The High Holidays: An Israeli Perspective
by Shy Ashkenazi, Pozez JCC Sr. Shaliach
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This week's blog, written by Shy Ashkenazi, Pozez JCC's Senior Shaliach (Israel Emissary), reminds us of the special time of year we are approaching as we prepare for the high holy days.
Shy shares his personal reflections and his examination of the difference between "being myself versus being with myself."
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High Holy Days Building Schedule |
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Rosh Hashanah (New Year)
A special festival which celebrates the Jewish New Year. It literally means 'head of the year'. The festival lasts for two days. Rosh Hashanah is a celebration of the creation of the world and marks making a fresh start.
Monday, September 6: Building is open 9am-2pm (Labor Day Holiday)
Tuesday-Wednesday, September 7-8: Building closed
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
Most solemn of Jewish religious holidays, observed on the 10th day of the lunar month of Tishri (in the course of September and October), when Jews seek to expiate their sins and achieve reconciliation with God.
Wednesday, September 15: Building open until 3pm
Thursday, September 16: Building closed
Sukkot
Commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and celebrates the way in which God protected them under difficult desert conditions. Sukkot is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, or the Feast of Booths.
Monday, September 20: Building open until 5pm
Tuesday-Wednesday, September 21-22: Building closed
Shemini Atzeret
Jewish religious festival on the eighth day of Sukkoth (Feast of Booths), considered by some to be an independent celebration immediately following Sukkoth
Monday, September 27: Building open until 5pm
Tuesday, September 28: Building closed
Simchat Torah
Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle.
Wednesday, September 29: Building closed
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The Pozez JCC is excited to share that the Donor Bricks have been placed along the walkway (near the Early Childhood Wing) so everyone can see them on their way to and from the East Parking Lot. Thank you to all the donors who so patiently waited for the bricks to be reconfigured and placed along the walkway. |
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ECLC Diversity Book Drive |
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"Reading is a passport to countless adventures." Mary Pope Osborne
The Pozez JCC takes pride in its diversity. Embracing and honoring diversity is fundamental to our mission. To that end, our Early Childhood Learning Center is working to expand its book selection in the classrooms to include more non-fiction books as well as books that show the diversity of our community.
Click this link to view their Books Wish List on Amazon: Amazon.com. Remember, when you make purchases through Amazon you can directly support the Pozez JCC! Just go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-1145849, login as usual, and then shop as you always do. The J will receive 0.5% of your purchase price (we don't see what you purchase). Everyone wins!
Additionally, .the QR code included above will take you to the list (hold your camera scanner on your mobile phone to the graphic... it should scan automatically).If you have any other ideas for books, we would love to hear your perspective.
Books are a great resource for children to see and hear about people that may experience the world differently than they do. It is one of the first ways children can learn and make sense of our world. Click here to read an article that details the importance of diverse books for young children.
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If you have lost an item and think maybe it was at the JCC, now is the time to come check out our Lost and Found display in the lobby. Items will be out for perusal for the next couple of weeks. |
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Parking Lot Safety Reminder |
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As we welcome the return of members and guests to the Pozez JCC, we want to remind everyone to please slow down and drive cautiously in the parking lot. We have children and adults of all ages walking from cars to building and building to cars.
Please stay alert and watch for pedestrians.
Thank you for keeping "Safety First" atop your priorities.
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What's "Nu" September 6-12 |
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"Nu" is defined as a Yiddish expression of agreement, or is used to
ask a simple question instead of using words such as "well" or "so."
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Visit the Pozez JCC's VirtualJ for online programs for all ages and interests! |
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"Exploring Broadway: Fabulous “Fiddler”
Thursday, September 9, 4-5:15pm (EDT) on Zoom
In partnership with the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance
Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock’s beloved Fiddler on the Roof is widely considered the last of Broadway’s “Golden Age” musicals. Before its premiere, some producers were concerned that it was "too Jewish" to attract mainstream audiences. However, the touching story and beautiful score proved to capture “the essential human longings for love, community, success, freedom, and family.” Join instructor James Sokol for a one-time exploration – filled with interesting facts, delightful tidbits, and nostalgic video clips – of this perennial favorite! Questions? Email James Sokol at jsokol@marinjcc.org.
Tickets & Notes:
"Early Bird" Ticket: $12.50, available until 48-hours prior to the class.
"Regular" Ticket: $15, available until 15-minutes prior to the class.
Tickets: All tickets are 1) are per device, not per person, on Zoom, and 2) are non-refundable & non-exchangeable.
First Friday Book Group Meeting (In-Person)
Friday, September 10, 11:30am-1pm
Led by Paula Haimes
Are you an avid reader? Then this group is for you! Each month we’ll discuss a book from a list compiled by group members. All are welcome. Happy Reading!
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September: Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
Fee: Included in J-Family and J-Journey memberships.
$10 one-day membership upgrades (day passes) are available to J-Pass cardholders
$20 for non-J-pass cardholders with a valid driver’s license or picture ID
This is a drop-in program; however, an RSVP is appreciated. For questions or to RSVP, contact Shari.Berman@theJ.org or 703.537.3068
Special Virtual Presentation
C-Span’s Historian Surveys of the Presidents: From Washington to Trump
Friday, September 10, 12:30pm-2pm (virtual via Zoom)
Presented by the J-Men’s Club
Featuring Larry Schwartz, former Survey Program Manager, LMI Government Consulting
All are invited to join members of the J-Men's Club for this virtual presentation on C-Span surveys of our presidents along with Q&A. Learn the presidential leadership characteristics that were important to historians, especially crisis leadership, and why, for instance, former president Trump ranked relatively high for public persuasion. Appreciate the relationship between such presidential leadership characteristics and performance in the White House. In fact, only 1 in 5 presidents would receive a passing letter grade for performance! See how some president rankings markedly improved or worsened with the passage of time and discover why. The selection of 142 historians from diverse backgrounds and institutions to participate in the 2021 presidential survey provides confidence in the results. All are welcome! For questions or assistance, contact Shari.Berman@theJ.org or 703.537.3068.
Fee: Complimentary (however you must register)
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Pozez Picks: A Virtual Author Series
Billie Jean King, "All In: An Autobiography"
In Conversation with Katie Couric, Award-winning Journalist and Founder, Katie Couric Media
Sunday, September 12, 8pm
Zoom Author Talk & Q & A
An inspiring and intimate self-portrait of the champion of equality that encompasses her brilliant tennis career, unwavering activism, and an ongoing commitment to fairness and social justice.
In this spirited account, Billie Jean King details her life's journey to find her true self. She recounts her groundbreaking tennis career—six years as the top-ranked woman in the world, twenty Wimbledon championships, thirty-nine grand-slam titles, and her watershed defeat of Bobby Riggs in the famous "Battle of the Sexes." She poignantly recalls the cultural backdrop of those years and the profound impact on her worldview from the women's movement, the assassinations and anti-war protests of the 1960s, the civil rights movement, and, eventually, the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
All books include shipping to the US and Canada only. Books will be shipped after the event and can take 7 - 10 business days to receive due to Covid-related USPS delays!
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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The Distinguished Speaker Series presents…A Special Political Program
Featuring Marvin Kalb on "Assignment Russia" (virtual)
Sunday, September 19
2pm-3:15pm
Award-winning journalist and author, Marvin Kalb, will speak to us via Zoom about his latest memoir, “Assignment Russia.” Released in April, the book follows his career as a foreign correspondent in Moscow at "the crucible of the Cold War" and at the birth of broadcast news. For those of you who heard Marvin speak at the J on his previous memoir, “I Was Peter the Great,” you know you are in for a treat! As its sequel, “Assignment Russia” gives an eyewitness account of historic events from one of the 'Murrow Boys.' The Pozez JCC is thrilled to have Mr. Kalb return to kick off the year of important speaker briefings! The hardback edition of “Assignment Russia” can be purchased from Scrawl Books, a Northern Virginia independent bookstore, for $24.99 by clicking here: https://www.scrawlbooks.com/book/9780815738961
Fee: $10/household. You must register for this program.
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Adult Education Classes
Visit the Virtual J for details on these upcoming virtual classes:
Private and Semi-Private Hebrew Lessons
Hebrew Classes (in partnership with Bender JCC)
Level II Yiddish
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Recreational Games & Activities |
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Recreational Games and Activities are BACK at the J!
Here are two useful links to help you create a Mindbody account and login to register for game slots:
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Judy & Sy Wengrovitz, Forever
Through September 30, 2021
Many of our lives have been enriched by artists Judy and Sy Wengrovitz’s friendship and art. Sadly, Judy and Sy have passed away. Forever is a gallery exhibition and online sale that is a tribute to their contributions to their community and craft.
All proceeds from the show and sale benefit fine arts programs at the Pozez JCC.
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The online gallery is live! Click here to view works of art
on paper by Judy Wengrovitz.
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High Holidays Scavenger Hunt
Event dates September 6-30, Register by September 5
Most enjoyed by ages 3+ (fun for the whole family!)
When you go on this community-wide virtual scavenger hunt you are sure to have fun! From Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) to Simchat Torah (celebrating the Torah) we have it covered. If you choose to accept this challenge, you will be given a list of missions (things you may find at home, in your neighborhood, in your community or online) to complete using the free online app called Goose Chase. Our Chase will run from September 6th to September 30th. Sign up by September 5th to reserve your spot!
During a Goose Chase scavenger hunt, you will be asked to complete missions that range from taking pictures to answering questions. All ages can participate in the hunt and the best way to win is through teamwork. The hunt is creative, interactive, and fun. Think of it as a crazy game show and YOU are the contestant! The hunt will take you approximately 2 hours but you don't have to do it all in one day. Leading up to the event, you will receive an email with a link to the app and instructions on playing.
Hosted by the Pozez JCC of Northern VA, Bender JCCGW, Edlavitch DCJCC, PJ Library, and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
Tashlich @ the J
September 9-15 during JCC business hours, 6:30am-8pm
Visit JFA Julie on September 9 from 10am-11am and Melissa from 3:30pm-4:30pm
On the 13th, visit Tracy from 10am-10:45am
Tashlich, which literally translates to “casting off,” is a ceremony where Jews symbolically cast off the sins of the previous year by tossing pebbles into water. During this ritual, people call to mind things they’ve done wrong in the past year and then “throw them away,” promising for improvement in the coming year. Tashlich can be done any day during Rosh Hashanah until Yom Kippur.
This year, we will have a symbolic Tashlich set-up in the lobby. Write your wrongs to throw away on water soluble paper and cast them into the water to melt away. See above for times to meet a J-Family Ambassador at the table!
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GJF Weekly Programs
Bim Bom Bags: Fall Flavors
Thursdays
Best for Ages 2-6
Growing Jewish Families is bringing back a family favorite! Bim Bom Bags are the perfect way to include Jewish holidays into your home with learning, crafts, snacks, and more. This fall, we are offering a series of three bags—High Holidays, Shabbat, and Chanukah! Buy all three or choose the ones that appeal to you. When you sign up, we will hand-deliver to your door (in Northern Virginia) Jewish-themed arts & crafts activities to work on independently with your child(ren). We will welcome you to an online gathering (optional) to show off your work and learn more with families from across the DMV! Questions? Email FamilyAmbassadors@theJ.org.
Shabbat/Havdalah: Buy your bag by Wednesday 10/13 for delivery on Monday 10/18, online gathering Thursday 10/21 @4:30
Chanukah: Buy your bag by Wednesday 11/24 for delivery on Monday 11/29. Online gathering Thursday 12/2 @4:30
Fee: Each bag is $18 but if you buy the set of three, pay just $45.
The J-Family Ambassadors are funded by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and implemented by Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia's Growing Jewish Families, Bender JCC of Greater Washington, and Edlavitch DCJCC.
GJF Growing Grasshoppers
Select Sundays through November: Sept. 12, Oct. 17, Nov. 14
10am
Most enjoyed by age 12-24months (or crawlers)
Is your little one on the move and no longer content to just sit on your lap and play? We are looking for some grasshoppers who like to wiggle, jiggle, and move! Join our J-Family Ambassadors Tracy and Shoshana to get those wiggles out with music, stories, dancing, and more! A great way to spend your morning and meet other families for some FUN!
Afternoon Sillies with GJF: A Weekly Program
Select Thursdays, Sept. 9, 23, Oct. 14, 28, Nov. 11, Dec. 23, 30
4:30pm EST
Ages: 2-6
Bring a snack and get those sillies out with J-Family Ambassadors Tracy and Julie. Whether it is a puppet show, a craft, or a special guest, Tracy and Julie will be there to end your day with a smile! Supply lists, if needed, will be provided in advance.
To register:
The J-Family Ambassador program is brought to you by the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia and funded by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and The United Jewish Endowment Fund.
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Spaces are filling for Pozez JCC's new Chai 5 after-school program for children in Kindergarten through fourth grades! Register soon to ensure your child is "in."
CHAI 5 operates after school five days a week until 6pm at the Pozez JCC.
Eligible elementary schools include Mantua, Gesher Jewish Day School, Canterbury Woods, and Wakefield Forest.
Specialty activities are available three times per week and swimming in the Pozez JCC’s heated, indoor pool the other two days.
CHAI 5 Jr.
Designed specifically for children beginning their school-aged journeys, CHAI 5 Jr. is comprised of kindergarteners in the CHAI 5 program. The Junior program offers a nurturing, positive experience that will help ease the transition to elementary school for our youngest participants by providing a safe, engaging, and inclusive space.
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Need a preschool or after-school program?
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Pool repairs are nearly complete. As of press time, the pool is scheduled to re-open on Sunday, September 12. Note that the water temperature might run cool the first day or two that it is opened while we work to heat the fresh water. |
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J-Fit offers a robust roster of indoor and outdoor group exercise classes that are available throughout the week.
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Updated Class Schedule (as of Aug. 12, 2021)
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Registration Cancellations: If you register for a class and are unable to attend, please cancel in the app or call 703.323.0880 to inform the J that you will not be attending in order to make room for another member who was on the waiting list. |
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CommUNITY: Please Help As You are Able |
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The Pozez JCC continues to support and build CommUNITY during this challenging time for so many people in our area. We hope you will join us in standing together to help those in need. |
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The needs in our commUNITY are only increasing. That is why J Rides, a member of the NV Rides family, is currently expanding its service to provide help where it is needed most. In order to do this we need to enlist more volunteers to help with contactless food deliveries, check-in calls to isolated seniors and rides to critical medical care appointments.
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Collecting Non-Perishable Food & Personal Care Items for Food for Others |
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NOTE: We have received special requests for cleaning supplies and reusable grocery bags. |
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Food insecurity in our region is growing, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect so many. Please help by dropping off your donations at the J.
Pozez JCC continues to collect non-perishable food and personal care items for those in need in our commUNITY. We offer members the ability to drop off donations throughout the week in the J lobby during operating hours. Pozez JCC will continue to bring items to Food For Others once a week.
Each week during business hours, please bring non-perishable food and personal care items to the Guest Services Desk at the J's entrance to help us Jam the J-Trolley and donate these items to hose in need in Fairfax County.
Suggested non-perishable foods include: Canned chicken, canned chili, canned fruit, rice, spaghetti sauces, and cardboard boxes.
Suggested items include: Toothpaste/Toothbrushes, deodorant and lotions, diapers & baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence underwear, laundry & dish detergent, household cleaners, paper towels & toilet paper.
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When you make purchases through Amazon you can directly support the Pozez JCC! Just go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-1145849, login as usual, and then shop as you always do. The J will receive 0.5% of your purchase price (we don't see what you purchase). Everyone wins!
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In need of support? Visit the Virtual J for resources by clicking here.
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Stay connected to the J through social media @PozezJCC!
Click on any of the icons below to check out what the J community is sharing and FOLLOW US so you get the 4-1-1!
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