Peninsula Jewish Community Center Your Center for Life!

CenterView

A Partnership That Thrives

Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s LeadersDaniel Jude and Scott Spivak are the proud recipients of the PJCC’s “2010 Dan Cook Sports Achievement Award,” established in loving memory of Daniel Levine Cook (1965 – 1996). This award recognizes young athletes who serve as an inspiration to other young Jewish athletes.

For the past two years, 14-year-old Scott has scored as a soccer player on the PJCC’s Maccabi delegation. The Kehillah Jewish High School freshman is an active member of BBYO (B’nai B’rith Youth Organization), Kehillah’s Mish Mosh (improv) group and volunteers with the Friendship Circle, Second Harvest Food Bank and Rebuilding Together. For his Tzedakah

(charity and social justice) project, Scott chose Chai Lifeline, an organization that helps Jewish families with children

who have serious illnesses. Prior to his Bar Mitzvah, Scott cut off all of his hair and donated it to Pantene Loving Locks, a program that provides free wigs to women battling cancer.

S i x t e e n - y e a r old Daniel Jude is a junior at Sequoia High School. Enrolled in the school’s i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y

recognized International Baccalaureate program, he finds time to serve as sports

editor of the school newspaper while also playing football. For two consecutive years, the gifted athlete has joined

the PJCC’s Maccabi Game delegation as a member of both the soccer and tennis teams. Daniel is known for his great sense of humor, positive sportsmanship and upbeat nature. Currently, he volunteers with the North Peninsula Jewish Teen Foundation.

Scott and Daniel will have their names engraved on the Dan Cook Sports Achievement Award plaque, displayed in the Byer Athletic Center. In January, a special

ceremony will honor the recipients. Mazel tov!

What Do You Like to Do Best?Brendan Whitry, age 4, PJCC Preschool Kangaroo Class I like to go to faraway places like Los Angeles and Legoland.® I’ve never been to the farthest place. It’s Australia. I know this because my daddy told me.

Read additional quotes from kids inside! ➙

Scott Spivak Daniel Jude

The PJCC is proud to partner with Thrive, a San Mateo organization that serves as a bridge between more than 100 Peninsula nonprofit, business, government and community leaders. Guided by the belief that a strong nonprofit sector is a vital part of a flourishing community, Thrive provides a rich network of shared resources and ideas, from emergency preparedness to personal and professional development.

Last May, Thrive recognized the PJCC with the 2010 Thrive Safety NET (Nonprofit Emergency Task Force) Disaster Resilient Organization Award. Formed in 2005, the task force helps nonprofits prepare for any type of potential event, from pandemic threats such as the H1N1

flu to disaster preparedness and response drills. Out of 42 nominees, the PJCC was

recognized for our exemplary biannual disaster preparedness trainings and mock drills with staff, county officials and city first-responders. One reason our training has been so effective is because of the training and resources provided by Thrive. There are social benefits as well—on a warm summer day in July, over 25 Thrive members enjoyed a relaxing mixer in the Hamlin Garden as guests of the PJCC.

The PJCC’s association with Thrive provides us with access to a network that we might not otherwise have. Thanks to Thrive and this invaluable alliance, we have become a better-equipped organization.

To learn more about Thrive, please visit www.thrivealliance.org.

Winter 2011 Tevet / Shevat / Adar I 5771 / /

By Shelley Eisenman, Facility Security Manager and Deborah Pinsky, Executive Director

From left: PJCC employees Kelly Joseph, Shelley Eisenman and Jane Post; Thrive’s Dena Gunning and Porcia Silverberg; and Marsha Hovey of the California Emergency Services Association.

Tu B’Shevat The New Year of the Trees

15 Shevat 5771 / January 20, 2011In ancient times, Tu B’Shevat (Too-Be-Shvat)

served as the day on which farmers offered the first fruits of the trees they planted after the trees had turned four years old. It is also a holiday of rededication to Israel, with the planting of trees taking center stage. It is customary for Jews outside of Israel to contribute money to plant trees there or in their own communities. In recent years, Tu B’Shevat has taken on an additional meaning as a day on which Jews can express and act on their concern for the ecological well-being of the world in which we live.

2

NFL Flag Football is one of our most popular youth programs and with good reason. Played with five participants per team, the game employs the excitement of football without the blocking or tackling.

It’s all made possible thanks to our 90+ volunteers. These awesome coaches invest quality time participating in tryouts and placement, meetings reviewing rules and regulations, and seminars that address how to work with children, parents, referees and fellow coaches. Throughout the 12-week season, volunteers also keep in touch with team families, analyze game strategies and spend up to six hours per week in practice and games.

“I enjoy seeing my son and his teammates develop their athletic skills, but more importantly, develop their sportsmanship and social skills,” said Todd Levine, a Junior Division (ages 9 – 11) coach. “It’s great to see them learn how to win graciously and handle adversity in defeat.” Coach Todd has not skipped a beat in his volunteer duties despite being displaced from his family’s damaged home (a result of the San Bruno explosion and fire).

It’s this type of dedication that typifies the winning spirit of all our volunteer coaches. Todah rabah—thank you!

Record Number of Volunteers Make Flag Football FlourishBy John Gradwohl, Sports & Recreation Program Coordinator

“I volunteer because this is such a well run program for the kids and the community. NFL Flag Football is a great introduction, not just to football, but to so many life lessons.”

—Jeff Aspillera, Pee Wee (ages 7 – 8) Division coach

Be sure to check www.pjcc.org for additional holiday events and programs.

Tu B’Shevat Family Hike

Sunday January 23, 2011

3:00 – 5:00 pm Huddart Park,

Woodside

Cele

brat

e@

the

Cent

er

Purim The Feast of Lots

14 Adar ll 5771 / March 20, 2011Purim is a joyous holiday that recounts the

saving of the Jews from a threatened massacre during the Persian period (539-330 BCE). The story of Purim is recounted in the Book of Esther, whose eponymous heroine plays the leading role in saving her people.

Dressing in costume and taking part in a Purim carnival heighten the levity of the day. In addition, following the commandment to give gifts to friends and the poor, the preparation and distribution of mishloach manot (goodie baskets) adds to the fun of the day.

Please remember the PJCC when making your year-end tax-deductible donations. Visit www.pjcc.org/donate.

3

I wish everybody could see the passion for excellence our staff strives for in serving our community. As the Board President, I spend quite a bit of time at the PJCC and with each visit, I marvel at the enthusiasm, dedication and joy our staff brings to work each and every day.

We provide four “Centers of Excellence” at the PJCC, all unified by our Jewish core values that are featured prominently throughout our entryway. These values, referred to as the Guiding Principles, or

Ikkarim, determine how we behave, make decisions and interact with each other and the community.

The PJCC is here for you in a number of ways: as a center for Jewish life and learning, as your family destination, as a resource for wellness of mind, body and spirit; and as the heart of your community. From the older adults who participate in Get Up & Go to our delightful preschoolers, we’re here to serve everyone regardless of age, religion or background. With this issue

of CenterView, we’re especially pleased to shine the spotlight on our younger members who remind us of the joys, aspirations and potential of youth.

I urge you to explore our myriad of programs. Or, simply relax in our lobby and enjoy a cup of Peet’s coffee while mingling with family and friends. You will see firsthand the dedication and joy that we take in serving you.

Our Four Centers of excellence by Scott Maltz, President

We asked these PJCC preschoolers,“What do you like to do best?”Luke Miller

Age 3½, Brown Bears classI like playing baseball best of all, like the Phillies. I like them, but I don’t like the Yankees. My Aunt Felicia likes the Yankees.

Lauren WhorlAge 4, Hummingbirds classThis summer, we went to Lake Almanor and I went swimming and got to go on boats. My favorite part was tubing with my daddy. I didn’t slip off once, but my brother did and he’s older than me!

Zachary Geller Age 4, Kangaroos class At night I get to stay up late and watch movies.

My favorite is the Pixar short, ”Jack Jack Attack.” I also like Disney on Ice, too. I can’t decide which

I like best.

Marlee Cherkas Age 4, Hummingbirds class

I like to swim with my daddy. And it was really fun when we went to the

pumpkin parade and I saw the biggest pumpkin in the world! There was a Haunted House and my sister went

inside it, but I didn’t. It was too scary.

Quinn JohnsAge 3,

Rainbow Bears classMy best day is playing with my dog, Bingo. He’s a big dog and he’s white and lots of fun. But he’s not real.

in Appreciation to Our donors for their Gifts and Contributions July 1 – September 30, 2010

PJCC ProgramsAdult

Jewish Community Federation for Senior Transportation

In memory of George Saxe Lee Port Jane and Jon Post Marcyl Seidscher

Automobile Donation Jeff Kasten

Byer Athletic CenterJudy Edelson in honor of Allan ByerMara and David Langer in memory of Michele Mandell’s father

Cultural ArtsLaurie Drehmel

early Childhood educationiClickSmilesKimberly Koivisto and John GiereDeborah Pinsky and Ryna Pinsky in memory of Nora Lessne

Toys and BooksMaria GorelickBeth OttingerKathy Reich and Ken MeyerKevin TrockHalle Zielke

Youth and FamilyJill and Marc Engel in honor of Stephanie Levin

Games and Toys Nancy Evans and Art Wolf

General OperatingJudy Edelson in memory of Elisa Klein and George SaxeKimberly Gordon and Marc HertzRennie Harris through Kaiser Permanente Community Giving

CampaignRuth KrumbeinClaire and Myron MeadowMiriam and Richard MorganKelly and Ron Ozorio

ToysKaren and Saul Jodel

united WayAnonymous

PJCC FundsFrances K. and Theodore H. Geballe Supporting Foundation for ECE and Camp Scholarships

eCe Teacher development FundKathy Reich and Ken Meyer in memory of Vickiann Carini

Children’s Scholarship FundMara and David Langer in memory of Vickiann Carini

Senior Bus FundCarol and Martin HarbandLeone and Stan Pollard

4

in Appreciation to Our donors for their Gifts and Contributions July 1 – September 30, 2010

5

Join me on a virtual tour to witness firsthand the life-changing impact you can make at the PJCC.

Let’s begin at our preschool, where joy, laughter and learning surround us. On our left, several 4-year-olds are planting a bush, which ties into the “caring for our environment” theme of the day. Among them is a girl whose dad lost his job. She attends our preschool on a donor-supported scholarship.

Our next stop is Treehouse @ the J, our new after school program, where the homework club is in full swing. As we exit

the Treehouse, we see teens practicing soccer in preparation for the renowned JCC Maccabi Games®, a global teen sports competition. Some of these teens, along with aspiring teen artists taking part in the JCC Maccabi ArtsFest®, will receive travel scholarships enabling them to participate.

Back inside the Center, staff is setting up for “Do Justice”, a family social action program where kids will experience how their actions help change the world.

Our last stop is the Board Room, where seniors who no longer drive are

participating in a Get Up & Go lunch and entertainment program. Yesterday, some of these seniors used the program’s escorted transportation service to visit their doctor or run errands.

While member dues and program fees keep our basic programs going, the funding for programs like these with a life-changing impact comes from generous gifts. Please join our family of donors by contacting me at 650.378.2759, awolf@pjcc.org or visiting us online at pjcc.org/donate. I’d love to discuss how your gift to the PJCC can make a difference.

Meet Rabbi Lavey derby (pronounced “Darby”), the PJCC’s new Director of Jewish and Family Life. In this position, Rabbi Derby will work closely with PJCC management and educators, local congregations and partner organizations to expand cultural and learning opportunities for the widest possible segment of our community.

He also plans to build on existing programs addressing Jewish culture, history, Jewish peoplehood and the role of Israel in Jewish life, as well as enhance intergenerational and family-oriented programs.

“It’s inspiring and exciting to return to my roots as an educator and program organizer,” said Rabbi Derby. His first

experience as a JCC professional was at the renowned 92nd Street Y in New York, where he was Director of Jewish Education.

Until recently, he served as the senior rabbi of Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon and is associated with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. He has also served on a variety of local and national boards of Jewish, interfaith and secular organizations, and has taught for a variety of prestigious institutions.

In his new position, he will also oversee the PJCC’s Jewish education and holiday activities, as well as family, youth, and early childhood programs. Please join us in welcoming Rabbi Derby.

Your Gift to the PJCC Changes Lives By Art Wolf, Director of Development

Renowned educator Joins PJCC

on a recent Sunday afternoon, four moms and their daughters, ages 7 – 10, gathered at the PJCC for Rosh Hodesh, the monthly Jewish New Moon celebration. This month’s “Girls Rock” project was to create family trees and share stories about our families. As each pair designed their tree, mothers and daughters talked with great intensity. Who got included? First cousins or second ones too? Great-grandparents? Fido and Kitty? Loved ones that are considered family, but not blood relatives? How do you map a family tree that includes divorce or adoptions?

Each duo created a unique representation of their family and then shared it with the others. We learned that women’s stories were not often told or detailed in the Torah, but were, in fact, often merely identified by their relationship to their husband or father. Celebrating Rosh Hodesh is a powerful way for young girls and their adult female relatives to stake a claim in the Jewish community as well as deepen connections and friendships with other PJCC families. Our monthly “Girls Rock” program is their special space to share stories, share memories and celebrate milestones together.

More than half of new exercisers quit their program in 6 to 12 months. Here’s a blueprint to keep your workout regimen going.

Set a Rational Goal Start out walking or biking for a few minutes daily and add a minute each week until you are active for at least 30 minutes on most

days of the week. “Long-term goals—like losing a pound a month and keeping it off—are practical after you have exercised regularly for 6 months to a year,” says Leonard A. Kaminsky, who runs an adult fitness program at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Go for Variety To avoid getting stuck in a rut or developing an injury, strive for a routine built on cross-training. Frequently vary the order of your exercises as well as the machines you use. And don’t be afraid to test new classes and routines. (A few up-and-comers to try: salsa dancing, rock climbing, martial arts and boxing.)

Track Your Progress Every six weeks, measure and test yourself to gauge advances in your aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility and body composition. Also take note of how you feel. “After as little as three weeks, most people realize they fall asleep quicker, stay asleep through the night and wake up feeling more rested,” notes Mike Bracko, an exercise physiologist at

the Occupational Performance Institute in Calgary.

Seek Out Support A training partner is invaluable. Gregory Florez, a spokesman for the American Council on Exercise, suggests “gathering a few friends and planning a fun excursion, such as a skiing or biking trip. Set a date, commit to it and schedule regular exercise to prepare for the event.”

devise a Backup Plan Time and access are the largest obstacles to fitness. But “research shows you can miss one week without any significant loss of fitness,” says Kaminsky. An exercise DVD or portable gear, such as a stability ball, rubber tubing or dumbbells, lets you work out while traveling, at home or at work.

Reprinted with permission from PARADE Magazine. 2010 Parade Publications. All rights reserved.

5 Ways to Stay Committed to FitnessBy Michael O’Shea, PARADE Contributing Editor

6

We asked these PJCC preschoolers,“What do you like to do best?”

From Generation to Generation, Girls Rock at Rosh Hodesh Gatherings By Stephanie Levin, Youth & Family Director

Photo: Linda Oberstein

Stay committed to your exercise program! Talk with a PJCC personal trainer at 650.378.2775.

It was a frightening moment at the Elks Lodge in Redwood City when a poolside guest began to choke on a hot dog (incidentally, one of the most common choking hazards alongside grapes, carrots and peanut butter). When Russ Lamonaco, a PJCC lifeguard who also works at the lodge, observed that the woman was unable to breathe, he immediately began abdominal thrusts. After several attempts, the hot dog was expelled. The PJCC is proud to feature lifeguard professionals, such as Russ, whose training, alertness and responsiveness help avert potential tragedies.

PJCC Lifesaver, Russ Lamonaco, Lives up to Title, Saves Life

7

PJCC GuidiNG PRiNCiPLeS

Ikkarim • עיקרים

JEwISh LIFE Chavaya Yehudit • חוויה יהודית

wELCoMING ALL Hachnasat Or’chim • הכנסת אורחים

our CoMMuNITY oF FAMILY AND FrIENDS Kehilla u’Mishpacha • קהילה ומשפחה

whoLENESS oF BoDY, MIND AND SPIrIT Shleimut • שלמות

rEPAIrING ThE worLD Tikkun Olam • תקון עולם

Discover the beauty, strength and diversity of tradition with our newest exhibit, which documents geographically or politically isolated Jewish communities across four continents.

From the Benei Menashe community of India to the Jewish cowboys of Argentina’s Moises Ville, Scattered Among the Nations connects cultures separated by seas and thousands of years of history through shared customs, such as the sacred flame of Shabbat candles.

As part of the PJCC’s popular Around the World series, you can enjoy several opportunities to learn more about Jewish Diaspora communities:

• Monday, January 3 / Leah Garrick shares stories from her observant Sephardic Jewish upbringing in Shanghai.

• Monday, January 24 / Pearl Sofaer, born and raised in Bombay, narrates the journey of her ancestors in Baghdad to Bombay: In the Kitchen of My Cousins.

• Monday, March 7 / Don’t miss PJCC Scholar-in-Residence, Paul Liptz, who delves into the difficult history of the Jewish community of Argentina.

To learn about additional programs, please visit www.pjcc.org. Don’t miss Scattered Among the Nations, Photographs by Bryan Schwartz, with Jay Sand and Sandy Carter, on display in the PJCC Art Gallery through March 15, 2011.

Bring-a-Friend Friday January 28 • February 25 • March 25

Blood Centers of the Pacific Blood drive Wednesday, February 2 • 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

NeW!! Teen Theme Parties @ the PJCC

Hosting a Sweet Sixteen, Quinceanera or Bar/Bat Mitzvah? From entertainment to clean-up, let the PJCC take care of every

detail. All you have to do is celebrate. To learn more, call 650.378.2776.

Are You a PJCC Preschool Alumni Family?

The PJCC is reaching out to families who attended preschool between the years

1985 – 2000 to reconnect with old friends! In addition, this spring the PJCC will honor the 25th anniversary of our beloved Preschool

Director Judy Garb and we want to keep you informed about the May 22 celebration! So:

• Fill out your alumni profile form at www.pjcc.org/alum

• Join the PJCC Preschool Alumni Families Facebook group

Be sure to check www.pjcc.org for additional holiday events and programs.

Gayle Goldman and granddaughter, Becca

Fondest memory (Gayle)

When my children were born

Wildest ambition (Becca)

To be a princess or ballet dancer

Perfect day (Gayle)After a leisurely

breakfast and a brisk

walk, drive to the PJCC

to meet my daughter

and granddaughters

Favorite movie (Becca)

The Little Mermaid

Favorite Jewish activity (Gayle)

Celebrating the holidays with

my family

Share your story at

www.pjcc.org/pjccisme

The PJCC is Me campaign is helping our community engage with each other. Email editor@pjcc.org or visit www.pjcc.org to participate.

When Bryan Schwartz took this photograph titled “Festival of Lights” in 2000, only a dozen western

Jews had ever been permitted visitation to India’s Benei Menashe community.

All

imag

es, c

opyr

ight

Bry

an S

chw

artz

, al

l rig

hts

rese

rved

, 200

0, 2

001,

200

3.

Curator’s Corner By Kimberly Gordon, PJCC Cultural Arts Director

PJCC Art Gallery Presents

Scattered Among the Nationsby Bryan Schwartz, with Jay Sand and Sandy Carter

Peninsula JewishCommunity Center

800 Foster City Blvd.Foster City, CA 94404

Nonprofit Organization

U.S. Postage PAID San Mateo, CA Permit No. 822

CenterView is published by:

Peninsula Jewish Community Center 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404 P 650.212.PJCC (7522) • F 650.378.2799 www.pjcc.orgA beneficiary agency of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.A proud member of the North Peninsula Jewish Campus.

Family Favorites!

Fitness Center and Swim School

Byer Athletic Center Holiday Hours • Winter 2010 / 2011

Friday, December 31 New Year’s Eve 5:00 am – 5:00*pm

Saturday, January 1 New Year’s Day 8:00 am – 1:00*pm

Saturday, January 8 Closing Early for Concert 7:00 am – 7:00* pm

Monday, January 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 5:00 am – 11:00*pm

Monday, February 21 President’s Day 5:00 am – 11:00*pm

*Pools close 30 minutes prior to the close of the Byer Athletic Center.

Health & Fitness

Open HouseSunday, January 23, 2011

Have friends who aren’t members? Tell them to pack their workout clothes

and swimsuits—because they’re invited to enjoy our beautiful facilities for the entire day, absolutely free! And don’t miss special open

house events. For details, visit www.pjcc.org/openhouse.

Byer Athletic Center presents

The

BIGGESTWINNERFebruary 1 – March 15, 2011

Participate in this lifestyle challenge program, designed to recognize Members who achieve the

biggest health and fitness improvements. In the process, earn fabulous prizes!

To learn more, visit www.pjcc.org or call 650.378.2727.

Save the date! Annual Benefit • Sunday, May 22, 2011Don’t miss our tribute to beloved Preschool Director Judy Garb in recognition of her 25 years with the PJCC!