Courage on Campus

Chanukah is fast approaching, and the holiday has taken on a new meaning to me this year. The Festival of Lights is a time to reflect upon acts of human action and courage, a theme brought into sharp focus in October for all of us at the Siegel JCC after witnessing the incredible acts of courage from the people of our local fire departments.

At 4 AM, on October 19th, I was awoken by a call no one ever wants to receive: there was a fire at the J, my second home. I made it to the J by 4:10; I had never gotten dressed and out the door so quickly in my life. I drove into the parking lot, and my heart sank as I saw our beloved Camp Office in flames. There would be time later to process everything but that was a moment for action; for minimizing the damage. The Talleyville Fire Company, along with several other fire companies, arrived within minutes of being called. The incredible first responders came together to quickly and efficiently put out the fire before it could spread to any other buildings, for which I, along with the rest of the J staff and community, am profoundly grateful.  

I am also thankful for my amazing staff who ensured that the J could remain open for the rest of the day while I coordinated with the fire department and investigators. It was important to us all that the J could function as smoothly as possible under the circumstances.

After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the source was an accidental electrical fire in the kitchen of the camp office. While it is always upsetting when something like this occurs, I am relieved that no one was hurt and that the damage was confined to one building.  This is a season of hope and faith, and I know that we will be able to rebuild stronger than ever before.

From this loss comes an opportunity for growth, as well as a chance to rethink how the J can support our community, specifically our campers. Earlier this year we began taking steps towards greater inclusivity in our camp program and with this fresh start we can look at ways we can incorporate that inclusive mindset even more in the design of our campus.

I am so incredibly excited to see where this next year leads.  We have received such an outpouring of love from our community, and I know that we will all work together to manifest a beautiful future. Thank you all for your support, and I wish for you to have a wonderful and meaningful holiday season. Happy Chanukah!