Jconnections spring2014 final

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2014

special Issue Look Inside for Annual Report

Inside Connections SUMMER DAY CAMP

2014 Children’s Scholarship Ball

ERJCC Annual Meeting

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS

MEALS ON WHEELS

FAMILY TRIATHLON

summer camp = Learning to Swim Let the

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ne of the most important skills your child can learn this summer is to become a strong swimmer. At J Camps, swimming is not only a daily, recreational activity in all camps, but there is also a daily instructional lesson for every child between the ages of 3-7 years old. The ERJCC swim instructors are certified in safety and quality by the American Red Cross and maintain a 1:4 instructor/child ratio.

“Teaching the campers to be safe in and around the water is our number one priority,” said Janet Strimel, ERJCC Learn to Swim Coordinator. “We’re excited to be offering American Red Cross Swim Lessons instructed by certified lifeguards and swim instructors to all our campers. The learn-to-swim program is designed to help children learn skills from blowing bubbles to developing stroke techniques to learning lifelong swim skills. Each class is filled with fun, engaging and challenging activities that will motivate children to want to perform and learn to swim.”

The ERJCC’s swim program is based on skill levels; each skill builds on

Take Care of You this Summer! the skills mastered in the previous levels.

“If a parent is worried about sending their child to camp because he or she is not a strong swimmer, then this is the best place to be,” said J Morgan, ERJCC Aquatics Director. “Kids who don’t know how to swim are practically given 1:1 instruction to help them get the confidence they need.”

This summer’s day camp lineup includes more than 50 options with numerous themes including old favorites such as Art, Tennis, Circus, Equestrian, Gymnastics, Cooking and an enhanced Sports Camp with a specialized sport each week including soccer, golf, basketball and baseball. The ERJCC also offers traditional day camps for preschoolers through 2nd grade such as Camp Bami, Kinder Camp and Camp Kaleidoscope.

J Camps offer flexible program options from 1-11 weeks, making J Camps a popular summer destination not only for kids but also our parents.

The ERJCC offers popular and affordable choices for parents, and is committed to hiring plenty of experienced staff members to keep a low staff-to-camper ratio.

Program & Summer Membership Rates

Summer day camp begins June 2 with three different sessions ending August 22.

For more information about the ERJCC J Camps, call Kathy Sabia Roblyer, Children and Camping Administrative Assistant, in the camping

office at 713.551.7208 or visit our website erjcchouston.org/camps.

erjcc houston

“No matter your child’s swim skill level, our Red Cross trained aquatics instructors are here to enhance every child’s abilities.”

— J Morgan, ERJCC Fitness & Aquatics Director.

JOIN US FOR Member Appreciation EVENT

Program Membership is a great way to get started at the ERJCC. This membership provides enrollment access to our various programs and classes — including summer day camp — for an entire year.

Individual $180/Year Health, Sports & Fitness Membership provides you with all the benefits of Program Membership, plus access to our state-of-the-art fitness center, group exercise, personal training, massage, indoor and outdoor pools. Individual $270/Summer* | Family $398/Summer* Tennis Membership provides all the benefits of our Health, Sports & Fitness Membership, plus access to our outdoor tennis courts, indoor tennis center,** tennis leagues, clinics and lessons.

Individual $370/Summer* | Family $598/Summer* Pool Membership provides access to both our indoor and outdoor pools. Individual $120/Summer* | Family $235/Summer* *All summer memberships begin May 15 and expire September 2. Must be at least 13 years old for an individual membership. **Based on availability, reservations required, court fees apply.

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For more information, contact Lauren Carstensen, Director of Member Services, at 713.729.3200 ext. 3221, or membership@erjcchouston.org.

TEAM HOUSTON IS BACK ON THE ROAD!

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Spots are still open in the following sports: boys 16u baseball, bowling, girls basketball, flag football, boys soccer, swimming, sports reporting — all for AM the JCC Maccabi Games in Boca Aug. 10 — 15. JCC Maccabi ArtsFest still has spots in T E Raton specialties such as acting/improv, culinary, dance, musical theater, rock band, star sport reporting, visual arts, and vocal music/glee — with professional Artists in Residence from “Top O U S T Oand “The Jersey Boys”! The JCC Maccabi ArtsFest will be in Chef”, ESPN sports, 2nd City Improv Detroit, MI Aug. 17 - 22.

2013 Deadlines for participation end soon!

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AUSTIN | ORANGE COUNTY

AUSTIN | ORANGE COUNTY

Contact Kathy Parven, Maccabi Coordinator, for details via kparven@erjcchouston. org or 713.729.3200 ext. 3226

KIDS NITE OUT

Kids Nite Out (KNO) is a great social experience for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. Parents can enjoy an evening alone while their children are supervised at the ERJCC with activities such as arts and crafts, movies, sports and gymnastics. Activities vary at each event, and advanced registration is requested. KNO takes place on Saturday evenings from 6:30 - 10:30 PM. Upcoming Dates: April 26, May 3, May 17 $20 for one child / $10 each additional child For more information, please contact Alex Fritsch at 713.729.3200 ext. 3256 or afritsch@erjcchouston.org.

Register online at erjcchouston.org/kidsniteout.

@ THE ERJCC AQUATICS PARK

SUNDAY, JUNE 1 5 10:00 AM– 1:00 PM Swimming, DJ, GAMES, FROZEN TREATS, PRIZE Drawings & Family Fun! Snack Bar will be open for lunch.

CALLING ALL CAMPERS! Meet Your Counselors Day Sunday, June 15 This is a great opportunity for our Day Campers to become more familiar with J Camps and all the enriching activities we have planned for them.

Camp Bami 10:00 AM — 11:00AM Weingarten Building — Bertha Alyce Center Kinder Camp 11:00 AM — 12:00PM Weingarten Building — 3rd Floor Camp Kaleidoscope 1:00 PM — 2:00 PM Merfish Teen Center

Rabbi Levy Continues Her Jewish Journey at the ERJCC It is an honor to get to return to a community that was so formative in my early Jewish life. I grew up with JCC summer camp, aquatics, and after school programs.

—Rabbi Jill Levy, Director, Center for Jewish Living and Learning

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he ERJCC welcomed Rabbi Jill Levy as the new Director of the Center for Jewish Living and Learning (CJLL) in January.

Rabbi Levy grew up at the ERJCC after her family moved to Houston as a young child. She graduated from Bellaire High School in 1994. Levy most recently served as the Director of Congregational Learning at the

Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Synagogue in Seattle.

“It is an honor to get to return to a community that was so formative in my early Jewish life. I grew up with JCC summer camp, aquatics, and after school programs,” said Levy. “I believe that the Jewish foundation I received here as a child has carried throughout my life. I am excited to have an opportunity to give back to the institution and to get to learn and grow with it in new and exciting ways.”

Rabbi Levy earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a Masters in Public Administration from Columbia University.

Prior to enrolling at the Jewish Theological Seminary ( JTS), Rabbi Levy worked two years for the Jewish Federation of Atlanta as a coordinator of post Birthright Israel programming and spent a number of summers on the staff of Camp Ramah in Georgia.

While in rabbinical school, Rabbi Levy was a Wexner Graduate Fellow and served as student rabbi in several different congregations. In addition, she completed a summer of clinical pastoral education (CPE) at St. Luke’s and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. She was ordained by the JTS. Levy and her husband, Matt, have two daughters, Nava and Miri, who

both attend the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Center at the ERJCC. “It feels great to be back in Houston.

I love being around family and friends whom I have been close with since I was young. It is also important to me that my children are around their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins,” said Levy.

The Center for Jewish Living and Learning brings together arts and culture and Jewish educational programs with the hope that people are enriched by meaningful Jewish experiences that help them move forward in their Jewish journey.

“We are thrilled that Rabbi Levy has joined our staff to lead the CJLL as we continue to grow and expand programs,” said Joel Dinkin, ERJCC Executive Vice President.

Levy has been getting to know the program and building relationships with staff and CJLL participants, teachers and volunteers. For a complete list of CJLL classes and programs, visit erjcchouston.org.

upcoming cjll events REPETITION AND REVELATION: AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF DOUBLE NARRATIVES IN THE BIBLE Instructor: Rabbi Jill Levy 4 Wednesdays | May 7 – May 28 7:00 – 8:00 PM $36 Member | $50 Public We are taught that nothing in Torah is extraneous, yet we also notice numerous stories that are told more than once. In this course, we will explore a few examples of these double narratives, with the help of Biblical commentary and critics, while asking ourselves how this phenomenon affects our own relationship with Jewish text and tradition. This class will allow us to enter into the Shavuot holiday with the critical question, “What does revelation mean to me?”

To register contact Nomi Barancik at 713.729.3200 ext. 3288 or nbarancik@erjcchouston.org.

IMAGING THE FUTURE: JEWISH ART AND ITS ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE Presenter: Dr. Marc Michael Epstein, Vassar College Thursday, May 15 | 7:00 PM $10 Member | $15 Public What is the future of Jewish culture?

What do Jews need in order not only to survive, but also to thrive? What’s going on in the contemporary Jewish art scene, how does it relate to what came before, and how can art be a fresh and vibrant form of exegesis—commentary—on both the historical experience and the exciting potential of the Jewish people in the twenty-first century and beyond?

For more information, contact Nomi Barancik at 713.729.3200 ext. 3288 or nbarancik@erjcchouston.org.

Join us for a Community-Wide

Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration Featuring Israeli Sports & Fitness

God wrote the Bible.

Tuesday, May 6 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM at the ERJCC Free Israeli sport & fitness stations and sport-related art activities for the whole family, plus cultural activities for adults. The fun will include rock wall climbing, arts & crafts, zumba, krav maga demos, gaga, Israeli paddleball, Dead Sea massages, basketball, fishing, face painting, inflatable soccer kick and much more.

4:00 – 5:15 PM: Happy Hour in Adult Lounge for Adults 60+ 5:15 – 6:30 PM: FREE Open Pre-K Gym

Contact Nomi Barancik at 713.729.3200, ext. 3288 or nbarancik@erjcchouston.org.

A P RO J E C T O F T H E H E B R E W U N I V E RS IT Y O F J E RU SA L E M

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Authentic Israeli Food will be available for purchase at Laykie’s Gourmet Café

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Become a student of the world-renowned Melton School this Fall 2014, at ERJCC Houston.

7:00 PM: Film at Congregation Beth Yeshurun The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers

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Hear both sides of the story at Melton.

5:30 PM: Israel Lecture with Dr. Melissa Weininger

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People wrote the Bible.

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Summer Israeli Film Series Starts June 18 | erjcchouston.org

24 th ANNUAL

CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL

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he Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center’s 24th Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball welcomed over 600 guests to the Westin Galleria on Saturday, March 1 for an evening of Hollywood glamour and flair. This year’s event honored five remarkable people who help Houston’s children thrive: Greater Houston community leaders and volunteers Ginni & Richard Mithoff; Vice President of Community Impact for the United Way of Greater Houston Linda O’Black; and long-time ERJCC community leaders and volunteers Betsy & Ed Schreiber. Dana Yudovich Katz and Kenneth Katz served as the 2014 Ball Chairs.

A cocktail reception featured a red carpet and an opportunity for guests to pose for a keepsake photo. The lavishly decorated ballroom featured larger than life Oscar statues adorning the stage, complementing the Academy Awards ceremony theme. The ensemble cast from the Jewish Community Center Stage, the ERJCC children’s theatre program, was the pre-dinner entertainment and treated guests to a live theatrical performance of excerpts from their recently staged The Wizard of Oz. Khambrel Marshall, KPRC-Local 2 Meteorologist and 2011 Ball Honoree,

served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. The Ball’s theme, “Bright Lights, Shining Stars,” played out as the Honorees were recognized for their impact on our community through their dedication to children and families. They were presented with award statuettes from ERJCC President Bobbi Samuels and were joined on stage by their Honorary Chairs: Harry Reasoner for Ginni & Richard Mithoff; Mark Lowes for Linda O’Black; Roslyn Fuchs Haikin and Nancy Lerner for Betsy Schreiber; and Kathy & Drew Berkman and Joe Kaplan for Ed Schreiber. All had a hand in making the Ball a huge success by recognizing the Honorees and raising funds for the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund, so no child is denied the opportunity to participate in life-changing experiences at the “J.” At the conclusion of the program, the Honorees, Honorary Chairs and Ball Co-Chairs were invited onto the dance floor for the ceremonial first dance, led by the music of Houston’s very own Walter Suhr & Mango Punch, six-time winner of “Best Latin Band” in the Houston Press Music Awards. Following dinner, guests partook in a moveable feast of assorted cake balls and coffee in the foyer – and

a candy bar complete with favorite movie theatre concession sweets and popcorn. The Ball’s silent auction raised additional scholarship funds attributable to the community’s generosity, as the evening concluded with more music and dancing.

In the early 1990s, a group of loving friends and family established the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund to honor Irvin Kaplan, who passed away in 1994. Irvin Kaplan, a native Houstonian

2014 Honorees Richard and Ginni Mithoff with Honorary Chair Harry Reasoner (Macey Reasoner, not pictured)

2014 Honoree Linda O’Black with her Honorary Chair Mark Lowes

2014 Honoree Betsy Schreiber with her Honorary Chairs Roslyn Fuchs Haikin (left) and Nancy Lerner (right)

and a successful entrepreneur, made lasting contributions to the Jewish community and to the community at large. Since its inception over two decades ago, the Children’s Scholarship Ball has generated approximately $9.5 million for the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund, providing more than 6,500 scholarships, so that children from six week old infants to teenagers, from all backgrounds, and with different abilities, can enjoy stimulating early

PHOTOS BY MARK KATZ

2014 Ball Chairs Dana & Kenneth Katz; 2014 Ball Honorees Richard and Ginni Mithoff, Linda O’Black, Betsy and Ed Schreiber; ERJCC President Bobbi Samuels and ERJCC Executive Vice President Joel Dinkin

Tributes ADULT MITZVAH FUND In Memory of Dr. Tom Samuels – Saranne & J. Livingston Kosberg

BOOK FAIR FUND In Honor of Steve Goodman – Elena & Joel Dinkin In Memory of Israel Gottesman – Louise & Sherwin Kershman CENTER FOR JEWISH LIVING AND LEARNING In Honor of Barbara Samuels – Rosemary Oliphant-Ingham In Memory of Dr. Kamal Sheena – Marsha & Stanley Rosenblatt CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL In Honor of Kenneth Katz – Rebecca & Kevin Block In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Janice & Robert Jucker In Honor of Kathy & Drew Berkman – Judy & Mark Mucasey In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Betty Rae & Ralph Cohen In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Leslie & Mark Kaufman In Memory of Homer Henry Harris III – Gayle & Richard Rockoff In Honor of Dana & Kenneth Katz – Stefanie & Kurt Cousins In Honor of Kenneth Katz – Kimberly & Jason Schlanger In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Barbara & Ernest Golub In Honor of Joe Kaplan – Tali & Eric Blumrosen In Honor of Kathy & Drew Berkman – Tali & Eric Blumrosen In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Fredda & Gary Friedlander In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Vicki Rabin & Andrew Bursten In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Janice S. Caplan In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Debbie & Stuart Diamond In Honor of Nancy Lerner – Linda & Donald Condon In Honor of Dana & Kenneth Katz – Taryn & Dan Braun In Honor of Steve Lerner – Wendy & Andrew Bernstein

2014 Honoree Ed Schreiber with his Honorary Chairs (from left) Drew and Kathy Berkman and Joe Kaplan. Kathy and Joe are the children of the late Irvin Kaplan for which the Children’s Scholarship Fund is named

Thank You to our Generous Donors!

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our many individual, corporate and foundation donors whose generous ongoing support helps the ERJCC continue to be a vital community asset.

In Honor of Lauren & Jeremy Blachman – Kathy & Stephen Parven In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Christine & Mark Laskin In Honor of Jim Crownover – Elena & Joel Dinkin In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Lisa & David Aaronson In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Chubb Group of Insurance Companies In Honor of Nancy Lerner – Linda & Alan Rosen In Honor of Roslyn Haikin – Linda & Alan Rosen In Honor Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin Fein In Honor of Ginni & Richard Mithoff – Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin Fein In Honor of Linda O’Black – Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin Fein In Honor of Ricky Haikin – Beth & Lee Schlanger DONNA FRANKOFF JEWISH BOOK FAIR FUND In Honor of Sharon & Dan Brener – Libby & Buz Marvins In Memory of Mark Warshaw – ERJCC Arts & Culture Department In Memory of Sheila Sack’s Mother – ERJCC Arts & Culture Department In Memory of Tom Samuels – Judy & David Bell In Honor of Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Brener – Judy & David Bell In Memory of Israel Sukey Gottesman – Sharon & Daniel Brener GENERAL TRIBUTE FUND In Honor of Silvia Max – Anita & Angel Werch In Honor of Laurel Feldman – Beatrice Lewis In Honor of Carol Kanter – Beatrice Lewis In Honor of Joanne & Donald Brodsky – Barbara & Raymond Kalmans In Memory of Lubov Belyo – Joan & Lawrence Katz In Memory of Jeannette Nichols – Sherry & Gerald Merfish In Memory of Irwin Caplan – Sherry & Gerald Merfish In Honor of Kenneth Katz – Elyse & Lewis Kalmans In Honor of Kenneth Katz – Liz & Rob Shoss In Memory of Kamal Sheena – Betsy & Ed Schreiber In Memory of Israel Gottesman – Betsy & Ed Schreiber

In Honor of Donald Brodsky – Maxine & Bubba Silberstein In Memory of Gina Weingarten – Betty Rae & Ralph Cohen In Memory of Shirley Bell – Sherry & Gerald Merfish In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Bob Zinn – Morris Glesby In Memory of Anne Braham – Sherry & Gerald Merfish In Memory of Tom Samuels – Marilyn Mars In Memory of Tom Samuels – Susie & David Askanase GERALD RAUCH MEMORIAL FUND In Honor of Bernard Fuchs – Lila Rauch In Honor of Molly Ann Kaplan – Lila Rauch In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. John Falik – Lila Rauch In Honor of Lila Rauch – Melba & Guy Rosen In Honor of Edith Lewis - Lila Rauch In Honor of Fern Granowitz – Lila Rauch In Honor of Sally Fuchs – Lila Rauch In Honor of Sally & Bernard Fuchs – Lila Rauch GERSHEN PLAYGROUND FUND In Honor of Marsha Turney – Barnett L. Gershen GIVING TREE FUND In Honor of Nicolas Davis – Kathy & Neal Davis In Honor of Aaron & Jacob Arias – Adrianna & Brian Arias In Honor of Leora & Eliana Vayner – Emily Caulfield & Michael Vayner In Honor of Jim Richards – Amanda & Stephen Cruser In Honor of Lance & Carmen Prelle – Heather Hofstetter In Honor of Amazing Principal Bonnie Kasner – Nadav Alatin In Honor of Ajay Shah – Angela & Dipan Shah In Honor of Ari Carlson – Danielle & Michael Carlson In Honor of Michael Friedberg – Lorraine & Scott Coats In Honor of Ezra Scott – Adrienne & David Scott In Honor of BAC Teachers – Amy Sher In Honor of Gabriela Bunin – Steve Bunin In Honor of Samantha Odensky – Angela & Evan Odensky In Honor of Jaquez & Julian Sereal – Nickie Sereal In Honor of Lane Charles Gandler – Claudia Duncan In Honor of Anat Gal-Nat & Idan Clarke – Tova Galnur In Honor of Reese, CJ & Jake – Erin & Mark Johnson

In Honor of Whitney Gould – Pamela Gould In Honor of Liat & Emily Rappaport – Abigail & Joey Rappaport In Honor of Liat Danielle Rappaport – Midge Wische In Honor of Truman & Ryan Wasserstein – Natalie & Brett Braun In Honor of Whitney Gould – Erin & Brandon Gould In Honor of Naomi Block’s Teacher – Pam & Nelson Heller In Honor of Terra Rose Haley – Brenda Solovitz In Honor of Aerin & Blair Carstensen – Richard Wolf In Honor of Avery Fisher – Anne & Chris Fisher In Honor of Maxwell, Goldie & Wil – Renee & James Harris In Honor of Sallye Wolf Wasserstein – Marleen Roosth Swerdlow In Honor of Naomi & Joshua Block – Janis & Stephen Block In Honor of Liat Rappaport – Jerry Wische In Honor of Levi & Josephine – Bonnie & Marc Kasner In Honor of Logan Gilbert – Suellen & A.J. Rosmarin In Honor of Ryan & Truman Wasserstein – Sallye Wasserstein In Honor of Owen & Alex Leif and all the BAC Staff – Jessica & Joshua Leif In Honor of Bennett Woolsey – Erin & Matthew Woolsey In Honor of Lauren Carstensen – Linda & Walter Carstensen In Honor of Aubrey Baverman – Marcia Baverman In Honor of Brody Mark – Donna & Brandon Mark In Honor of Jake Brasington – Kimberly & Jack Brasington In Honor of Brynn Carr – Lisa & Jason Carr In Honor of Gigi’s Grandfathers Norman & George – Denise Miller In Honor of Zoe Newman – Erin & Jeffrey Newman In Honor of Evan Rose – Edith Rose In Honor of The BAC Teachers and Staff – Lisa Getz In Honor of Ryan & Truman Wasserstein – Derek Levine GYMNASTICS FUND In Honor of Natasha & Michael Bleyzer – Martha & Donald Freedman

childhood care, educational activities, special needs programs and summer day camp at the “J.” The success of this year’s Ball allows the ERJCC to fulfill its commitments to families needing assistance.

Ginni and Richard Mithoff have devoted their time and treasure to early childhood care and education. Ginni has supported Houston’s Collaborative for Children from its first days and now serves on its board of directors. Richard Mithoff endowed a professorship in neonatal and perinatal medicine at the University of Texas School of Medicine to ensure children’s healthy development right before and right after they’re born. Together, the Mithoffs chaired the $35 million Children’s Museum campaign that allowed the museum to double its size and provide 900,000 children each year with fun, innovative learning and development programs.

The Mithoffs established and endowed The Children’s Health Fund at the Harris County Hospital District Foundation to provide mental and physical health services to our community’s most at-risk families and children. Their Honorary Chairs, Macey and Harry Reasoner put it aptly, “They have contributed to the welfare of Houston in a myriad of ways.”

Linda O’Black has devoted 35 years of her life to improving opportunities for our city’s children through her work at the United Way of Greater Houston.

The United Way touches nearly one out

of every two Houstonians through its support of health and human service agencies. Linda, who serves as the United Way Vice President of Community Impact, has developed programs that enhance the entire circle of life for people in our community. She helped initiate United Way’s Bright Beginnings, funded by Exxon Mobil and run by Collaborative for Children.

The program helps children from low-income families grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually so they enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Anna Babin, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Houston said, “Linda wants every kid to have a fighting chance to excel in school and in life, and she works her hardest to make that happen. That’s why being recognized by the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center is so fitting.”

Mark Lowes, Linda’s Honorary Chair, simply stated, “Linda has touched and often been instrumental in all of the United Way’s initiatives.

She has been an advocate for children everywhere in Houston.” He added, “Great leadership is always about how you have empowered others to make a difference. Linda excels at making all of us better.”

“We acknowledge and honor the staunch support Betsy and Ed Schreiber have provided throughout the years to the ERJCC and the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund,” commented Joel Dinkin, ERJCC Executive

2014 Ball Chairs Dana & Kenneth Katz (center) with 2014 Auction Chair Edie Efron, and Decorations & Evening Program Chairs Meredith Schlanger and Jennifer Haikin Zach (far right)

Jewish Community Center Stage ensemble cast performed excerpts from their recently staged The Wizard of Oz, as the pre-dinner entertainment

HARRIS J. WEINGARTEN TENNIS CENTER FUND In Honor of Emily Weingarten Stein – Cherill Dubinski

In Honor of Sarita Baz Baz – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Nancy Freed – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Leo Rodriguez – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Jackie Fleischer – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Vicky & Michael Richker - Selma & Jorge Guttin

HARRY K. SMITH MEALS ON WHEELS FUND In Memory of Ivan Diamond – Glenda Kirshbaum In Honor of Gayle Donsky – Beatrice Lewis In Honor of Joanna Donsky – Beatrice Lewis In Honor of Stuart Oremland – Beatrice Lewis In Memory of Albert Fridkin – Barbara & Ronald Smoller In Memory of Carolyn Davis – Barbara & Ronald Smoller In Memory of Susan Lerner –Barbara & Ronald Smoller In Memory of Edith & Hugo Kahn – Barbara & Robert Sheffield In Memory of Sidney Krakower – Karen & Buster Freedman In Honor of Bobby & Marian Braun – Ruth Schnitzer In Honor of Timothy Stewart – Susan & Edward Septimus In Honor of Abraham Kasimov – Karen & Joseph Storthz In Honor of Rolando Leguizamon – Karen & Joseph Storthz In Honor of Melanie (Mimi) & Nolan (Pops) – Susan Streeter In Honor of Doris G. Katz – Sharon E. Katz In Memory of Helene Roberts – Marian Strug In Memory of Marsha Gail Gutow – Dena & David Lena In Honor of Marsha Bronster – Linda & Zvi Schiffman In Memory of Martin – Linda & Zvi Schiffman In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lowe – Carol & J. Desey Desenberg In Honor of Our Children – Linda & Joel Chess In Memory of Leon Davis – Joyce Greenberg In Memory of Joseph Kosoy – Karol & Daniel Musher In Memory of Helene Roberts – Karol & Daniel Musher In Memory of Yuri Frayman – Linda & Zvi Schiffman In Honor of Anita Eigler - Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Raquel Goldberg – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Rosita Goldberger – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Sylvia Fleischer – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Toby Gold – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Marcia Katz – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Adrienne Shaftel – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Leslie Solomon – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Haya Varon – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Miriam Weiner – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Barby Weiner – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Freda Wilson – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Josie Tenenbaum – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Doris Yudelevich – Selma & Jorge Guttin In Honor of Esther Nagler – Selma & Jorge Guttin

HEALTH CENTER FUND In Honor of Bob Gomel – Lorraine and Sidney Brown IRVIN KAPLAN CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of Vic Samuels – Susie & David Askanase JCC MACCABI GAMES FUND In Memory of Dr. Kamal Sheena – Sherry & Lenny Dubin In Honor of Vic Samuels – Sara Astrich In Honor of Betsy & Ed Schreiber – Lenny, Sherry, Jared, Jordan & Lindsay Dubin In Honor of Vic Samuels - Lenny, Sherry, Jared, Jordan & Lindsay Dubin In Honor of Michael Kaplan – Elena & Joel Dinkin In Memory of Susan Lerner – Sherry & Lenny Dubin JEWISH ARTS & CULTURE FUND In Memory of Tom Samuels – Joyce Gilbert KAROL MUSHER STARS EARLY CHILHOOD INTERVENTION PROGRAM FUND In Honor of Karol Musher – Lydia & Benjamin Musher In Honor of Karol Musher – Rebecca & Jon Gross In Honor of Karol Musher – Deborah Musher & Joseph Menashe MARILYN HASSID JEWISH BOOK FAIR EMERGING AUTHOR FUND In Honor of Donald Brodsky – Meryl and Murry Cohen MARILYN LANDSBERG STEINER FUND In Memory of Henry A. Burttschell – Shirley & Sonny Landsberg In Memory of Janet Landsberg – Shirley & Sonny Landsberg In Memory of Ann Raicoff Schiftman – Shirley & Sonny Landsberg In Memory of Sol Barzune – Shirley & Sonny Landsberg MAXINE SILBERSTEIN DANCE FUND In Honor of Betty Morgan – ERJCC Arts & Culture Department In Memory of Betty Morgan – Hilda & Robert Frank

Vice President. Ed has served as the “J’s” president and has led a number of fundraising committees. The Schreibers chaired the Ball 10 years ago in 2004, and Betsy was co-chair in 2008. Their support is intergenerational. Betsy’s father and Irvin Kaplan were very close friends, and Betsy has known his children and Ed’s honorary chairs— Kathy Berkman and Joe Kaplan—since childhood. Joe Kaplan said, “Ed is a great family man dedicated to Betsy, Jessica and Emily. As a friend, no need to look any further.” No wonder Betsy said, “To continue the tradition of honoring Irvin is very special for us.”

Betsy and Ed’s contributions to Houston extend beyond their service to the “J.” Ed also serves as a trustee of the Houston Jewish Community Foundation and is a past board member of the Jewish Federation of Houston. Betsy chaired the Day of Caring & Sharing for the JCC Maccabi Games in 1995 and 2003, and was instrumental in bringing the Dionysus Theatre, an arts group for mentally and physically challenged teens and adults, to the ERJCC. She also spearheaded the effort and raised the money to redevelop Godwin Park and almost singlehandedly turned raw dirt into a place of beauty for her community and a place where children can play. Betsy has also dedicated her time to the Children’s Museum, the Center for Hearing and Speech, the Emery/Weiner School and MECA. Roslyn Fuchs Haikin and Nancy Lerner, Betsy’s Honorary Chairs, say, “Betsy’s commitment to the “J” and the other organizations she has embraced is something to be admired, applauded and, of course, recognized. She is a true

MELTON MINI SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Avi Oliphant – Sylvia Mintz In Memory of Avi Oliphant – Beverly Borden MERFISH TEEN CENTER FUND In Memory of Helene Roberts - Sherry & Gerald Merfish In Memory of Zelda Weiner – Sherry & Gerald Merfish MIKE GROSSMAN/JUDY RICHKER MACCABI SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Carolyn Davis – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Clara Goldstein – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Susan Lerner – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Jo Marks – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Helene Roberts – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Zelda Weiner – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Irwin Caplan – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Jaclyn Hauser – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Shelton Mitelman – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Kamal Sheena – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Thea Singer – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Harold (Hal) Weinstein – Vicky & Michael Richker In Honor of Shirley Stein – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Evelyn Ludvig – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Edith Reed – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Leon Weiner – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Louise Unsell – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Fred Holste– Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Lillian Horovitz – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Edward Rashti – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Sally Leva – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of John Morrow – Vicky & Michael Richker In Memory of Shirley Stein – Vicky & Michael Richker In Honor of Alan Finger – Vicky & Michael Richker In Honor of Ann & Stephen Kaufman – Vicky & Michael Richker OLIVER LAPIN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR FUND In Memory of Anne Braham – Eve and Bobby Lapin In Memory of Zelda Weiner– Eve & Bobby Lapin In Memory of Connie Anhalt – Eve & Bobby Lapin In Memory of Jeannette Nichols – Eve & Bobby Lapin In Memory of Stuart Nelkin – Eve & Bobby Lapin In Memory of Kamal Sheena – Eve & Bobby Lapin

woman of valor—a great wife, a fantastic mother, a superlative community leader and a truly loyal and devoted friend.”

2014 Ball Chair Dana Yudovich Katz said, “This year’s Children’s Scholarship Ball celebrated both the spirit and the legacy of the fund’s namesake, Irvin Kaplan, epitomized by our five Honorees, who provided both leadership and partnership in our mission, as well as the positive influence of early childhood opportunities.

They are truly ‘shining stars’ in our community.”

“Dana and Kenneth really gave the community a night to remember,” said ERJCC President Bobbi Samuels. “Our dedicated Ball Chairs, their committee, our Honorees, Honorary Chairs and ERJCC staff all contributed towards creating a fun, fabulous and very successful event.”

Although this year’s Ball is now concluded, the need to help children remains. Please contact Michele Rathers in the Development Office at the ERJCC at 713.729.3200 ext. 3103, or visit erjcchouston.org, for information and to contribute to the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund.

KPRC-Local 2 Meteorologist and 2011 CSB Honoree Khambrel Marshall served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies

SOPH & AL NATKIN STARS PROGRAM FUND In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Marks – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein In Honor of Lynn Edelman – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Kaplan – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Herzog – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Max Levit – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein RAYMOND E. PLOTKIN JCC MACCABI GAMES TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Raymond E. Plotkin – Wanda & Wolfgang Abele In Honor of Elaine Plotkin – Dalia & Finees Matta In Honor of Elaine Plotkin – Frances & James Tatum REUBEN ASKANASE PAST PRESIDENTS LEADERSHIP FUND In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Mary Ann & Steve Salch In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Kelli Cohen Fein & Martin Fein In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Gail & Milton Klein In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Ann & Douglas Brown In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Saundra Turk RONNIE ARROW SPORTS HALL OF FAME FUND In Honor of Alan Finger – Barbara & Stuart Aaron In Honor of Lanny Glick – Barbara & Stuart Aaron In Honor of Harold “Cookie” Kaminsky – Barbara & Stuart Aaron In Honor of Alan Finger – Sherry & Richard Kaplan In Memory of Rosalinde Auerbach – Benjamin Pigati For corrections please contact our Development Department at ext. 3103.

Names and organizations listed in this newsletter reflect donations received by February 28, 2014.

To make a donation, please contact our Development Department at ext. 3103 or visit the “Support the ERJCC” tab on our website.

New Assistant Director Joins ERJCC Preschool

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Jenny Rochkind joins the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Center as Assistant Director.

he ERJCC recently announced the hiring of Jenny Rochkind as assistant director of the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Center (BAC).

Rochkind comes from Child’s Day, a private preschool and child development center in Austin where she had been a lead teacher since June 2005. She has more than a decade of experience, with a true passion for working with children and young families, inspiring them to explore and shape their Jewish identity.

“When I toured BAC for the first time it just felt right. Every classroom we walked into was happy and engaging,”

said Rochkind. “I’m very excited to share in my passion of child development with the ERJCC.” Rochkind was born and raised in Galveston but spent a great deal of time in Houston with her grandparents who were very involved with the ERJCC when she was growing up.

“It’s so great being back here and being part of this community. I hope that I bring fresh ideas and support to

make the school even more amazing.” said Rochkind.

Rochkind graduated from the University of Texas at Austin where she studied Human Development and Family Sciences.

BAC is one of the largest Jewish early childhood centers in Houston for ages 6 weeks to five years old. To learn more visit erjcchouston.org or call 713.551.7200.

Jenny’s warm and engaging personality along with her early childhood experiences make her the quintessential early childhood professional.

—Bonnie M Kasner, Director, ERJCC Early Childhood Programs

Good Ole’ Fashioned B-I-N-G-O

The ERJCC Adult Department will be adding a new fundraiser to the mix, a night of some good old fashioned bingo.

This fun, adult ONLY evening will take place on Thursday, May 15 in the ERJCC auditorium. For a pre-paid $25 entry

fee, participants will be able to play three cards in 12 bingo games with the chance to win local fine dining and retail gift cards. There will be a $30 fee for walk-ins.

The doors will open at 6:00 pm and the games will begin at 7:00 pm.

Pre-payment and registration guarantees your spot and cards. Additional cards can be purchased at the door.

Food will be available to purchase at Laykie’s Gourmet Café at the J. Adults over the age of 21 can bring their own wine or beer.

“We’re looking forward to an enjoyable and exciting event,” said Morgan Steinberg, Adult Program Director.

“We hope the community will come out, relax and have a good time playing bingo, a game that never goes out of style.”

There are many opportunities for local businesses to support this fun eve-

J C C S

6TH ANNUAL TKC/ERJCC

ning. For more information about sponsorship contact Morgan Steinberg at 713.595.8170.

Proceeds from the event will benefit programs for older adults at the ERJCC. Please RSVP to Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186 to reserve your spot!

Adults-Only Bingo Evening Thursday, May 15 Doors open at 6:00 PM Games start at 7:00 PM $25 prepaid | $30 at the door Bring your own wine or beer Food available for purchase

P R E S E N T S

FAMILY TRIATHLON Sunday,

May4

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at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston

RACE DISTANCES:

RACE STARTS AT

THE FAMILY.

ONE FOR EVERY MEMBER OF

7:30 AM

INCLUDING MOM AND DAD!

Register

Today!

Visit trikidscamp.org and click ‘imathlete”

Your patronage of our wonderful sponsors is what puts on our race!

Please show them you appreciate them.

To register, visit trikidscamp.org and click ‘imathlete’.

Junior Thursday, May 1 & Sunday, May 4 Join us at the Kaplan Theater in The IW Marks Theater Center of The Gerald Rauch Cultural Arts Wing on Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, May 4 at 2:30 and 5:30 PM. Admission is $7 in advance or $10 at the door.

P L E AS E S U P P O R T O U R W ON D E R F U L AC TO R S BY TA K I NG I N A S H O W For reserved tickets starting April 7, visit

EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 erjcchouston.org

Like us on Facebook at Tri Kids Camp

erjcchouston.org/jccs

E RJ CC

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78 Years of Jewish Journeys

Daniel Musher selected to receive the David H. White Award The ERJCC of Houston invites the community to the Board of Directors 78th Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 PM. The Annual Meeting is an opportunity for members and the public to get updated about the past year’s events and hear from ERJCC President Bobbi Samuels on the state of the agency and thoughts for the future.

Bobbi Samuels, ERJCC President

The program will highlight the creativity and leadership of several key members of the community. The Selection Committee, chaired by Donald Brodsky, is pleased to announce the 2014 recipient of the David H. White award is Daniel Musher.

“Dan Musher has been a terrific volunteer and supporter of the Jewish arts and culture and education opportunities at the ERJCC,” said President Dr. Bobbi Samuels. “He brings wisdom and a depth of understanding to his involvement. I am thrilled with his being chosen as the David H. White Award recipient this year.”

“Daniel Musher is an outstanding volunteer. His commitment and leadership exemplifies this life legacy award,” said ERJCC Executive Vice President Joel Dinkin.

Other prestigious awards include the Stanley Rosenblatt Volunteer Excellence Award that will be awarded to Mardi Kunik and the Jerry Wische Staff Excellence Award that will be given to BAC STARS teachers Michele Muscat and Meredith Sakowitz.

“The best part of being president of the ERJCC is the opportunity to work with an outstanding group of competent, enthusiastic and innovative volunteers and staff,” said Samuels. “I’m excited that we are honoring people like the STARS teachers because of their creative work with children who have learning challenges.”

The evening will also include the election of new board members. Visit erjcchouston.org for more information about our upcoming 78th Annual Meeting.

Daniel Musher, 2014 recipient of the David H. White award for service to the Jewish community of Houston reflecting commitment to the ideals of Jewish Life.

“The best part of being president of the ERJCC is the opportunity to work with an outstanding group of competent, enthusiastic and innovative volunteers and staff.”

Honor Your Mother and Father this Spring

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he mitzvah of honoring one’s parents is considered so vital that it is one of the Ten Commandments. Recorded twice in Torah, we learn there are three partners in the creation of a new life: G-d, the mother and the father. The further back we go, the greater our elders are considered. In Judaism, we learn that every day has to be a day of thanksgiving, and every day we must honor and cherish our parents.

It is for these reasons that every one of us must endeavor to truly honor our parents. That means that we make an active effort to look after their needs (both physical and spiritual), as well as treat them with the utmost respect, whether we agree with them or not.

This includes good nutrition to ensure health and well being. This includes the ERJCC Meals on Wheels.

The Hebrew word for “honor” (ka-bed) consists of the same letters as the Hebrew word for “heavy” (ka-ved).

The only difference is a dot in the second letter. In other words, “honor” means treating one’s parents with the gravity that their position demands.

The ERJCC Meals on Wheels takes very seriously this mitzvah, having served over 500 of our neighbors within the past year. On average, 43 ERJCC Meals on Wheels referrals are received each month from adult children of clients who live away or are estranged from a parent.

$40 feeds 10 seniors for one day. $90 feeds one senior for an entire month This commandment is the only one that lists a reward for its fulfillment — long life as a viable society. The Torah wants us to understand that a society in which children cease showing honor to their parents will cease to be a functioning society. 38% of all ERJCC Meals on Wheels clients are either estranged from their adult children or have outlived them. Another 24% live more than 250 miles from their nearest relative.

Love comes from individual, unique relationships; whether or not there are blood ties does not create, by itself, an emotional closeness. Each year 200 ERJCC Meals on Wheels volunteers provide a daily dose of human touch each weekday to our elder neighbors who are near us but alone. Join us this spring as the ERJCC Meals on Wheels honors Mom and Dad.

Yes, I want to give a contribution in honor or memory of: In the amount of:  $40  $90  $250  $500  $_____ To provide as many meals as possible  $1,000 to provide one meal a day for one homebound mother or father for one year.  I would like to volunteer. Please contact me at______________________________________  My company will match my contribution.

Please contact me at_____________________ From:

For:

NAME

Please send acknowledgement to:

ADDRESS

ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP PHONE

 Mother’s Day  Father’s Day

IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF Please send acknowledgement to: NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE/ZIP PLEASE SIGN CARD

For:

 Mother’s Day  Father’s Day

IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF NAME CITY STATE/ZIP PLEASE SIGN CARD

A special tribute card will be mailed in acknowledgement of your gift. Please make checks payable to: Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096. All Contributions are tax deductible.

ERJCC AnnUAL MEEtIng

MEALS on WHEELS

FAMILY tRIAtHLon

26 ERJCC

th Annual

Golf Tournament

Calendar April 24 24 25 26 27 29

Mahler’s Jewish Roots Film Screening: Life in Stills | Deutser Art Gallery Opening Jewish Film Club – Munich Kids Nite Out Deutser Art Gallery Opening of Your Fortunate Eyes Adults 60+ Field Trip: Moody Gardens

May 1&4 3 4 4 5 6

7

7 8 8 15 15 17 21 23

Monday, May 5, 2014

BlackHorse Golf Club Check-In • 11:00 AM Lunch • 11:30 AM Shotgun Start • 1:00 PM Dinner, Silent Auction, Awards, Raffle and Door Prize Drawing to follow Tournament $250 /Player • $1,000 /Foursome Abe Goren, Tournament Chairman For information or to reserve your spot, contact Michele Rathers – 713.729.3200 ext. 3103 or Register Online – erjcchouston.org/golf

Lunch Sponsor

National Commercial Services

Golf Cart Sponsor

Hole-in-One Sponsor

Prize Sponsor

Dinner Sponsor

Beer Sponsor

Golf Ball Sponsor

Hole-in-One Sponsor

Benefitting Children’s Programs at the ERJCC

JCCS Presents Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Kids Nite Out Outdoor Pool Opens (weekends) 6th Annual ERJCC Family Triathlon 26th Annual ERJCC Golf Tournament Sports & Wellness Community Wide Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration Repetition and Revelation: An In-Depth Study of Double Narratives in the Bible ERJCC Night at Stages Repertory Theatre ERJCC Annual Meeting A Ballet Master Class w/Alonso King LINES Ballet Jewish Art and its Role in the Future of the Jewish People Adult Bingo Party Kids Nite Out BAC Pre-K Graduation Jewish Film Club: Jewtopia

June 2 9 15 15 16 18

dEvents

2014

2014 CHILDREn’S SCHoLARSHIP BALL

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS

NeW!

PAID

SUMMER DAY CAMP

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

Houston, Texas Permit No. 6217

Inside Connections

at the

Look InsIde for AnnuAL report

Women’s Basketball

EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 erjcchouston .org

OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF THE ERJCC

SPECIAL ISSUE

FREE Pre-Registration required Open to ERJCC members and public Pre-register by contacting Ken Leventhal, Director of Sports and Recreation, at kleventhal@erjcchouston.org or 713.729.3200 ext. 3230.

FREE 2-Week Pass

ERJCC Fitness or Tennis Center

Must present pass to ERJCC Fitness Center or Tennis Center.

Valid for first-time visitors only. Must be 18 years or older.

Must redeem by June 30, 2014. Other restrictions may apply.

Activate Your Lifestyle!

WITH A

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2014

Pre-Camp 1 Begins Pre-Camp 2 Begins Splash Day & Meet the Camp Counselors Summer Classes Begin Camp Session 1 Begins Summer Israeli Film Series

For more information visit erjccouston.org