The March Edition Includes:

Register and Join Us for: "An Evening With John Paul Thornton",

Spring Youth & Adult Basketball Leagues, 

Speakers Series, Today's Montessori Students Celebrate Tu Bishvat,

Maj Jongg, Readers Club, Meet Auna Simon and Angie Wasserman,

Purim Facts, Halvah Recipe,

Letter From Jeff Rubin

Executive Director, Valley JCC



The JCC Association of North America understands the importance of inclusion and I would like to share the important information they have developed as part of the JCC MOVEMENT. 

At this time last year they were preparing for the launch of JCC Association’s Eight Guiding Principles on Inclusion. They presented a set of principles to guide the field and create a common language surrounding the important work of inclusion. In February of 2022, in honor of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAAIM), they commenced a webinar series that delved deeper into each principle and provided a framework for the field to begin to put the values of inclusion into action. In the course of the last year, almost 200 professionals have participated in these trainings. 



Eight Guiding Principles on Inclusion

These eight guiding principles, together with the complementary series of forthcoming videos, will help JCC communities consider ways to enhance their inclusion efforts and incorporate best practices into their communities. JCCs strive to be places where our whole selves are celebrated.

Wholeness: People with disabilities are whole people who do not need to be cured or fixed. We view disability as a rich and essential part of human diversity. JCCs strive to be places where our whole selves are celebrated.

Inherent Worth: We respect the inherent dignity and autonomy of each person. We value people because of who they are, not because of how much they produce or accomplish. Each person has something to learn, something to teach, and something to contribute to community. JCCs strive to be places where each individual is valued.

Interdependence: No one is entirely independent. Every person is dependent on others, in one way or another. Each person functions differently depending on context and environment. JCCs strive to be communities that acknowledge and celebrate our interdependence. 

Accessibility: We are deliberate and mindful about the environment we shape. As our tradition teaches: “You shall not insult the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind.” (Leviticus 19:15) Starting from where we are, we look at how we can shift our policies, communications, programs, processes, and facilities to increase and enhance accessibility to JCCs and their programs. We always strive to become more accessible. JCCs actively seek to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to full participation and to become more accessible by learning about and practicing inclusive design.

Inclusive Education: Building upon Proverbs 22:6 “Teach children according to their way,” JCCs offer inclusive programs that meet the individual learning needs of children, families, and people of all ages. JCCs strive to support and collaborate with program professionals, educators, and families to ensure educational programs are inclusive. 

Act With Intention: JCCs embrace the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” and include people with disabilities in all facets of planning and decision-making. We plan with accessibility in mind, so we do not create new barriers. When we are not intentionally inclusive, we may be unintentionally exclusive. JCCs strive to be proactive and anticipate access needs. 

Positive Work Environment: JCCs plan for and accommodate staff access needs, from the initial recruitment process to the day-to-day work environment of employees. JCCs strive to be accessible and supportive workplaces in which staff can learn, grow, and achieve. 

Justice: We view inclusion as the work of tzedek justice rather than tzedakah charity. Because ableism is intertwined with other systemic barriers, we draw on an intersectional approach in undertaking this work. Efforts to remove barriers to full participation are acts of tikkun olam, repair of the world, and we seek to center people with disabilities as contributors and leaders in these endeavors. JCCs strive to be communities engaged in the work of justice for and with people with disabilities. 

Thank You,

Jeff

Message From Ollie Haas,

Valley JCC President, Board of Directors

“We make a living by what we get,

but we make a life by what we give”.

                          … Winston Churchill

John Paul Thornton, the focus and honoree of our annual fundraising celebration, is certainly an example of a person who gives to others and to the community. Artist and art historian, John Paul has enriched many people’s lives by sharing and teaching his knowledge and love of art, artists, and the relationship of artists with their place in history.

Valley JCC is grateful for the commitment John Paul has made to our organization, starting with the ongoing series of virtual art presentations on Jewish Art and Jewish Artists in Europe and the United States. This collaboration continues as we plan for our annual fundraiser, this year entitled: “An Evening with John Paul Thornton: From the Artist’s Studio.” On Saturday evening, May 20th, all are invited to the Rose Goldwater Community Center, Westfield Topanga. 

At the event, you’ll be able to walk through a curated gallery of John Paul’s artwork, to enjoy his video presentation as well as our presentation of The Community Enrichment Award honoring John Paul. John Paul has decided to auction one of his paintings, as his way to support Valley JCC. The evening will include decadent desserts, a coffee bar, wine, silent auction, and entertainment. In addition, you’ll have the special option to meet, congratulate and spend time with him in person as you toast him with champagne.

Giving back to the community continues, with the inaugural “Valley Jewish Community Center/John Paul Thornton Youth Art Scholarship.” This new scholarship will be awarded to a high school or college student whose curriculum has an emphasis or major in Fine Arts/Multi Media and meets the qualifications. The recipient will be awarded the scholarship during the evening of our event.

We hope you’ll join us at this gala fundraising-and-more evening! You’ll see some beautiful art, enjoy refreshments, entertainment, join old friends and meet new ones, and maybe… win something outstanding at the silent auction.

More information, tickets, sponsorships and ads/messages for the Tribute Journal which will be distributed the evening of the gala on May 20th is shown on the flyer in this newsletter and on our website: www.valleyjcc.org or phone: (818)360-2211.

Best wishes,

Ollie Haas

We're collecting items for our Silent Auction

to be offered Saturday, May 20th at "An Evening With John Paul Thornton"

If you have:

Gift Certificates

Sports Memorabilia

Catered Dinner

Vacation or Time Share Packages

Movie or Theater Tickets

or any other auction item

Please call: (818) 360-2211

Meet:

Auna Simon

Auna Simon has been in the fitness and wellness industry for 25 years. “Helping people feel their optimal best from the inside out is my passion,” she explains.

Auna was born in Tarzana, and grew up and went to school in the City of Ventura. She was influenced by her grandparents who were very involved in the Jewish community. Auna made Aliyah to Israel with her family as a child and has had deep roots and love for the Jewish state.

Auna graduated from California State University Northridge (CSUN) with an emphasis on Family Environment Sciences. She began her fitness career on campus. She later became a fitness trainer, yoga instructor and nutrition coach. When she was diagnosed with an auto immune disorder, Auna made lifestyle changes that directly impacted her life for the better.

Auna founded the company, “Spiritual Fitness With Auna”, with programs designed for children, adults, couples, seniors and families. Many different types of therapies and training sessions are offered, including: healing sessions, personal training, lymphatic massage, private boxing lessons, nutritional coaching, yoga and yoga therapy, stretching sessions, detox and cleansing, group circles for healing and celebration, corporate and workplace empowerment sessions, life coaching, massage, and sound therapy treatment.

We look forward to offering and scheduling some of these specialty sessions for Valley JCC in the very near future.

To learn more about Auna, please visit her website: 

https://www.spiritualfitnesswithauna.com/

Basketball

The Wayne League

by

Jason Moser



We just finished our winter Wayne Youth Basketball League games and would like to thank the 22 teams that participated. Our spring youth session will begin on Sunday, March 19th and we are anticipating more than 30 teams. 

Our Wayne Adult Basketball League is also growing with numbers approaching 70 teams. Expansion is only possible because of the gyms we have added to our portfolio. We would like to thank Emek Hebrew Academy, de Toledo High School, Alice C. Stelle Middle School, A.E. Wright Middle School, Lindero Canyon Middle School, West Ranch High School, and Viewpoint School. Without these wonderful facilities, we certainly could not achieve the numbers we have in just our first year of basketball operations. 

The sky is the limit and our upcoming spring leagues are going to be incredible!

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

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 March 2023.

Stay tuned for the next activity...

We are planning trips for 2023

For more information, contact sandnl@verizon.net or call 818-360-2211

Halvah Recipe

by Jamie Geller

Halva is a delicious sweet sesame snack that will have you hooked on the first bite. In the shuk in Israel you can find all sorts of different flavored halva that will keep you coming back for more. We've created our 4 favorite flavors from scratch so you can make your favorite one at home, or maybe even all 4!

For All 4 recipes, go to:

https://jamiegeller.com/recipes/authentic-homemade-halva-4-ways/

Book Suggestion

The Bear

by

Andrew Krivak

From National Book Award in Fiction, finalist Andrew Krivak writes a gorgeous fable of

Earth’s last two human inhabitants and

a girl's journey home.

In an Eden-like future, a girl and her father live close to the land in the shadow of a lone mountain. They own a few remnants of civilization: some books, a pane of glass, a set of flint and steel, a comb. The father teaches his daughter how to fish and hunt and the secrets of the seasons and the stars. He is preparing her for an adulthood in harmony with nature, for they are the last of humankind. But when the girl finds herself alone in an unknown landscape, it is a bear that will lead her back home through a vast wilderness that offers the greatest lessons of all, if she can learn to listen. A cautionary tale of human fragility, of love and loss, The Bear is a stunning tribute to the beauty of nature’s dominion.

www.goodreads.com

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