.
Zumba|DS Angela|55min.
YogaFlow|DS Kathy|55min.
Fit4Life|AD/LB 45min.
FunctionalFit|MBS Laura|55min.
HIITExpress|CS Cindy|30min. 8:30AM
BodyPump™Express Cindy|CS|30min.
FitFusion|DS Mandi|60min.
AquaFit|P Kim/Carol|55min.
BodyPump™|CS Cindy|60min.
Cycle|MBS Mandi|55min.
PilatesMat|MBS Anita|55min. Zumba|MBS Angela/Kelly|55min.
Core&Focus|CS Cindy|30min. 10:00AM
YogaFocus|DS Anita|55min.
ThankyouforyourcontinuedsupportandformakingtheJCCpartofyourfitnessjourney.Aswewelcomethenewyear,it'sagreattimetomake positivechangesandaremindertorevisitsomeimportantguidelinestohelpmaintainasafeandenjoyableenvironmentforeveryone.
GroupExerciseEtiquette&Policies:
ReservationsRequired:Allgroupexerciseclassesrequirereservations.Theseopentwodaysbeforetheclassat8:00PM(8:30PMforBodyPump). Cancelyourreservationifyoucan'tattend,allowingotherstojoin.Ifaclassisfull,checkforavailabilityduetocancellations.
ClassParticipation:Reservationsguaranteeparticipationbutnotspecificspotsinthestudio—classesarefirst-come,first-served.Pleasepractice spatialawarenesswhensettingup.
StudioAccess:Pleasedonotenterastudiowhileaclassisinsessionorifthedoorisclosed.StudiosarereservedforscheduledGroupExercise classesonly.
EquipmentUse:Donotremoveequipmentfromstudiosunlessdirectedbytheinstructor.
Attire:Closed-toefootwearisrequiredforcardioandstrengthtraining.Specializedfootwearisallowedforcycle,yoga,andstretchclasses. AllFitnessLevelsWelcome:Ourclassescatertovariousfitnesslevels.Lettheinstructorknowifyouneedmodificationsoradditionalchallenges. AgePolicy:Members15andoldermayjoingroupclasses.Membersaged13-14mayparticipatewhenaccompaniedbyanadultorguardian. Welookforwardtosupportingyourfitnessgoalsin2025!
Cindy Maddox
Fitness&GroupExerciseSupervisor
Scanthecodeorvisit jccsanantonio.org/jewishjourneystoview andregisterforthelistedprograms,aswell astodiscoverotherprograms.
AJourneyofHope,Resilience,andJewishIdentity:ReflectionsfromGabe&SarahontheMifgashThatMattersExperienceinIsrael
Jewsacrosstheworldhavebeenfacingidentitycrisesbrought aboutbyasharpriseinantisemitismandtheinabilitytotravelto theirhomeland.Despitethesestruggles,SarahRamandIwere incrediblyhonoredandprivilegedtohavebeenselectedas membersofthemostrecentiterationoftheMifgash(Encounter) ThatMatterscohortpresentedbytheJCCAssociationofNorth AmericaandtheiCenter.Onthistripwewereabletovisitthestate ofIsraelforanincrediblymeaningfulfourdayswithagroupofover 35otherJewishprofessionals,educators,andlocals.
Whileourfourdayswerephysicallyandemotionallystrenuous(we weregreetedwithmissilesirensuponourarrival)everysecondof everydaywassignificant,withover12hoursofeachdaydedicated toeducationalprogramming.Wemetwithpeoplefromallover Israelwhohavebeenimpactedbythislegoftheconflictinmany ways.Wemetwithartists,musicians,farmers,storytellers,people wholostlovedonesattheNovafestival,teachersandcommunity memberswhoweredisplacedfromtheirhomesinbordertowns, peoplewhohadrelativeskidnappedonOctober7th,aminibus driverthatrescued30peoplefromtheNovafestival,wivesof militaryreservists,andArabIsraeliswhowerenavigatingtheir identitiesasIsraelicitizenswithPalestinianheritage.Thoughallof thesespeakerscamefromdifferentbackgroundsandhave experiencedtheeffectsofthewarinvaryingways,theyallshareda commonoptimismforapeacefulfutureinIsrael.Whilemanyof thesespeakerswerenotJewish,theysharedaproudIsraeliidentity andloveforthesignificancethattheHolyLandholdsforpeopleof allbackgrounds.
Asidefromtheincrediblestoriesofsorrow,perseverance,andhope thatwewereabletohear,thegreatestlessonthatIlearnedfrom thistripcamefromtheclosingstatementsofoneoftheiCenter leaders.Toparaphrase,hesaidthatJewshavebeenreferredtoas “thepeopleofthebook,”andwhilethiscanbetakenliterallyasin thepeopleofthefivebooksofMoses,hechosetointerpretthe monikerinadifferentway.Hesaidthatasthepeopleofthebook, itisourjobasJewisheducatorstowritethechapterforour generationinthebookofJewishhistory.Ihavecomebackfromthis tripwithastrongertietoIsraelandmyJewishidentityandthe ambitiontoensurethatmygeneration’schapterinsaidbookwillbe oneofpeaceandprosperity.
Gabe KomerofskySeniorAdultandJudaicCoordinator
PJLibrary:
TravelingtoIsraelfortheMifgashThatMattersprogramwasa deeplyemotionalbutnecessaryexperience.Whiletheprogram wasforJewishprofessionals,itwasimpossiblenottoprocess andgrievewhatwesawandheardonapersonallevel.As someonewithadeepandcherishedrelationshipwithIsrael,I knewthiswouldbeaheavyvisit,especiallysincethiswasmy firstvisitbacktoIsraelsinceOctober7th,2023.
Itwasheavy.Wecried,wegrieved,wemourned,webore witnessandwetriedtoprocesswhatwesawandheard.But therewasalsosomethingthatremainedconstantthroughout those4daysandthatwashope.Ifyouhavespentanytimewith Israelis,itcomesacrossprettyquicklytheyarestrongpeople. Theyliveinatoughpartoftheworldthatgivesthemathick skin.EveryIsraeliwemetandheardfrom,nomattertheirstory ortheirbackground,exudedsuchanupliftingsenseofresilience andprideoftheirIsraeliidentity.So,whileIdidcomeawayfrom theprogramwithwhatIexpectedaftersuchanemotionalvisit,I alsocameawaywithsomethingelseIshouldhaveexpected whichishopeforabettertomorrowandarenewedsense solidaritywiththeJewishandIsraelicommunity.
Sarah Ram
AdultEngagementCoordinator|PJLibrarySanAntonioCoordinator
TuB’ShvatScavengerHunt–Friday,February16,3:00-5:00PMatHardbergerPark.MeetattheNaturePlaygroundnearthe NWMilitaryentrance.UsetheQRcodebelowtoRSVP.
PurimCelebration–Sunday,March16,3:00PM.Decorategroggersandmasks,hearafunPurimstory,andenjoy hamantaschen!Don’tforgetyourcostume.UsetheQRcodebelowtoRSVP.
FamilyFunDay:
YomHaMishpaha–Sunday,March2,11:00AM-2:00PM.Afamilyfundaywithexcitingactivitiesandapreviewof2025youth programs!UsetheQRcodebelowtoRSVP. SavetheDate:
J-Serve–Sunday,April6.JewishteensfromacrossSanAntoniowillcometogetherforadayofcommunityservice.Contact Blaineatbyrdb@jcc-sa.orgformoreinformationandtoRSVP.
1stNightSeder–Saturday,April12,8:30PM.JoinusforacommunitySedertocelebratePassovertogether!Ticketsavailable startingFebruary18.Limitedseating;registerbyMarch27.Childticketsarefree,adultticketsTBD.Vegetarianoptions available.BYOBKosherwine.Formoredetails,contactSarahRamat210-302-6869.
Allprogramregistrationsaresubjecttoafeeof$40ifyoucancelyourregistrationbeforetheprogramstarts.Cancellationswithinthefirsttwoweeksoftheprogram aresubjecttoa$60fee.Ifyoucancelaftertwoweeksofprogramactivity,arefundwillnotbeavailable.Weunderstandthattheremaybeextenuatingcircumstances requiringacancellationandwillconsiderspecialrequestsastheyarise.Allrefund/programcreditrequestsmustbemadeinwriting.
LittleYogis
3-5yearsold
March18-May6
3:15-3:45PM
YouthYoga 6-12yearsold
March18-May6
4:00-4:30PM
Member$200|Community$230
Jointhisplayfulyogaclasstoenhancebodyawareness,balance, flexibility,andself-esteemthroughfunposesandstories.Presentedby YogaDaySchool.
Bricks,Bots,andBeakers
3-5yearsold
March18-May6
4:00-4:30pm
YouthBricks,Bots,andBeakers
5-12yearsold
March18-May6
4:45-5:15pm
Member$200|Community$230
Explorescienceandtechnologywithhands-onactivities,including constructingmaterials,software,androbotstolearnlogic,problemsolving,andreasoning.
Let’sMakeaMess
3-5yearsold
March26-April30
4:00-4:45pm
Member$200|Community$230
Youngchildrenawakentotheirworldthroughcreativity,imagination, andplay.Duringthisclass,littleoneswillhaveopportunitiestodraw, paint,create,engageinsensoryplayandofcoursehavealotoffun!We stronglyencouragekidstogetmessy! Scan
CreepyCrawlies
3-5yearsold
April10-May15
4:15-4:45pm
Member:$175|Community:$200
Exploretheworldofbugsthroughstories,research,walks,andhands-on activities.Perfectforaspiringentomologists,thisclassoffersafunand educationalwaytolearnaboutcreepy,crawlingcreatures!
5-8yearsold
March17-May12
5:00-6:00pm
Member:$275|Community:$305
JoinFUNkyPhysicswhereyoungscientistsexploretheexciting worldofFUNdamentalforces!Throughhands-onexperiments anddynamicdemonstrations,attendeesdiscoverthemagicof movement,explosions,airpressure,gravity,electricity, magnetism,centrifugalforce,friction,inertia,momentum,and theforcesofnature.Getreadyforathrilling,action-packed adventureinphysics!
SoccerAcademy
PreK-6thgrade
March17-May22
Member$115|Community$175
TheJCCSoccerAcademyisdesignedtoignitepassion,developskills,and
MiniBasketball 3-5yearsold
March18-May13
Member$80|Community$115
Kidswilllearnthevalueofteamwork,goodsportsmanship,andfostering positivesocialinteractions.Thisistheperfectintroductoryclassforkids preparingtojoinourfutureSpursYouthBasketballLeague.
MiniSoccer
3-5yearsold
March19-May14
Member$80|Community$115
Anengagingclassthathelpsdevelopmotorskillswhileteachingthe basicsofsoccerinafunandsupportiveenvironment.
MiniTeeball
3-5yearsold
March20-May15
Member$80|Community$115
Introduceyourlittleonestothebasicsoftee-ballinafun,andsupportive environment.
JuniorTennisClinics
February3- 27&March3-27&March31-April24
4:00PM-5:00PM|Mon-Thurs(One,Two,ThreeStarLevels)
5:00PM-7:00PM|Tues&Thurs(FourStarLevel)
Learntennisfundamentals,includingstrokes,fitness,andstrategy. Privatelessonsavailable.
JCCMaccabiGames
July27-August1,2025
JewishTeensages13–16
RepresentTeamSanAntonioattheLargestJewishYouthSports Event!JoinJewishteenathletesfromaroundtheworldforan unforgettableweekofsports,culture,andcommunityinTucson, Arizona.ThisOlympic-stylecompetitionoffersachanceto competeinavarietyofsportslikebasketball,soccer,tennis, swimming,andmore.
Beyondthegames,participantswillenjoyexcitingopeningand closingceremonies,communityserviceprojectsthroughJCC Cares,andfunHangTimeprogrammingwithIsraeliShinShinim. Withplentyofsocialeventsandopportunitiestoconnect,it’san experiencethatpromiseslastingmemoriesandfriendships. Don’tmissyourchancetorepresentTeamSanAntonio—spaces arelimited!
ReachouttoDylanAshworthatashworthd@jcc-sa.orgtolearn moreandsignup.
TheJCCisproudtohaveoneofthetoppreschoolsinthecity.TheBlockandDreebenSchoolforYoungChildrenistheonly NationallyAccreditedJewishEarlyChildhoodprograminSanAntonio.Since1993ourprogramhasbeenaccreditedbythe NationalAssociationfortheEducationofYoungChildren(NAEYC),whichisthegoldstandardforthehighestqualityearlycare andeducationinthefield.Additionally,wearetheonlySanAntoniopreschoolthatisamemberoftheNorthAmericanReggio EmiliaAlliance(NAREA).ThisistheNorthAmericanconnectiontoItaly’sReggioChildren,promotingthephilosophyandvaluesof theReggioEmiliaApproachtoearlychildhoodeducationacrossthecountry.
BeingaReggioEmiliainspiredpreschoolmeansweviewallchildrenascapableandcompetentfrombirth.Theycomeintothis worldwantingtolearnandconnectwithothersandwetakethetimetoobserveandlistentowhattheytellus.Learninghappens throughcollaborativeplay-basedprojectswhichallowchildrentobeactiveparticipants,guidedbynurturingteacherswho intentionallyplanexperiencesandmaterialspresentedtothechildrendesignedinwaysthatsparkcuriosityandcreativity. Wefocusonthedevelopmentofthewholechild,withanunderstandingthatsocial,emotional,cognitive,physical,andspiritual developmentareallequallyimportantinyoungchildren.Inearlychildhood,childrenbuildtheskillstheyneedtobesuccessfulthe restoftheirlives.
AttheJCC,childrenareintroducedtoJewishculture,traditions,andvaluesthroughstories,songs,art,andhands-onmaterialsin theclassroom.ThechildrenvisitourJudaicaSpecialistweeklyandlearnbothJewishandsecularmusicwithourMusicSpecialist. EachweekthechildrencelebrateHavdalahtobegintheweekandShabbatonFridays.Throughouttheyearweplanspecial holidayexperiencestohelpchildrengainadeeperunderstandingofstoriesandtraditions.Thoughtheseexperiencesfocuson Jewishtraditions,theyaredesignedtofeelaccessibletofamiliesofallfaiths.
Whatmakesusunique?Wehave:
·3largeplaygroundsdesignedfordifferentagegroups
·ANatureTrailwhichallowschildrentoexplorethenaturalworld
·AStudioforclassestoexploremorein-depthprojects
·Classroomenvironmentswithahome-likeaesthetic
·LowNAEYCclassroomratios
·Engaged&highlyskilledteacherspursuingon-goingprofessionalgrowthopportunities.
·Year-roundopportunitiesforfamilyengagement
TheJCCBlockandDreebenSchoolforYoungchildrenisayearroundprogramforchildren6weeksto5yearsold.Weareopen Monday-Fridayfrom7AM-6PM.
Calla Pfeifer -Campos, DirectoroftheBlockandDreebenSchoolforYoungChildren
Scan the QR code to explore more about our school!
Thankyoutothe
The
LOUIS&ROSEESSTMANEDUCATIONALSCHOLARSHIPFUND
INMEMORYOF:
JaneBankler
Bonnie&BarryBankler
StevenBankler
AliceandJosephMorris
StevenBankler,CPA,Ltd.
GuillermoValdes
StevenBanklerCPA,Ltd.&Staff
HOLOCAUSTEDUCATIONFUNDOFJEWISHSTUDIES INHONOROF:
BetsyCowanandCarisaHeiss
LeslieMet
JCCFUTUREPROJECTS&NEWINITIATIVESFUND INHONOROF:
TheJCC’s25thAnniversary
Elaine&SteveKovner
INMEMORYOF:
JackEfron
JCCBoard&Staff
SallyHalff
Carisa&JoshHeiss
JCCBoard&Staff
KarenPalans
BarbieScharf-Zeldes&AdamZeldes
MarciaSinger
Carisa&JoshHeiss
BertZinn
Carisa&JoshHeiss
JCCBoard&Staff
SallyScharff
MACCABIFUND
INMEMORYOF:
AlBecken
Carisa&JoshHeiss
JCCBoard&Staff
CHARLIEPEARLSENIORSERVICESFUND INMEMORYOF:
AlBecken
IsabelResendez
SallyHalff
ShirleyLerner
Iris&WarrenLieberman
FeliceWolff
IsabelResendez
WELDONPLACEFUND
INMEMORYOF: AlBecken
CathyBachmanPottorf
MELPOMERANTZCULTURALEVENTSFUND INMEMORYOF:
SallyHalff
TheFilmFestivalCommittee
ShirleyLerner
TheFilmFestivalCommittee
JCCBoard&Staff
LEO&CHICKIEROSEMACCABIYOUTHSPORTSFUND INMEMORYOF:
ElanFleisher
RaulPalenzuela
WALTER&REBAVINERCHARITABLEFUND INHONOROF:
Barbara&RonnieArgoontheirAnniversary
WadeMonroeonhisBirthday
IsabelSanditenonherBirthday
MarySue&MaurieKern
MarySueandMaurieKern
BrendaandBillViner
Sally&WadeMonroe
INMEMORYOF:
CharlesDavis
JackEfron
SallyHalff
ShirleyLerner
DanielRaffkind
MyrnaRaffkind
MikeTaylor
FeliceWolff
MarySue&MaurieKern
SHIMSHONZEEVIFUND INMEMORYOF:
Dr.CarlPfeifer
JanieKolman
Let'sMakeitFormal! We want to acknowledge these individuals who have committed to supporting the future of our JCC through The LIFE & LEGACY Community Initiative and remind you to take the next step to formalize your gift.
Anonymous•CharlotteSueAlterman•GayleK.Alterman•RichardAlterman•StanleyAlterman JimBarshopandFamily•SteveandSusanButler
JeremyHeathDiskin•LaurenandJoeDuarte•JenniferandMarkEichelbaum•EstherFeinberg
HowardS.Feinberg•JerryE.andNancyK.Gerson•RhondaGurinsky•ShanaGurwitz
DannaHalff•JimHalff•LeslieHyman•AndrewD.Jacobson•HowardKasanoff
BethKarenKeough•PhilipA.Kolovson•SandyLevenshus•SaulLevenshus•PhilLynch
MarshaPenner•KristyandAlanPetlin• RichardA.andSaraPlanto•ReesaPullen•RozPullen
CathyandJimPottorf•RandyPulman•ShariPulman
Drs.IrvingandJoanRatner(OBM)• VardaandAdamRatner•FredRicci,Jr.
MichaelandSusanRosenberg•LaurenRoss•KendelCohen-Selig• JosSelig•JeffSiegel
SteveSilver • MiriamCourtneySilver•SharonTeich•AliceandRichardThorner
MaryandGordonWeiner• BarbieScharf-Zeldes•AdamZeldes
Forinformationontheformalizationprocess,visit www.jccsanantonio.org/support-the-j/life-and-legacy orcontactAllisonatsmitha@jcc-sa.org
