The October Edition Includes:

Family Health and Wellness Fair, John Paul Thornton Art History Presentation,

Meet Shana Steinmetz and Steven Heumann,

Youth and Adult Basketball, Mah Jongg Tournament,

Readers Club, Men's Club, Holiday Boutique

Letter From Jeff Rubin

Executive Director, Valley JCC

Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year. Recently, many of us observed Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur at temple services. A colleague shared the opening parable of a sermon delivered by Rabbi Paul Kipnes, Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas.

There was once a handsome Bengal tiger housed in a zoo, in a cage that was 12-feet by 12-feet. He stayed there for many years. Eventually, the zookeepers thought the tiger deserved a larger space. They constructed a big area with a grassy meadow and water in which the tiger could freely roam and move about. The day came for the tiger to be released into his new environment. The zookeepers watched in amazement, as the tiger slowly walked the whole area, and found a spot he liked. Then, to their astonishment, the tiger marked off an area 12-feet by 12-feet, and stayed within that small space for the rest of his life.

Among the messages of this parable, is to not get stuck in the past, change the way you have always seen the world, keep repeating the way you have always done things, but to branch out and try something new. Experiment with new experiences, new interests, new friends, new ways of doing routine tasks in life.

While we cherish our fond memories of the past, the new year can bring new beginnings. As Valley JCC moves forward with our work for the community, we plan to find new activities to help and support others. For example, on Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, volunteers from Valley JCC will hand out free boxes of Hanukkah candles, in time for the holiday a few days later.

We invite you to get involved with Valley JCC, support our efforts, and meet with old and new friends while making a difference in the community.

Please visit www.valleyjcc.org and find the way that you would like to get involved.

Thank You,

Jeff

Letter From Ollie Haas

President, Board of Directors

Dear Valley JCC Members,

As we begin the colorful month of October, I am interested in addressing a matter that has been on my mind – the crisis of connection. After hearing Rabbi Sharon Brous interview the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, I understand that this is a topic that has been gathering momentum over the past few years, and recent studies reveal some truly concerning statistics. Did you know that approximately one-third of Americans do not even know their neighbors? Even more startling is the fact that 20% of Americans have no one they can confide in, no one with whom they can share their deepest feelings.

Loneliness can be defined as a subjective feeling, but there is no doubt that it can be a source of very real pain. It's a silent epidemic that doesn't discriminate. Loneliness doesn't care if you're young or old, rich or poor. It's a feeling that can creep into the lives of anyone, leaving them isolated and disconnected from the world around them.

In a world driven by technology and screens, it's ironic that we're experiencing a crisis of connection. While we're more connected virtually than ever before, there's a growing chasm in our real-world connections. We've become experts at sending messages through texts and emojis, but many have forgotten, or never known, how to have meaningful face-to-face conversations with our friends, neighbors and even our family members.

This is where the strength and power of being together come into play. We need these connections between people to remind us of our shared humanity. It's in the laughter shared over a cup of coffee, the comfort of a neighbor lending a helping hand, and the profound conversations with friends who truly understand us that we find solace.

Not only is it of value to combat loneliness, it is also important to recognize how powerful it is to support one another emotionally. The simple act of reaching out to a neighbor in need, offering a listening ear, or organizing a community event can work wonders in mending the fractures in our social fabric. 

Our strength as a community lies in the bonds we forge with one another. It's the solidarity that arises when we recognize each other's struggles and joys. It's the warmth of knowing that you are not alone on your life’s journey.

As we delve into this October, let us remember the importance of human connection. Let us make an effort to bridge the gaps that have formed between us. Reach out to a neighbor, share your deepest feelings with a trusted friend, and be open to creating and nurturing those connections that remind us of the power of community.

Together, we can overcome the crisis of connection and build a stronger, more resilient community and society as a whole.

With warmest regards,

Ollie

Valley JCC President

Family Health and Wellness Fair

by Daniel Sagal

Valley JCC and UCLA Health are proud to present the 1st Annual Family Health and Wellness Fair on Sunday, October 15th, 8:00am to 1:00pm. I’ve been working with members of Valley JCC’s Fundraising Committee to select the vendors and plan the details of the event. We appreciate UCLA Health, our title sponsor, for bringing so much expertise to the Fair. 

The goal of the Family Health and Wellness Fair is to provide information and resources for all ages of family members, from young children to teens, young adults, middle adulthood and seniors. Attendees will be able to learn about nutrition, fitness, dance classes, medical organizations, and sports. Those attending the Fair will receive many informational materials so they can follow up on resources that will support good health.

Please mark you calendars for Sunday, October 15th and join us at Encino Farmers Market, 17400 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys. 

Meet:

Shana Steinmetz

and

Steven Heumann

Winning Macabbi

Basketball Coaches

Pictured: Coaches Shana Steinmetz and Steven Heumann

with Silver Medal winning girls basketball team

Shana Steinmetz and Steven Heumann have something in common: they each have a daughter on the winning girls 16U basketball team that earned a Silver Medal in this year’s Fort Lauderdale Maccabi Games representing Valley JCC. They also shared the team’s coaching responsibilities.

Shana Steinmetz was born and raised in New York City and when she moved out of the city after marriage and a few children, it was only a few miles away to Long Island.

Her first encounter with Maccabi was when she played on the girls basketball team at the 92nd Street Y, a Jewish Community Center. She became involved with competitive sports in 5th grade at Manhattan Day School, where her single game scoring record in basketball still stands. 

During high school, Shana played Varsity basketball and never lost a game. She was a two-time league MVP and a two-time tournament MVP at the Boca Yeshiva High School tournament. She also played AAU and Maccabiah basketball during her high school years. She attended college at Yeshiva University, where the undergraduate school offers a dual curriculum of Jewish studies and liberal arts and sciences. Shana majored in finance and following graduation, worked at Goldman Sachs for seven years. 

Shana owns her own company, “Hustle and Heart Sports”, focusing on after school basketball programs for boys and girls. They run clinics and leagues in New York throughout the year. She is the girls sports pro in Camp Lavi. She is also the Director of the 5 Towns Girls Soccer and Basketball Leagues. Along with running JV Elite Basketball camp, Shana worked as the sports pro in Camp Mesorah and Camp Morasha, ran the basketball program at Hillel Day Camp and coached the Varsity girls basketball teams at Central and HANC.

“I’ve always been passionate about youth sports and feel that Maccabi is a great experience for kids,” Shana says. Shana and her husband have five children, ages 3 to 16 years.

Steven Heumann, originally from New Jersey, joined with Shana for the second year in a row as coaches for the girls 16U basketball team at Maccabi Games in Fort Lauderdale. His daughter Kira, age 16, is a member of the winning team.

 As friends, Steven and Shana had often discussed the fact that both of their daughters wanted to play competitive basketball. The opportunity to compete nationally was always on Steven’s radar. So, with the help of Shay Diamant and Oren Ravid, a Maccabi girls basketball team was created for their daughters’ age group. 

Last year, in the San Diego Maccabi Games, the team won a Bronze Medal. In the photo, above, this year’s team, playing in Fort Lauderdale, took Silver. “The experience the girls get from playing on the basketball team strengthens friendships within the team and affords them an opportunity to make new friends from across the country,” says Steven. 

Music & Morsels: Impromptuo

Wednesday, October 4

1-2pm (PT) on Zoom

Save! Get “Early Bird” pricing before Oct 2nd.

For details & tickets, click here.

Exploring Opera: Two’s Company – Part I

Three Thursdays, October 5, 19 & 26

(no class on 10/12)

1-2:15pm (PT) on Zoom

Save! Purchase “Early Bird” ticket before Oct 3rd.

For details & tickets, click here.

Still Traveling: Intro to Antarctica!

Monday, October 9

11am-12pm on Zoom

Save! Register before October 7th for “Early Bird” pricing!

For details & tickets, click here.

Art & Artists: The Art of the Sabbath

Thursday, October 19

11am-12pm (PT) on Zoom

Save! Register by Oct 17th for “Early Bird” pricing!

For details & tickets, click here.

Basketball

The Wayne League

by

Jason Moser

Our numbers for the fall season youth league have rebounded. In the past three weeks we have had 22 different teams participating in the youth basketball program. We even have a small girls division!

The adult league had dropped to 80 teams. Fall is always the smallest session as many players coach high school basketball programs so we wish them success with their schools. On a positive note, we have added another gym to accommodate our programs. We would like to thank Max Alwag at Christ Community Church for the use of their gym. Our rental at their facility has contributed to them being able to completely renovate their gym in the spring and give the children at their school a modern state of the art facility.

The relationships we are building in the communities are so important and it is because of our basketball programs that we are able to accomplish these wonderful bonds. We also are now offering youth clinics during the week with our Valley Stars partnership.

It is going to be a busy fall season as we continue to grow!

Please join us - Shalom!

Wayne Girls Basketball

Girls league playing Sundays at A. E. Wright Middle School

Valley JCC sports leagues are named

in memory of beloved former

Executive Director Jerry Wayne

Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 9, 2023

Indigenous Peoples’ Day occurs on the second Monday in October in many parts of the United States. In 2023, it is observed on Monday, October 9. Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and their ancestors who lived on the land now known as North America. They existed in these areas for thousands of years before the first European explorers arrived. 

Where Indigenous Peoples’ Day is officially acknowledged, it is often celebrated in place of or alongside Columbus Day. This is in recognition of the disease, genocide, and slavery brought to the Americas through the interactions of Columbus and other European explorers with Indigenous peoples. In addition, the arrival of European explorers and settlers also meant that Indigenous peoples increasingly lost access to their ancestral lands and natural resources, which significantly impacted their ability to practice aspects of their cultures and traditions.

How to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day

• Learn more about the land you live in and its Indigenous peoples’ history. 
• A good place to start is this map that outlines an approximation of the Indigenous territories in North America. 
• Attend an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration.
• Check locally to see if there are any celebrations that you can attend in person. Or, look online for podcasts and videos.
• Learn about native plants and their traditional uses.
• Plants that are native to a particular area or region support healthy ecosystems and habitats for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Indigenous peoples’ methods were used to cultivate native plants for medicine and food. 
• Visit a museum that recognizes Indigenous history.
• There are a number of museums across North America that include or focus on the perspectives, history, and/or art of Indigenous peoples. Some of these include the National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, DC; New York City, NY), Burke Museum (Seattle, WA), Sen. John Heinz History Center (Pittsburgh, PA), The Journey Museum and Learning Center (Rapid City, SD), Heard Museum (Phoenix, AZ) and the Museum of Native American History (Bentonville, AR), among others. 

https://www.almanac.com/indigenous-peoples-day

Book Recommendation

A Council of Dolls

by

Mona Susan Power

The long-awaited, profoundly moving, and unforgettable new novel from PEN Award–winning Native American author Mona Susan Power, spanning three generations of Yanktonai Dakota women from the 19th century to the present day.

From the mid-century metropolis of Chicago to the windswept ancestral lands of the Dakota people, to the bleak and brutal Indian boarding schools, A Council of Dolls is the story of three women, told in part through the stories of the dolls they carried.

Sissy, born 1961: Sissy’s relationship with her beautiful and volatile mother is difficult, even dangerous, but her life is also filled with beautiful things, including a new Christmas present, a doll called Ethel. Ethel whispers advice and kindness in Sissy’s ear, and in one especially terrifying moment, maybe even saves Sissy’s life.

Lillian, born 1925: Born in her ancestral lands in a time of terrible change, Lillian clings to her sister, Blanche, and her doll, Mae. When the sisters are forced to attend an “Indian school” far from their home, Blanche refuses to be cowed by the school’s abusive nuns. But when tragedy strikes the sisters, the doll Mae finds her way to defend the girls.  

Cora, born 1888: Though she was born into the brutal legacy of the “Indian Wars,” Cora isn’t afraid of the white men who remove her to a school across the country to be “civilized.” When teachers burn her beloved buckskin and beaded doll Winona, Cora discovers that the spirit of Winona may not be entirely lost.

A modern masterpiece, A Council of Dolls is gorgeous, quietly devastating, and ultimately hopeful, shining a light on the echoing damage wrought by Indian boarding schools, and the historical massacres of Indigenous people. With stunning prose, Mona Susan Power weaves a spell of love and healing that comes alive on the page.

www.amazon.com

From Today's Montessori...

Valley JCC Men's Club

Meet and socialize

with other 55+ men in the Valley!

Past outings include special tours of Santa Anita Park, Jet Propulsion Laboratories in Pasadena, experiences at Dodger Stadium, the Getty Museum, and Axe Throwing at Lumberjack's in Northridge.

The Men's Club meets the first Monday of the month

unless there is a national or religious holiday.

The Men's Club Will NOT Meet in October.

Stay tuned for the next activity...

For more information, contact steve@valleyjcc.org or call 818-360-2211

Paula Deen's Pumpkin Bars

Paula Deen's Pumpkin Bars are the best ever! Moist and lightly spiced, this recipe is a must for your fall baking list! Top these easy pumpkin bars with a delicious cream cheese icing and enjoy with a tall glass of milk or cup of tea! These Pumpkin Bars will certainly get you in the spirit for Fall.

https://shesnotcookin.com/paula-deens-pumpkin-bars/

Valley JCC is looking forward to engaging in continuous outreach in the community.

Stay tuned for details...

Fundraising Opportunity

On Your Birthday!

"How To" Use Ralphs To Benefit Valley JCC

1. Go to: www.ralphs.com
2. Click on "Sign in" to the right of the search box. (If you don't have an online account, click on "Register")
3. Click on your name to the right of the search box at the top
4. You will now be on your Account Summary page
5. Scroll down to "Community Contributions" and click on "Enroll"
6. Complete the online form and Click on "Save"
7. Enter organization number SK677 and click on the "Search" button
8. "Valley Jewish Community Center" will be displayed. Click "Enroll"
9. You will see a confirmation at the top of the Account Summary page
10. A percentage of your purchases will be donated to Valley JCC