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Worth Blogging About...

The Power of Joy

How will you use your Power to bring joy to children with cancer in our community?

By Marcia Sheehan, HorizonWALKS - Metro DC Director


In this week's blog, Marcia shares the importance in spreading joy to families battling pediatric cancer and challenges the commUNITY to find your power to spread the joy. 



Click here to read the blog.

Membership Offers

'Tis the Season to Give & Receive! Give the Gift of CommUNITY... Receive free membership credit.

Refer a friend & get 1 month of free dues when they join for a minimum 3 months. For each referral, get a free month!

No Limit! November 1-30          

New member referrals only. J-Family memberships only.

Click here for details!

On the Horizon...

What's "Nu" - October 31-November 6

A calendar of events & announcements for the coming week

"Nu" is defined as a Yiddish expression of agreement, or is used to
ask a simple question instead of using words such as "well" or "so."

The Distinguished Speaker Series presents…

William Schneider

Divided We Stand - The Midterm and Beyond

Monday, October 31, 1pm-2pm (In-Person)

Featuring William Schneider, Prof. Emeritus GMU, contributing columnist, The Hill, faculty member, OLLI and Encore Learning

The midterm elections will take place on Tuesday, November 8. What will your vote mean? What will the election results mean for the rest of Biden’s term, Congress’s ability to work together to pass legislation, and the 2024 Presidential Election? Can our country become more united? Learn the answers to these significant questions as Bill Schneider gives his outlook on the upcoming races and beyond.

Fees: J-Family & J-Journey members: Included as part of your membership

J-Pass Cardholders: $10*; All Others: $20*

*Includes all-day access at the J, including the J-Fit Health Club

You must register to attend - click here. 


Israeli Dance

Tuesdays, 5:45pm-7:45pm (ongoing)

Instructor: Ethan Halpern

This lively dance program incorporates Jewish and Israeli culture through choreographed dances set to modern music by Israeli artists. No experience is required. A great way to have fun and exercise. Questions? Contact Shari.Berman@theJ.org or 703.537.3068.

Fee:   $10 per class (payable to the J) with a valid J-Pass card

Complimentary for Pozez JCC J-Family and J-Journey members


Music & Morsels: "Scenes from Childhood" 

Wednesday, November 2, 4pm-5pm (ET) on Zoom

In Partnership with the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance

Save! Get “Early Bird” pricing before Oct 31st. 

Don't miss Ian Scarfe's exploration of Romantic works for solo piano, culminating in the cycle of piano pieces by Robert Schumann called "Kinderszenen," or "Scenes from Childhood." These charming, humorous, and melodramatic works showcase the hyperactive imagination of the German composer Robert Schumann and provide poignant listening for music lovers of all types. Scarfe will also share selected works from his own childhood growing up practicing the piano. 

Questions? Email: alliance@marinjcc.org

For details & tickets, click here.


First Friday Book Group (Virtual)

Friday, November 4, 11:30am-1pm

Led by Paula Haimes

Book: “The Light of Days” by Judy Batalion

For Zoom access info, register here.

Jewish Musical Treasures: A Concert by The National Chamber Ensemble

Saturday, November 5, 7:30pm

Location: Gunston Arts Center, Theater 1 (2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, VA)

The National Chamber Ensemble's opening marks Kristallnacht, a tragic event in history and celebrates the extraordinary music and resilience of the Jewish culture. 

Purchase tickets: https://www.nationalchamberensemble.org/tickets.htm

Questions? Contact Laurie.Albert@theJ.org.  

Adult Education Classes

Visit the Virtual J for details on these upcoming virtual classes:

Private and Semi-Private Hebrew Lessons

Hebrew Classes (in partnership with Bender JCC)

Level II Yiddish



Still Traveling: Southern Italy’s Archeological Treasures 

Mondays, October 31, November 7, 14 & 21 

2pm-3:15pm (ET) on Zoom 

In Partnership with the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance

Our fantastic guide in Napoli – Antonella – returns with an all-new exploration of important archeological sites (some famous, some hidden gems) not far from her hometown. Our virtual "trips" include: 

  • Pompeii (Oct. 31) 
  • Herculaneum & the So-Called “Minor Sites” (Nov. 7) 
  • Paestum (Nov. 14) 
  • The Phlegraean Fields (Nov. 21) 

Questions? Email: alliance@marinjcc.org

For details & tickets, click here. 


Exploring Opera: Compare & Contrast 

Three Thursdays, November 3, 10 & 17 

4pm-5:30pm (ET) on Zoom 

In Partnership with the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance

Save! Purchase "Early Bird" ticket before Nov 1st! 

After raves from the January opera series, James Sokol returns with a special mini-series filled with a new set of arias, fabulous singers, and gorgeous music; a great series for opera newcomers & the long-time fans. This deep dive may help illuminate who was better, this famous singer or that famous singer? Maybe a forgotten singer or an unknown singer? The answer is complex; it depends on the role, the moment in each career, especially on the listener’s preferences, and more! Still, to compare and contrast the same aria sung by different voices can be very interesting, sometimes illuminating, usually beautiful. Come for the songs; stay for the fun! 

Questions? Email: alliance@marinjcc.org

For details & tickets, click here.

Families
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Upcoming Programs


GJF - Pumpkin Play Date: Nalls

Sunday, November 6, 2:30-4:30 PM

Location: Nalls Produce (7310 Beulah St, Alexandria, VA 22315)

Come enjoy the last day of pumpkins at Nalls Produce with J-Family Ambassador, Danielle. Pumpkin Hill features a pumpkin fort, straw to dig in, free-range chickens, and other fun fall activities and displays. There is also a special area set up to take your own family photos. Bundle up if the weather is chilly!

Click here to register. 

 

Pumpkin Play Date at Cox Farms

Tuesday, November 8, 10am

Location: Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville

Pumpkins, slides, cider and more at Cox Farms in Centreville! Pozez JCC’s Tracy will be there to introduce you to other families, while your kiddos play with new friends and old. Meet us at the front of the park right at 10am, or text Tracy (number given after registration) to get an update on where the group is at. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch or partake in the options at Cox Farms. Buy your tickets as soon as possible, Cox Farms does sell out.

First buy your tickets by clicking here, and then register with GJF by clicking here.

Ongoing Programs


GJF Growing Grasshoppers

Sundays, November 13, December 4, 11am

Most enjoyed by ages 12-24 months (or crawlers)

Is your little one on the move and no longer content to just sit on your lap and play? We are looking for some grasshoppers who like to wiggle, jiggle, and move! Join our J-Family Ambassadors Tracy and Shoshana to get those wiggles out with music, stories, dancing, and more! A great way to spend your morning and meet other families for some FUN!

To register, click here.


Little Bookworms (in person)

Most enjoyed by ages 2-5yrs.

Calling all book-lover families! We invite you and your little one(s) to join us for story time! Each month, you will learn about a Jewish holiday or value through books and have tons of fun. If you love books, you’re sure to enjoy the Little Bookworms experience.

Registration opens two weeks before the event on the library website.

Burke Library:

November 18 (https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/9455068)

December 9 (https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/9455069)

Reston: December 10


Baby Lap Time with J-Family

Sunday, November 20, December 11

8:30am

A virtual lap time experience for our youngest J-Family members and their care providers. These 25 minute experiences introduce songs, rhymes, and developmentally appropriate movement. Come build a bond with your baby while meeting other caregivers. This program is meant for the baby to be in their caregiver’s lap with their grownup actively involved. (Best for Kids 0–18 months)

To register, click here.


The Pozez JCC requires proof of vaccination to enter the building; if you have not yet sent your family's to igotmyshot@theJ.org, please take a moment and do so now.


The J-Family Ambassador program is brought to you by the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia and funded by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and The United Jewish Endowment Fund. Implemented by Pozez JCC's Growing Jewish Families, Bender JCC of Greater Washington, and Edlavitch DCJCC.

Preschool & After-School Care
Click these links for details:
Early Childhood Learning Center: Fairfax
Early Childhood Learning Center: Alexandria
Special Interest Groups at the J

To learn more about a particular group, contact the staff member’s name associated with the group as listed below:


Contact: Shari.Berman@theJ.org

J-Men's Monthly Group: Meet for lunch, speakers, and/or program once a month.

A Woman's Voice: Meet once a month to talk about topics of interest (no politics).

Memoir Writing Group: Meet once a month to write memoirs, poems, and/or essays

First Friday Book Group: Meet once a month for avid readers.

Gardening Group: Meet once a month to share gardening tips; day trips on occasion.

Widow/Widower Support Group: Meet once a month at Congregation Beth Emeth, Herndon

Ladies Loving Laughter & Learning (4Ls): Women 55+ years old, meet once a month for book discussions, brunch, speakers, etc.

News in Review Roundtable: Bimonthly meetings to discuss current events.


Contact: Laurie.Albert@theJ.org

Women's Social Impact Group (WSIG): Focus is community service - repairing the world. Activities include food drives, recycling programs, clothing drives, etc.


Contact: Amy.Lummer@theJ.org

Growing Jewish Families: Programs serve families with children (primarily up to 8 years old) and focus on Jewish holidays and traditions. J-Family Ambassadors plan meet-up opportunities throughout Northern Virginia for families (one-on-one and families-to-families).

Divas & Diners: Women of all ages and stages meet once a month, typically at a local restaurant, to connect and schmooze. Each participant pays own tab.

Health & Fitness
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Swim Lessons

Fall Session 2 is coming up and we have a few spots left for swimmers!

Mondays, Level 1 - 5:30pm-6:30pm

Sundays, Level 1 - 10:30am-11am

Wednesdays, Level 1 - 5:30pm-6pm


Swim classes are in high demand, if you are interested in a class level that is full, please email Sophie.Borchers@theJ.org to see if there is a possibility of adding another class for that level. We currently have instructors available to add classes to Sundays at 11:30am and 12pm or Wednesdays 5:30pm and 6pm. 

Click here for Hours and Game Rules
Recreational Games & Activities
Recreational Games and Activities are at the J!
Contact Shari.Berman@thej.org, 703.537.3068 for questions/info.

Here are two useful links to help you create a Mindbody account and login to register for game slots:

CommuNITY

Pop-Up Puzzle Sale

Wednesday, November 9, 9am – until we are sold out!

Back by popular demand! If you like puzzles, then you’ll want to stop by and check out the sale – there are puzzles for all age groups and levels.

Proceeds raised will help support our Hypothermia Prevention Program taking place at the end of February.


If you have new or gently used puzzles to donate, please drop them off at our reception desk by Nov. 7.

If you would like to volunteer to help at the sale, please click here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4eafad2ea2fdc70-popup

Questions? Email Laurie.Albert@thej.org.

 

Women’s Social Impact Group Monthly Meeting

Thursday, November 10, 11am-noon, Adult Lounge

Bringing women together to make a positive difference in our community – women of

all stages and ages working together to turn our passions into purpose. Highlights of

our work include: combating food insecurity; homelessness; voters rights and

more! If you are interested in learning more about this group please join us on the 10, or

email socialaction@theJ.org

CommUNITY: Please Help As You are Able
The Pozez JCC continues to support and build CommUNITY during this challenging time for so many people in our area. We hope you will join us in standing together to help those in need.

The Pozez JCC continues supporting the work of Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area (LSSNCA) to help the families get settled in our area.


LSSNCA is having a winter coat drive!

October 31-January 5

Items must be new or in like-new condition; free from stains

or tears. Used clothing MUST be washed prior to donation.

Three drop-off locations in the DC area including:

3975 Fair Ridge Drive

Suite 100 North

Fairfax, VA 22033

M-F / 10AM-4PM

Click here for details.


LSSNCA is looking for volunteers to assist in setting up their new Resource Center in Alexandria, VA! Volunteers are invited to drop-in and assist with assembling furniture and fixtures, organizing donations, and some light cleaning. No need to commit to the full time blocks listed on the sign-up, but please comment the time frame you anticipate being present during those open volunteer hours. 

Sign-Up Link: LSSNCA: LSSNCA Resource Center Set-Up Support (signupgenius.com)

Volunteers must be 18+ years of age OR be accompanied by an adult. No background check is required for these support tasks.

Resource Center Address: 5710A General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA

Please pass this information along to others who may be interested and/or email Alyssa Clifford, at clifforda@lssnca.org if you have any questions! 


In addition, to the above, if you can donate these much-needed items, these are the only items being collected (due to space constraints):

-Laptops – NEW only

-Smartphones – NEW or refurbished only

-SIM cards (Mint Mobile preferred)

-Gift cards (Visa, Target, Walmart, Giant, Safeway, Uber, and Lyft)

Amazon Wishlist Link

Critical Need for Non-Perishable Food &
Personal Care Items for Food for Others
Demand for protein and canned fruit is high
Food insecurity in our region is growing, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect so many, and now the economy is hurting. Please give as you are able, by dropping off these much-needed donations at the J to help our commUNITY.
 
Each week during business hours, please bring non-perishable food items to the Guest Services Desk at the J's entrance and we will take them to the food pantry each week to help those in need.
 
Suggested non-perishable foods include: Canned chicken, tuna, salmon, chili, sausage, canned fruit (all types).
The needs in our commUNITY are only increasing. That is why J Rides, a member of the NV Rides family, is currently expanding its service to provide help where it is needed most. In order to do this we need to enlist more volunteers to help with contactless food deliveries, check-in calls to isolated seniors and rides to critical medical care appointments.
When you make purchases through Amazon you can directly support the Pozez JCC! Just go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-1145849, login as usual, and then shop as you always do. The J will receive 0.5% of your purchase price (we don't see what you purchase). Everyone wins!
Helpful Resources
In need of support? Visit the Virtual J for resources by clicking here.

Stay connected to the J through social media @PozezJCC! Click on any of the icons below to check out what the J community is sharing.
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