One of my kids’ favorite books is “Goodnight” by Elizabeth Verdick. In the book, the narrator says, “I do my best growing when I’m sleeping.” That line has always stuck with me. While I don’t want to challenge Ms. Verdick, or main-stream science, I do have a different opinion. As the director of Apachi Village […] Learn More ›

I have a story I like to tell to our staff during our training week. I try to save it for the end of the week but sometimes I get too excited and tell it earlier. It happened back in the summer of 2002, during an Extended-Eve-O-Fun (where campers would stay late, eat dinner and […] Learn More ›

As a parent or teacher, how many times in a day do you say to a child, “Be careful” or “Watch what you’re doing” or “Stop, you’re going to get hurt”? We are the ultimate risk managers, professional watchers, injury prevention specialists and worriers about all things potentially dangerous. We are the closest thing to […] Learn More ›

“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” Which camp (no pun intended) are you in? The discussion of kids, sports, winning and losing often ignites passions on both sides of the field. Are we wrong to think that sports should prepare […] Learn More ›

My job at JCC Chicago affords me the opportunity to visit Israel many times each year, often as the leader of one of our community Israel trips. Trip after trip I observe participants marveling at the warmth and hospitality that is part of Israeli culture. We are invited into people’s homes for Shabbat, enthusiastically welcomed […] Learn More ›

A little over two weeks ago, I embarked on what would be a life-changing experience: my first trip to Israel as staff for CFJE’s Ta’am Yisrael Trip. It is difficult to put into words my feelings about this adventure, but I am going to try. As the plane touched down at Ben Gurion Airport, I […] Learn More ›