We Were Given T-shirts
– My JResponse Experience

October 25 – 28, 2019
Written by Cheri Szereszewski
Director of the Prosserman JCC Daycare and Preschool in Toronto, Ontario

We were given t-shirts so we could be identified but we were also given name tags with the Pittsburgh JCC logo on it and our name.  

When I first heard about JResponse at the JCCA Professional Conference last year I was so interested in finding out more about this amazing initiative.  The idea behind the JCCA initiative is that a group of JCC staff from throughout the JCC community could volunteer to go help Jewish communities in need. With permission from their Executive Directors they would be released from their jobs at home. They would be called upon to go wherever there was a crisis to help in any way needed. The difference is that usually JResponders, as we are called, would normally go after all the other social agencies, volunteers and media were gone. To me this was truly demonstrating Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Chesed (acts of kindness and compassion).

As the Early Childhood Director at a JCC I have worked diligently to incorporate the principles and lenses of the Sheva Learning framework into our program. The lenses take our Jewish values and help us find concrete ways to teach them to the children.  I cannot think of a more concrete way to demonstrate these values than being a part of the JResponse deployment to Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh JCC gave all their staff the day off for the one year anniversary of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting. The staff could spend the day in any way they wished. There was a morning of therapeutic activities they could choose to attend or they could spend time with their families. They could attend the commemoration activities in person or by watching on tv. Regardless, they did not have to work- we did that for them.

In addition, aside from all the therapeutic activities being offered at the JCC, the rest of the facilities (fitness, pool, etc) were closed for the day.  The 20 JResponders from communities all over North America answered phones, guided people to where they were going, helped at the two blood drives that were going on and did anything else required.

To be honest, I had no idea what to expect. I was assigned to the reception desk with Steve Wendel, the Executive Director of the JCC in Newport News, Virginia, answering phones, granting access to the building and helping people sign in.  We were distinctive in our blue t-shirts and people asked who we all were. When they found out that we were 20 JCC professionals who came to help, the response was always the same, "Thank you so much for being here. It means so much."  I was so humbled and grateful to be there. My response was "You are welcome; I am honoured to be here to help." 

Some people just wanted to talk.  I heard so many stories about that terrible day from people who had been there- in the synagogue, in the neighbourhood.  Even from a police officer who was helping on Sunday and who had been responsible for the Tree of Life synagogue for 25 years as part of his daily beat.  Everyone had a connection and a story. Many just needed to be heard or to get a hug.  A local coffee shop sent over coffee and bagels for the police officers who were keeping us safe that day. When people in the Brueggers heard that they were donating the coffee and food, they insisted on giving money to the owner to offset the cost.  There were signs that said Strength Not Hate everywhere. From the airport monitors when I arrived, to signs in every store window the support shown was remarkable.  This was a community in the truest sense and they were actively showing the Jewish community that they were there for them.

This JCC is a true hub within this community. They have built a resiliency centre which gives people a place to come just to have a space to be (even if they don't want to talk), support staff who can help, and a space for community groups (like AA) to meet. This grew out of the circumstances of the shooting that took place when the JCC became command central for law enforcement, media, and the people in the Squirrel Hill community, whether Jewish or not.

So often we see things on the news and we feel like we wish we knew how to help (other than financially, which is easy).  I know that being in Pittsburgh at this time was appreciated but I so appreciated the opportunity to be able to DO something. Being able to work with my JCC colleagues from all different departments and from all over North America in a meaningful and concrete way. During our preliminary Zoom meeting 2 weeks ago and orientation when we arrived, we quickly formed close relationships as we knew we were sharing something special. As we all sat in the large hall at the JCC ago watch the live stream of the Commemoration ceremony we took each other's hands, offered each other kleenexes and truly felt the emotions of this yahrtzeit.  We all go home feeling connected to the Pittsburgh community, each other and our JCC community.  Through JResponse we made a made a difference and I am so grateful that I could play a small part in that. While the hope is that we will never be needed, Should I be asked to deploy again to another crisis I know I will be part of something special.

A few of the takeaways that I brought back to Toronto with me included how as a JCC we help build connections, we support our community and that it is so important to give to those in need - to those we know and to strangers equally. We were given t-shirts so we could be identified but we were also given name tags with the Pittsburgh JCC logo on it and our name and this truly made me feel like I belonged.

We were supporting the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh and the Jewish Community as they joined to reflect, to remember, and to build resilience as we commemorated one year since the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue. 

I would be happy to speak to anyone who is interested in volunteering to be part of JResponse to tell you more about this incredible initiative and my experiences in Pittsburgh. 

More patience or a different point of view?

Toddlers are busy little people. They like to run, explore and have things their way. As an early childhood expert, parents often ask me: ‘how are you so patient?’. The truth is, I do have patience but when you understand the toddler’s perspective you don’t need as much.

I have trained myself to have a different point of reference when looking at a situation. Here are three examples of natural triggers for even the most saintly of parents and what can be done for a smoother parent-toddler experience.

Going to the mall

The first thing a parent must do is decrease the to-do list. Have a plan for your mall visit with only one to two goals. Browsing with a toddler is impossible so set your own personal expectations in advance with that understanding. Plan your visit to be longer than needed, this way you can give your child more time to explore the environment. Leave time for your child to lead the way, and just follow (no questions asked). Approaching the mall visit form your child’s point of view will make the experience less stress for you. You may even enjoy it, along with some good educational time for I Spy games such as finding colours, shapes, animals, or playing catch. Be creative.

Going to the park

This may be your toddler’s first spring outdoor experience. There is no need to push children to play with ALL the playground structures at once. As adult, we are conditioned to be excited about the ability to try everything. Toddlers, however, need time to learn new environments. It is better for children to use their senses to understand their surroundings than to simply “play” in the playground. Let your child listen to the birds and airplanes in the sky. Encourage touching the grass, sand, rocks (feel free to take off shoes, and yours too if possible). Smell the flowers, examine bugs, ants, bees, and flies (don’t show your dislikes- be brave). Teach your child to be respectful of nature and share your knowledge and curiosity.

Going to the grocery store

We all know toddlers will sit in the shopping cart for less than a minute before asking to be unbuckled. Don’t fight it. Ask your toddler to help with the grocery list and in leading the way. Follow your child through the aisles and load your shopping cart with items on your list (make your shopping list short so the experience can be successful).

Some grocery stores have small shopping carts that can be used by the children such as the Sobeys on Rutherford and Bathurst. Allow your child to keep busy putting items in the mini-cart, just like you. If possible, allow your toddler to also feel the accomplishment of helping to pack the bags with your support.

The bottom line is, toddlers will be toddlers! Be there for them, listen, engage, guide, share, laugh and make memories for a lifetime as they don’t stay this age forever. What does stay the same? Stores at the malls, park play structures the supermarket shopping. You’ll have a lifetime of that.

Naama Yaacov, Director of Early Childhood Education Development at the ProssermanJCC and Schwartz/Reissman Centre

SPRING AQUATICS 
Swimming lessons for every level and all ages! Convenient times and easy location!

Member registration opens on March 3rd at 10:00am
Public Registration opens on March 10th at 10:00am

The following classes are available:
Group - 4:1 participants per class, 30 and 45 minute swimming lessons, 3-12 years old
Private - 1:1 participant to teacher, 30 and 45 minute swimming lessons, any age
Parent and Tot- 30 minute classes for parent and tot, ages 4mo -2.9 years (caregiver must be 16+)
Competitive- A 90 minute intense introduction to competitive swimming principles for kids who have completed Swim Kids 10.
Adult- 4:1 participants per call, beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, 45 minute swimming lessons, 16+

DISCOVER WHY OUR MEMBERS LOVE TO SWIM AT THE J



New and Improved Schedule!
We offer an “ANY LEVEL, ANY TIME” format for most swim lessons. We offer all levels at almost any time. Just select the date and time and we do the rest! This is great for families with multiple kids!

Registration Details:
Registration is ONLINE ONLY. Phone registration is no longer available. Winter session registration will be open as per dates above.

Creating an Account:
If you haven’t already done so, we strongly advise setting up your free online registration account in advance of the above registration dates.

Click here to learn more about online registration and how to create your free account!

New to the Aquatics Program?
Are you new to our program and not sure what level to register your child for? Call our Aquatics department at 905-303-1821 x 3023 to setup a free 5 minute swim assessment. Our instructors will assess your child’s swim skills and recommend an appropriate level for registration.

Last night, the Prosserman JCC and Schwartz/Reisman Centre Board of Directors announced its new Chair, Michael Sherman. Michael is well known to our community but we thought we would take a few minutes to help you get to know him even better. Use any of the following as jumping off points to start a conversation with Michael the next time you see him at an event, class or meeting (of course other conversation topics are welcome!).

• When not at the J, he works as head of Behavioural Economics at RBC Royal Bank, introducing new ways to bring about exceptional client experiences.
• His connection to the JCC began when he first entered law school in the ‘80s and working out a the “J” became part of his daily routine.
• Where you may have seen Michael at the J: Weight training, playing basketball, taking art classes, swimming in the pool and attending community and holiday events.
• His lay leadership with the JCC started in 2013 and has included serving on the Marketing, Budget and Finance, and Executive Committees.
• Personal mantra: It’s all about relationships. Care. Compassion. Connect.

Insight into two of the city’s fast growing Supplementary Hebrew Schools

We reached out to two JCC educational leaders, Galya Sarner, Director of Kachol Lavan, and Tova Hovich, J.Roots Educational Director to find out the secret to creating two of the most successful supplementary Hebrew schools in the city.

What is the secret to creating an excellent supplementary Hebrew school?
Sarner: The secret code of the Jewish people is the Hebrew language — parents intuitively understand that and are looking for that for their children. As with any successful community initiative, the primary element in creating an excellent supplementary Hebrew school is working with passionate lay leaders and staff who believe in the school’s vision.

Hovich: There are many components in creating an excellent supplementary Hebrew school. First is to create a unique school culture tailored to the requests and desires of the Jewish clientele that you serve. Second is the implementation of the best educational practices from the field of supplementary education. The pedagogy and the teaching philosophy must be high-level, innovative, attractive and engaging with a multi-level Hebrew and Judaic content approach.

What should parents look for in a supplementary Hebrew school?
Sarner: Parents should try to find a school that matches their educational vision for their children. Do you want a diverse community within the school? What age range does the school cover? On what does the curriculum focus? Since Kachol Lavan began in 2006, we have focused on one main thing: a love for the Hebrew language and connection to Israel. This value proposition is what we feel has made us one of the leading Israeli supplementary schools outside Israel, especially for native Hebrew speakers.

Hovich: Parents should check the mission, the teaching philosophy and the educational contents — whether it’s Judaic, Hebrew, etc. — of the schools. Each supplementary Hebrew school differs in these aspects, and parents should do their research in order to ensure that their school aligns with their expectations. Book a tour of the school, meet school management, tour the classes and pay attention to student-teacher ratio in the classrooms. Parents might also want to ask what other educational opportunities are offered within the school, such as art, workshops, events, trips and music.

What are some of your greatest successes?
Sarner: One of my personal highlights was the expansion and integration of Kachol Lavan into the JCC community. The incredible spirit of Kachol Lavan overwhelms me and is definitely a huge part of our success. Hearing our students speaking and singing in Hebrew, celebrating Jewish holidays, talking part in community-wide events and seeing our alumni take an active role as new leaders in our community are all huge sources of pride for us as a school.

Hovich: I think having the highest possible student and staff retention rate in the supplementary education industry is our biggest marker of success. Over 90 percent of students and staff return year after year to continue their J.Roots journey. We have car pools of families coming from all across the GTA — as far as Bolton, Caledon, Newmarket and Barrie. Our student and faculty grow each year and now encompass 372 students and 27 weekly classes at two JCC locations, all delivered by 60 personnel and JVolunteers. Our alumni are another mark of success. We already have a pool of a few hundred of our own alumni who continue to stay connected to UJA and JCC in many ways, whether through volunteering or participating in events and trips.

How do you come up with innovative and cutting-edge curriculum?
Sarner: We surveyed families in order to help us set direction for the future. From that information, and discussions with staff, we set certain priorities, including enhanced Hebrew-language instruction and development of a new proficiency model; new enrichment opportunities; enhanced learning experience through a new approach to curriculum and evaluation; an increased opportunity for teacher engagement; and an increased opportunity for parent involvement.

Hovich: A few experiences have shaped how I develop our curriculum: my Israeli educational background in Jewish history and educational management, my professional experience teaching Jewish history and Hebrew as a second language, and participation in Diaspora curriculum with the Jewish Agency and the Israeli Ministry of Education. The JRoots curriculum is created in teams made up from our school’s Educational Leadership Board. Each year, we evaluate success criteria for each grade level, see what worked and what didn’t and update our multi-grade curriculum accordingly, adding new components, features and pilot projects. At J.Roots, we have created a lot of generic and consistent material that can be used in different classrooms, creating one big picture of the school’s teaching and philosophy. Having this approach sustains the J.Roots pedagogy and allows us to build on and enhance the curriculum as needed from year to year.

How do you select your teachers?
Sarner: We are always looking for staff with the vision, integrity, knowledge and, most importantly, passion for the mission of Kachol Lavan. Our educational staff is composed of university-graduated certified teachers who are fluent in English and Hebrew. They have community experience and involvement and are creative thinkers. Mostly, they are strong leaders with an ability to provide an authentic love of Israeli culture.

Hovich: Aside from looking at the professional background of our teachers, which includes qualifications and teaching experience, we want each faculty member to be an ambassador of the JCC and JRoots. We look for teachers who are engaging and creative and foster a positive learning experience by being role models for our students. Our teachers must have a passion for making the connection between our students’ Canadian roots and their Jewish roots.

The JCC supplementary Hebrew schools are growing year over year. Why do you think that is?
Sarner: The success of Kachol Lavan is a major priority for the Schwartz/Reisman Centre and the Prosserman JCC, and a significant number of resources have been set aside for its continued growth. I think we also fill a significant void in our community by enhancing the teaching of Hebrew, creating a rich connection to Israel, and building a new community within the broader Jewish community.

Hovich: There are many reasons why I believe JCC supplementary Hebrew schools are growing each year. I believe the supplementary Hebrew school sector offers a high standard of education. It provides both informal and formal education, which is helping students and families build and live their Jewish identity. Students are developing their Judaic knowledge and basic Hebrew literacy skills while being able to take part in other learning opportunities, such as workshops, events and activities. It is an easy, convenient and comfortable way to serve the needs of the families and the students, especially families with multiple children.

What do you think is next for Kachol Lavan and J. Roots?
Sarner: We have to keep up our efforts in promoting a modern supplementary Jewish education model and to unite Jewish community members from different cultural backgrounds. Ensuring the accommodation of diverse educational needs within the Jewish community will remain important, as will be helping students retain their connections to their respective cultural roots and heritage.

Hovich: I think the JCC supplementary Hebrew schools are going to continue to grow and will remain strong. As a community, we need to continue to enhance educational components by adding different models of informal education to the formal education. This will continue to build and foster the Jewish identity for the generations to come.

Click here to register for Kachol Lavan or JRoots

Time for TRIBE

I first discovered the Schwartz/Reisman Centre at a time in my life when I was searching for something for myself, my kids were finishing high school and I had more time to focus on me. I wanted to get myself into shape and become stronger. When I originally joined the fitness centre, I would show up sporadically to exercise, but I didn’t love working out.

My trainer Irina suggested that I try Tribe Team Training. It was hard, as it was the most physically challenging exercise program that I’ve ever done! Now, having stuck with it for two years, being part of the team is what keeps me coming back season after season. We look out for each other, cheer each other on and work hard to keep up with one another. We’re all in it together and together, we achieve more!

I have never been this strong and I am proud of my accomplishments. I would not have been able to do it without my TRIBE people!

My husband Ron was in a similar situation wanting to become healthier and more fit, yet not really finding his niche at the gym. I encouraged him to go to a Tribe trial, to which he immediately felt the great results that I did!

Tribe Team Training has a comfortable and welcoming environment that challenges us physically, independently and as teammates. Being part of Tribe, I feel accomplished which is both motivating and addicting! The people that we’ve met in the programs have become new friends, as these classes have opened us up to new and exciting possibilities.

The Schwartz/Reisman Centre has provided us with not only physical well being, but with an emotional and spiritual place where we feel at home.

- Mary Jane Klausz

Contact Irina at [email protected] to book your Free Trial today!
Learn More!

Our Fall/Winter 2018/2019 edition is jam packed with interesting articles, fun interviews, staff spotlights, event highlights and an overview of just about everything you can do as a part of the J community! View our interactive edition below, and stop by the centre to pick up your physical copy!

Read Now

Ron and Myra Greenberg make the drive to the Prosserman JCC every week to play bridge. Their love for the game started after the couple took lessons at the Schwartz/Reisman Centre. Once the lessons were completed the couple were asked to play a more advanced level of the game at Prosserman, where they now come every Thursday to meet with friends and share their love for cards.

However, their affiliation with the JCC started much earlier their lives – as it was the place they first met! Both Bobby and Myra had mutual friends through the JCC who thought they would be a great match and were they ever right! “We went out for coffee – and the rest is history,” says Bobby as he recalls the details of their first date which led to their 21-year marriage and counting.

Throughout the years, the JCC has been as place for the couple to meet friends and like-minded individuals. The couple continues to come back to the Centre because of the atmosphere, and because no matter where they are in life there are always programs and events that have allowed them to find couples and individuals with the same interests. “We are pretty close with a few people, we go out to dates and it’s a lot of fun!” Said Bobby of the friends they have made through Bridge.

The couple continues to come back to the Centre because no matter what stage of life they are in, there are always programs and events that lead to meeting great people.

Seems like it isn't just their hand of bridge that makes Ron and Myra our winning players

Welcoming the new additions to our Fitness Equipment Family!

We have an announcement to make! There’s a new addition to our family, and they aren’t babies!

We have 2 brand new Life Fitness strength machines: the High Row, and the Incline Press. Both come with adjustable seating, are plate-loaded, and offer more opportunities for muscle growth! The High Row is used to target your back and is a nice alternative to our Low Row machine. By using both the High and Low Row, we can target the back at different angles.

To use this machine correctly, you have to adjust your shoulders in the correct position (down and back) to stabilize your position. Pull through with the elbows and feel the squeeze in your mid back. The angle of this High Pull machine allows you to target the latissimus dorsi muscles (lats) more.

The best part about this machine is that it complements the second addition to our fitness center, the Incline Press. The Incline Press is a compound exercise similar to the bench press; the difference is that it targets the front of the shoulders and upper chest. Although the movement and muscles targeted are similar to the incline bench press, using this machine allows for more stability as you build up the confidence and strength to tackle the incline bench press.

Make sure to stop by the fitness centre and ask our Trainer on Duty to help you try these new babies out!

- Jayden Hylton
Certified Personal Trainer