By Jenn Ross
Being a part of the JCC community has been a source of strength and energy throughout this pandemic. Our staff, volunteers, and members have continuously built community as an alternative to isolation. Even those who have continued to remain at home have been touched by our num…
By Jenn Ross
I frequently quote and reflect upon this guidance from Pirkei Avot 2:21: “It is not on you to complete the work; neither are you free to desist from it.” Being the leader of a Federation integrated with a JCC and running a Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) can be ov…
By Jenn Ross
January was a very troubling month for the Jewish community.
From the horrifying hostage situation during a Bar Mitzvah/Shabbat service in Colleyville, Texas, to the atrocious speech on MLK Day (and follow-up statement) by Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, a leader in the Pr…
By Jenn Ross
While attending Beth El Temple’s Human Rights Shabbat in December, I was incredibly moved by speaker Dr. Truong Phuong of the International Service Center, who provided an overview of the challenges his agency faces serving the time-sensitive and desperate needs of Afghan ref…
By Jenn Ross
I recently watched the Netflix limited series Maid, a powerful dramatization of some of the injustices in our society. I was struck by how many of the issues presented in the series caused me to reflect on the Jewish concept of Tzedek, or “justice.”
Social justice efforts …
