PHASE ONE OF THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Demolition crews used heavy equipment to tear the auditorium down to its concrete shell, including the sound booth and seating structure (see page 2).

Your Impact at the J

There’s never a dull moment at the J – especially during the summer. During the ten weeks of SJCC Summer Camp, more than 875 smiling kids will come through our doors on Mercer Island and at the Seattle Jewish Community School to discover more than 35 different camps. In June, we kicked off Phase One of our Capital Campaign construction project, so we’re well on our way to having a state-of-the-art auditorium/multi-purpose space and family zone for our community to enjoy. Our Kesher Community Garden is in full bloom and will host a variety of programs during the summer and early fall, so be sure to drop by for an event or just to take in the beauty of this priceless community resource.

So much of what the J offers – including all the activities, events, and celebrations you’ll read about in the following pages – wouldn’t be possible without you. Our families are the center of our community, and we want to take a moment to remind you of a few things that your generous support and enthusiastic participation have made possible this year.

Thanks to you, we:

provided more than $250,000 in scholarships for families and individuals to become J members, send their kids to our premier Early Childhood School and camp, and attend our diverse programs.

offered a first-time camper incentive to almost 80 kids to experience the joy of SJCC Summer Camp this year.

partnered with more than 20 local organizations for a community celebration that brought nearly 500 people together to celebrate Israel’s 65th anniversary.

brought the Seattle Jewish Film Festival under our wings and continue to integrate it into our programs year-round.

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We hope this newsletter gives you a glimpse into the impact your support and participation have in our community. Because, at the end of the day, that’s what we are: a community center – and the work we do wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of you.

See you at the J,

Aaron Alhadeff Judy NeumanBoard of Directors President Chief Executive Officer

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ROARING FOR THE STORM Kids in SJCC Sports Camp cheered on the Seattle Storm women’s basketball team, one of the weekly field trips for our camps. SJCC Sports Camp is the back-to-back winner of Best Sports Camp in the Puget Sound, as voted by parents in ParentMap magazine in 2011 and 2012.

Phase Oneauditorium remodel

Phase One construction on our Capital Campaign kicked off this summer, and we’re thrilled with the progress we’ve seen in just a few short weeks.

The project is a full remodel of our auditorium, foyer, and adjacent Room 207, which will become a combined multi-purpose and flexible space for our community. The auditorium will be transformed to include natural light, 50% more seating capacity, and state-of-the-art technology to host community events including movies, performances, lectures, and celebrations.

Construction began on June 5; crews quickly cleared the auditorium down to its concrete shell. The seating structure has been removed and recycled, the light booth has been dismantled, and construction on the foyer and Room 207 started in early July. Recycling bins are on site to ensure that all recyclable materials are being disposed of in sustainable ways.

We can’t wait to share the transformation of this space with you. To follow the construction progress, be sure to check out the displays near the entrance to the Early Childhood School, on the barricades outside the auditorium, or downstairs near the Fitness Center.

SPECIAL THANKSLead Donors Sharon and Marty Lott (above) and the Lott Foundation Major Gifts Leadership SJCC Past President Stan Rosen and SJCC President Aaron Alhadeff Capital Campaign ChairsDavid Rind, Iantha Sidell, and Aaron Alhadeff

Our heartfelt gratitude to our Captial Campaign supporters:

The Lott Foundation Sharon and Marty Lott

The Alhadeff Family Marleen and Kenny Alhadeff Emily and Aaron Alhadeff

Yaffa and Paul Maritz

Susan and Jeff Brotman

Barrie and Richard GalantiJudy and Jeff GreensteinThe Loeb Family Charitable Foundations Francine and Richard Loeb Dianne and Stephen Loeb JoEllen and Don LoebDeborah and Doug RosenMichele and Stan RosenMimi Rosen and Nate GoldbergLeslie RosenJack Rosen Rita and Herbert Rosen Family Foundation

Barbara and Ted DanielsNancy and Paul EtseksonCeleste and David Rind

Gloria and Eric BensussenLucy and Herb PruzanThe Keller/Sulman Family Michele and Nick Keller Barbara and Stuart Sulman

Joann and Carl BiancoJacob EngelsteinLela and Harley FrancoCarol and Andy HarrisCatherine Mayer and Martin SeligFaye and Herman SarkowskyMichele and Alan Tesler

Donna BenaroyaThe Fisher Family Foundation Eddie Fisher Kim and Craig Fisher Lauren and Rodney Fisher Sorah Leah and Eric FisherRenee and Josh HerstElicia and Jeremy LottNaomi and Jon NewmanMolly and Lindsey SchwartzIantha and Stan Sidell

Andrea and Jeff CordovaTammy and Rusty FedermanLiz and Jordan FriedmanLori and Jon FriedmanAmy and Aaron LavinJudy and Nissim NeumanKim and Alan WaldbaumAmy and Aaron Wolff Marianne and Jim Wolff4Culture

Dana and Jay AzoseAbe and Sidney Block FoundationTrisha and Gordon CohenKim and Craig FisherJackie and Matt Leibsohn

Jill and Craig BeilinsonBonnie and Robbie CapePeg Hall and Moss PatashnikDeborah Levinger and David VaillancourtBarbara and Chuck MaduellAnne and David MasinSusan and Tom MorminoMolly and Matt Turetsky

Israel @ 65a community celebration

On May 5, nearly 500 people gathered at the J to celebrate Israel’s 65th anniversary. We partnered with more than 20 local organizations, including Temple de Hirsch Sinai and Tzofim, to create a “day trip” to Israel. Activities spanned the country and its history: attendees made their own chocolate, pita bread, and bath salts; hit the waves on an inflatable surf rider like surfers in Haifa; and climbed our version of Masada, a 24-foot rock climbing wall.

No trip to Israel would be complete without an Israeli meal, so there was also plenty of falafel on hand to enjoy. Plus, with the support of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, we gave away a $500 stipend to one lucky attendee to put toward an actual trip to Israel.

One of the biggest highlights of the day was Meshi Kleinstein’s amazing concert. The young Israeli singer performed everything from standards to pop music to Hatikvah (Israel’s national anthem). We gathered as a community for one last big event in our old auditorium before its remodel – we sang, we danced, we ate birthday cake, and we had a great time.

It was a unique opportunity to bring the Israeli, Jewish, and greater Seattle communities together, said SJCC Program Director Zach Duitch. “People came from all over the area to explore and celebrate with us and our great community partners,” he said. “It was really a phenomenal way for our community to come together and celebrate Israel.”

J Explorersdads, kids, and s’mores

On a sunny weekend in June, more than 100 dads and kids trekked to Camp Kalsman in Arlington, Washington, for 24 hours of fun for the third annual J Explorers spring campout.

Everyone had a jam-packed day of archery, gaga, canoeing, and candle making; a giant zip line-like swing; an evening Havdalah service where some of the dads performed a skit; and even a late-night “Gangnam Style” dance party.

Craig Fisher, a J Explorers co-founder, took his son, Drew, to the campout. One of his favorite things about the program is that it gives him a chance to carve out time with his son. “With the hectic lives we all live, J Explorers allows me the opportunity to spend time one-on-one with Drew,” he said.

Larry Kalman agreed. He and his daughter, Orly, do father-daughter activities together a lot, he said, “but it’s always great to have additional activities that are just for her and me.”

Larry and Craig are also both grateful that J Explorers helps their kids stay connected with friends from the J’s Early Childhood School once they move on to elementary school. For many dads, a huge benefit of J Explorers is simply that they get to hang out with other Jewish dads and kids.

“Oftentimes it’s the moms who are dropping kids off at ECS and forming these bonds, so it can be harder for the dads to get connected,” said SJCC Enrichment Coordinator Katie London, who helps lead the J Explorers program.

J Explorers can also be a great place for dads and kids to meet new friends. The campout was the first J Explorers event for Joel Magalnick and his son, Ben. “We jumped into J Explorers head first,” said Joel. “I actually knew very few of the dads, since I live in Seattle, so it was nice to meet a lot of new people.”

At the core of J Explorers is a connection to Judaism, which was a big part of why the program was created, said Craig. He and several of his friends and their kids used to participate in a program through the YMCA called Y Guides. At a certain point they realized how many J members were involved in the group and decided to create one of their own.

“It lets us all stay connected to the J and to Judaism,” Craig said. “Hopefully we’re strengthening these relationships so our kids become lifelong friends, go to BBYO together, and stay active at the J and in the Jewish community as they grow up.”

Alan Tesler wants to teach you what he calls “the best card game ever invented.” If you’re one of his devoted students, you know exactly which game he’s talking about: bridge.

Alan, a long-time SJCC member and former Board of Directors President, has been teaching bridge classes at the J for the past year. In that time, the program has expanded from around a dozen students to more than 50 players each session.

When SJCC member Bobbi Chamberlin decided to sign up for bridge classes with a group of six girlfriends last fall, she hadn’t realized Alan had such a following. Now she’s proud to be one of his original students. “He’s a wonderful teacher,” she said. “Not only is he brilliant at bridge, but he really enjoys it.”

Bridge is a complex game, so having an instructor to answer questions is extremely helpful. Alan even helps when he’s not “on the clock.” Bobbi and her friends often play outside of class, and if they’re ever stumped, they’ll take a picture of the game and send it to Alan, who responds with suggestions.

Barrie Galanti found Alan’s classes after her previous teacher moved away – and she knows she found a great teacher. “He’s thorough and patient and I’m able to follow what he’s teaching,” she said.

After Alan became a certified bridge instructor in 2011, he began looking for a place to teach. The J was an obvious place to turn since it’s been an integral part of his family’s life for the past three decades. In fact, one of the first things Alan did when his family moved to Seattle in 1984 was join the J. “I knew the J would help us adapt to our new life here,” he said. And it has certainly turned out that way.

During the years his family has remained actively involved at the J. His kids attended the Early Childhood School and summer camps, played on sports teams, and worked at the J in various capacities; his wife, Michele, also served on the Board. In addition to his tenure as Board President, Alan has played on the J’s basketball and softball teams, is an avid racquetball player, and can be seen at the gym with Michele almost every day.

One of Alan’s favorite aspects of teaching bridge at the J is that it brings a variety of people—members and non-members, Jewish and non-Jewish—into the building. “The classes expose people to the programs and facilities we offer, and they’re another way to help the J serve the community as a whole,” he said.

For those who already are members, like Bobbi, classes at the J fit easily into their routines. “It’s comfortable being at the J,” Bobbi said. “It’s such a natural gathering place for every generation of the Jewish community, so whatever I can do to be a part of it is important.”

Involvement at the J is important to Alan too. He’s served as a J leader and a J teammate, but these days, he’s happy to be known as the “the J’s bridge instructor” and to give back to the community in a new way. “The SJCC was our gateway to our Seattle social life and the Seattle Jewish community,” Alan said, noting that many of his family’s social contacts were formed at the J. “It’s a no-brainer for us to stay involved and give back what we can.”

Building BridgesAlan Tesler Shares His Passion for the Game

Michele and Alan Tesler

Since 1949, SJCC Annual Giving has been a vital source of strength for the J and the primary way for supporters to help sustain the J’s unique contributions in our community.

The generosity of SJCC members, guests and friends is crucial to meet the daily needs of the J and support community programs and events we offer every day. Your gift allows the J to provide greater access and opportunities through innovative programs, classes and events; funding for scholarships; and improvements in equipment and facilities.

Make your gift online at www.SJCC.org or by calling SJCC Special Events Manager Marcie Wirth at 206-388-1998.

Building Our Future

HELENE’S MANY FACES Helene with Senior Director of Family Education and Outreach Dana Weiner (top photo); with kids at an ECS Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) Parade

Helene Azose Retiresteaching a generation at the J

Share Your J StoryDid you meet your spouse at SJCC Summer Camp or ECS? Did you move to Seattle and find your first circle of friends at the J? We love to hear stories of your connections to the J. Share them with us by email at enews@sjcc.org. You could find your story on our web site or an upcoming newsletter.

For more than two decades, Helene Azose has shared her love of children, education, and her deeply rooted Jewish faith with the SJCC community. As she celebrates her retirement from the Early Childhood School this summer, Helene knows she found more than a career – she found her calling.

Helene joined the ECS faculty in 1993 as a substitute teacher, but her first experience with the school was as a parent. Growing up, she considered the JCC in Columbus, Ohio, her second home, so it felt natural to include the SJCC in her Seattle life. When her eldest son, David, was ready for pre-k, Helene and her husband decided to send him to ECS.

With David at the J, Helene’s ECS journey was just beginning. After a year as a substitute teacher, Helene began teaching in the part-time Twos Program. “Once I was a part of the ECS, my passion for educating young children continued to grow,” said Helene. A dozen years later, she transitioned to the leadership roles of Education Coordinator and then Assistant Director, before being named Director of the Mercer Island campus in July 2010.

As our ECS leader, Helene shared her vast knowledge of Reggio Emilia-inspired practice and love of Jewish education with ECS teachers and families, said Sarah Adams, who succeeded Helene as the Director of our Mercer Island ECS campus in May. “Helene approached every situation with integrity, honesty, and respect for others,” Sarah said. “She truly leaves behind a meaningful legacy at our school.”

SJCC Annual MeetingMonday, September 9

Seattle Jewish Film Festival Best of Fest: “Hava Nagila: The Movie” Sunday, August 18, 6 p.m., Seattle Jewish Community SchoolElvis sang it, so did Chubby Checker. With humor and heart, this documentary traces 150 years of Jewish history, Jewish roots and connection to this ubiquitous Bar Mitzvah song.Activities for younger children, light refreshments and popcorn included. Family Sukkot Dinner in the SukkahFriday, September 20, 5:30 p.m. in the SJCC Kesher Community GardenJoin us for a Shabbat dinner in the sukkah in the SJCC Kesher Community Garden. We’ll celebrate Sukkot with a fall-inspired dinner of macaroni and cheese, salad, and butternut squash soup. We’ll have activities for kids, a special dessert treat, and a story around the campfire with PJ Library. Also: watch for information about the J Explorers campout in the Sukkah

SJCC Jewish Touch Series An Afternoon with Hollywood’s Anne Frank, Millie PerkinsSunday, October 27, 2 p.m. at Herzl-Ner Tamid One of our favorite Jewish Touch lecturers, film professor Foster Hirsch will interview the actress who starred in the 1959 movie.

Hanukkah Under the StarsSaturday, November 16, 5:30 p.m., SJCC Mercer Island campusCome together as a community to celebrate Hanukkah. Sing and dance with the kids band Recess Monkey, back after their awesome show last year. There will also be arts and crafts, storytelling from PJ Library, and great food.

COMING UP

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JOIN

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When you join the J, you become part of a community. We offer a wide array of activities, from our fitness facility with more than 40 FREE fitness classes included with membership to activities for the entire family. Joining the J is easy and affordable. Membership is open to everyone regardless of race, religion or national origin. We welcome everyone.

To learn more about becoming a member contact SJCC Director of Membership and Marketing Heidi Turner at HeidiT@sjcc.org or 206-232-7117 or visit our web site at www.SJCC.org.

6:30 p.m. light refreshments7-8 p.m. meetingCelebrate a year in the life of the J at the 56th Annual Meeting of the Stroum Jewish Community Center. This year’s President’s Award will honor David Masin, outgoing member of our Board of Directors. The Max Kaminoff Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Karen Lieberman, a strong supporter of the J who volunteered at this year’s Circle of Friends Luncheon and whose passion for the Kesher Community Garden keeps on growing. Members and friends received an email invitation in July. If you would like to receive email news from the J, email Enews@sjcc.org.

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Stroum Jewish Community Centerof Greater Seattle3801 East Mercer Way Mercer Island WA 98040www.SJCC.org

For a greener community, this newsletter was printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper.

Jeff CordovaSusann EdmondLiz FriedmanAmy LavinJeremy LottBarbara MaduellDavid MasinJoel MezistranoTom MorminoMoss PatashnikMimi RosenIantha SidellBarbara Sulman

Judy NeumanSJCC Chief Executive Officer

SJCC Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEAaron AlhadeffPresident

Aaron WolffPresident-elect

Jill BeilinsonKim WaldbaumVice Presidents

Jacob EngelsteinSecretary/Treasurer

Kim FisherMatt TuretskyAt Large

Rusty FedermanImmediate Past President

Our VisionThe Stroum Jewish Community Center will inspire connections to build community and ensure Jewish continuity.

Our MissionTogether we create outstanding programs, partnerships and spaces that welcome everyone to learn, grow and celebrate Jewish life and culture.

SJCC Core ValuesJewish PeoplehoodWelcoming EveryoneLearningJoyRespect and Common CourtesyTaking Care of Oneself, Body and SoulA Community of Friends

K’lal YisraelHachnasat OrchimLimudSimchaDerech EretzShmirat haNefesh v’haGufKehillah shel Chaverim

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