Blog

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that emerges during certain seasons, most commonly in the fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter. For many, the reduced exposure to sunlight can disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to feelings of sadness, low energy, and difficulty concentrating. Although often associated with adults, youth are not immune to the challenges posed by this condition.

This fall, the Siegel JCC applied to and was accepted into the JCC Global From Good to Great Program. This three-program designed to enhance the capacity and sustainability of JCCs in Ukraine, which have been impacted by war, simultaneously develops global collaborations with partner JCCs worldwide.

February is not just the month of love and affection symbolized by Valentine's Day; it's also a time when the Jewish community embraces a profound form of love through understanding and inclusivity. Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is an essential observance that underscores the importance of inclusion in every facet of community life. JDAIM is a call to all members of the Jewish community to implement full inclusion in every community aspect, reflecting the inherent value in each person.

Among the many pandemic pastimes, bread-baking was one of the most fruitful. The Siegel JCC’s Program Director, Katie Glazier, led a virtual challah-baking lesson while the stay-at-home order was in effect, with many members tuning in to follow and bake along. It was during this time that Katie discovered the Challah Prince – an Israeli-born, self-made challah artist. Idan Chabasov, the Challah Price, has become an Instagram sensation with videos of some of the most beautiful challah braids. With a background in professional dancing, video production, and PR, it is Idan’s mission to bring art into the Challah baking world. Now, Jewish Federation of Delaware and the Siegel JCC are partnering to bring the Challah Prince to our community in Delaware.

Anyone who works at a JCC can tell you it is a wonderfully unique experience. Every day is different and keeps you on your toes in the best possible way. When the JCC Association announced it was putting on the JCC’s of North America Professional Conference this year, the first since before Covid, we were all understandably very excited. Getting together with other JCC professionals from around the country who understand the passion and dedication it takes to work at a non-profit like this is such an amazing opportunity. Unfortunately, to our profound collective disappointment, the conference had to be canceled. That’s when a beautiful thing happened. JCC leaders, including our very own CEO, Ivy Harlev, stepped up and worked together to create regional conferences all across the country, giving even more J staff the opportunity to get together than would have attended the original conference. There were almost 170 J team members at the JCC Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference alone!

In 2018, J staff member Sarah Segestrom died by suicide at the age of 16. The loss of Sarah had a profound impact on our community, with teens, parents, grandparents, and educators seeking support in helping themselves and those they care about through mental health struggles.

5 years ago, Sarah’s journey and memory inspired the creation of the Wellness Summit, a program with goals of opening up honest lines of communication around mental health and reducing the stigma around mental illness. Over the last five years, the Wellness Summit has been a forum for sharing grief, learning about the impact of mental health, and finding ways to cope as a community.

This month we celebrate Tu BiShvat, the new year for the trees. Trees, and the idea of sustainability, have always held a special place in the Jewish faith. The Midrash in Vayikra Rabbah teaches that “God planted a garden of trees in Eden. So you, too, when you will enter the land of Israel, planting trees should be your first involvement.” Many have truly taken this teaching to heart. In fact, according to embassies.gov, over 200 million trees now stand in Israel; making it one of the few countries in the world to have more trees now than it did 100 years ago, thanks to the efforts of its people in keeping the land healthy and intact for future generations.

Last week the Siegel JCC, along with our fantastic community, were featured in the podcast, Unorthodox. Listen to interviews with Ivy Harlev, CEO of Siegel JCC, and other members of the community, on the first segment of Across the JEW.S.A. 

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.

We are excited to announce that our very own Ivy Harlev, CEO, has been recognized as one of the 2020 Women in Business by DelwareToday/Delaware Business Times.

Women in Business recognizes leading ladies, across various industries, who demonstrate excellence, go above and beyond the call of duty, are committed to the community, and make a significant impact. As we're sure you know, Ivy's leadership has made a mark on our center and our community! 

Want to make the most out of your day? Visit the J for swimming, fitness, community, and more. 

Following the tragic and senseless shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, I attended the Jewish Community Leaders’ Day of Solidarity, among over 100 leaders from across the continent.

I started going to Pittsburgh every summer before I really even had memories.I can't recall a time in my brain without it. It is my second home.

I was 10 when I read my first Holocaust book.

Jewish Voice, October

I’m 15 years old, sitting in a cafeteria of my peers, and someone is throwing pennies at me.

Jewish Voice, April

If you needed more reasons to love the Siegel JCC, here's 10!