Adults

JCC’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Gala

Food, fun, and fundraising for a good cause were the hallmarks of the JCC’s Annual Meeting and Gala. More than 200 community members gathered at the beautiful Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia, New York for the Sunday, June 4 event, to enjoy cocktails and a kosher meal catered by Essen New York Deli of Brooklyn.

“Phenomenal” was the word Marci Erlebacher, executive director of the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center, used to describe the ceremony. “Everyone had a great time. The feedback I’m getting is what a successful event we had.”

In its 160th year, The Annual Meeting and Gala is a community event that supports various JCC scholarships for the Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP), Summer Camp including support for children with special needs, the After School Program, and more. During the event, outgoing board members were recognized, new officers were sworn in, and three community members — Shai Jaffe, Steven Wladis, and outgoing board president Steven Sisskind — were honored for their service, dedication, and contributions to the JCC. This year a video highlighting the honorees’ reflections on receiving these awards was also shown during the ceremony.

Jaffe received the Kovod award, which signifies honor and importance, and is given to a community member who has taken an active and outstanding role in events and programs. Jaffe, a graduate of Syracuse Hebrew Day School, works with the Afterschool and Camp programs as well as the ECDP.

Wladis received the Kovod Gadol award, which means great honor, and is given to a community member who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, energy, and loyalty to the JCC and greater community. Wladis is managing principal at OneDigital, the VP of finance for Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas (CBS-CS), is actively involved with The Wladis Hats & Gloves Foundation, and has served as a JCC board member for nearly 20 years. “It’s extremely humbling to receive the Kovod Gadol Award, but also very meaningful, given that my father is in the JCC’s Hall of Fame,” Wladis said.

Sisskind received the Hall of Fame award, which is given to an individual who has dedicated themselves to the Syracuse Jewish community and to the advancement of the JCC. Sisskind is the owner of Sisskind Funeral Service, LLC and has served as president of the JCC’s Board of Directors for the last decade. “This year’s gala was everything I could have hoped for and more,” Sisskind said. “The video was spectacular, the food was delicious, the room was full, but not crowded, and everyone was just so happy to be there!”

After serving as president for an unprecedented 10 years, Sisskind passed the gavel to Phil Rubenstein, president of Syracuse’s United Radio and VP of the JCC board.
The Annual Meeting and Gala is the JCC’s biggest fundraiser, and Erlebacher was happy to report that the goal for this year’s event was met. “Without this event and without the generosity of our community we wouldn’t be able to give out as much in scholarships.” She added, “[The event] also means a lot to us because we’re honoring people who have been of service.”

 

image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
READ MORE
Children & Teens

Tzofim Friendship Caravan Comes to the JCC!

The Tzofim Friendship Caravan brings excitement and energy through friendship and performance! Each Caravan is made up of a group of five girls and five boys and their two leaders. They are chosen to be members of the Caravan based on their maturity, fluency in English, and of course their talent! After several rounds of competitive auditions and interviews, the scouts spend a year training and rehearsing for their exciting summer.

July 17th at 7 pm

JCC Gymnasium


READ MORE
Adults

JCC’s 2023 Honorees

The JCC’s Annual Meeting and Gala is happening Sunday, June 4th at 11am at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia, New York. The organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, this celebration will mark the 160th anniversary of the event.

The Annual Meeting and Gala funds various scholarships that support the Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP), Summer Camp including support for children with special needs, the After School Program, and more. At the meeting, outgoing board members will be recognized and new officers will be sworn in — including a new incoming president. The event will be kosher Va’ad supervised, and back by popular demand a deli meal will be catered by Essen NY Deli. 

The JCC is looking forward to another successful Annual Meeting and Gala. “As our largest fundraiser of the year, it is important that we come together to recognize the hard work of our volunteers as well as raise money to help defray the costs of the many scholarships that we award each year” says Executive Director, Marci Erlebacher. “This is a bittersweet year for the JCC and especially important as we recognize Steven Sisskind and his 10 years of service as President of the Board. He will be passing the torch of leadership to incoming President, Phillip Rubenstein.”

The highlight of the night is recognizing community members as honorees for their service, dedication, and contributions to the JCC. This year’s honorees are:

Steven Wladis, who will be receiving the Kovod Gadol award. Kovod Gadol in Hebrew translates to “Great Honor”. This award is presented each year to honor a single individual or couple who has demonstrated, usually over a period of years, an extraordinary degree of commitment, energy and loyalty to the JCC and greater community. Wladis is the Managing Principal at OneDigital, the VP of finance for Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas (CBS-CS), is actively involved with The Wladis Hats & Gloves Foundation, and has served on the JCC Board of Directors for nearly 20 years. A graduate of Babson College, Wladis currently resides in Fayetteville with his family. “This is a huge honor for me,” Wladis said. “Growing up, we were raised to help others and give back when we could. I’m not one to seek out recognition and it’s a little uncomfortable to receive it, but this honor is greatly appreciated.”


Shai Jaffe, who will be receiving the Kovod award. The Kovod award, which signifies honor and importance, is awarded annually to those members who have been active in events and programs in an outstanding way. Jaffe is a native of Syracuse who currently works at the JCC with the ECDP, After School Program, and Summer Day Camp. A graduate of Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Jaffe was a camper at the JCC for many years before transitioning to the role of a camp counselor. “I am happy to receive this award,” Jaffe said. “It makes me proud to know that I am doing a good job and I am helping others.”


Steven Sisskind, who will be receiving the Hall of Fame award. The Hall of Fame was established in 2009. It was set up to recognize and celebrate individuals who have dedicated themselves to the Syracuse Jewish community and to the advancement of the JCC. Sisskind is the owner of Sisskind Funeral Service, LLC, and has served as president of the JCC’s Board of Directors for the last decade. He is a graduate of the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and Simmons School of Mortuary Science, and has been a Syracuse resident ever since college. “Anytime you receive recognition from your community is special,” Sisskind said. “It’s a personal satisfaction to know that you’ve made a difference. But what is especially humbling is to receive such an honor from the true heart of my chosen home.”


The JCC will also honor Sisskind as outgoing president of the Board. He will be recognized for his 10 years of outstanding service to the organization. Sisskind is honored to have served as president of the JCC Board for the past 10 years, “I’ve witnessed our JCC grow, endowments and membership multiply and our ECDP and children’s programs flourish,” he said. “We have an incredible team, and they make me extremely proud.” Phillip Rubenstein, president of Syracuse’s United Radio and current President Elect of the JCC board, will be sworn in as the new board president.

To purchase tickets, please contact Erin Hart at [email protected] or 315-445-2360 ext. 112.


READ MORE
Children & Teens

Camp Zeke!

You bring the fam, we bring the fun!

JFAM at Camp Zeke is an all-inclusive camp family weekend. Experienced camp staff provide activities for all ages, and you will enjoy three meals (plus snacks galore) a day surrounded by your family and new friends. Your family can relax and recharge all while enjoying the beautiful outdoor setting.

The Jewish Federation of Central New York is partnering with Camp Zeke to offer families with at least one child aged 8 and under an immersive Jewish family weekend at the camp June 23-25. The goal is to help families build ties with each other and the greater Jewish community.

Camp Zeke is located at 31 Barry Watson Way, Lakewood, PA 18439, about a two-hour drive from Central New York, straight down 81 South. The camp offers comfortable rooms including linen and towel service, air conditioning and central heating. All have private bathrooms with stall showers and can be set up in a combination of ways to accommodate family sizes.

Throughout the weekend, families participate in programs geared to toddlers, older kids and adults. There is boating and swimming in Camp Zeke’s heated pool and 60-acre spring-fed lake. Joyful musical services are held lakeside and fitness and strength training are offered in a full gym. There are nature walks, circus arts, theater games, lakeside campfires and more.

The cost for a family of four for the weekend is $250 and is all inclusive. Federation subsidizes all other costs. Twenty families with one child under the age of 8 are welcome to apply. Places are reserved for three families from each of our community’s synagogues with an additional eight slots open to all.

JFAM believes that every Jewish family belongs at camp and welcomes all family structures, families with members who do not identify as Jewish, families of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender identities and families with children and/or adults with disabilities.

To apply for Camp Zeke, please email [email protected] and include your name, address and the names and ages of people in your family. You must have one child under the age of 8 to be eligible. Please indicate If you are a member of a synagogue. (Please note: There will be no proselytization of any kind at the camp.)

READ MORE
Children & Teens

Purim Carnival 2023

Celebrate Purim at the JCC!

Purim is right around the corner and the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse is ready to celebrate. This year, the Jewish holiday begins at sundown on March 6 and ends the following nightfall on March 7. The JCC celebrations will include food, lots of activities for the children, and the annual Purim Carnival. 

As you know, Purim commemorates the survival of the Jews of Persia from Haman, thanks to the bravery of Queen Esther. The joyous occasion focuses on four mitzvot (commandments): Megillah (hearing the story of Purim), Mishloach manot (giving food gifts), Matanot l’evyonim (giving to the poor), and Seudat Purim (enjoying a festive meal). 

During Purim, the JCC is transformed to bring the tale to life with colorful decorations and balloons. The Early Childhood Development Program hosts a parade and party to celebrate. Children embrace the spirit by dressing up in a variety of costumes from Esther and Haman to superheroes and princesses. They will have a chance to show off their creativity to parents in a parade around the gym. The festivities continue in the classroom, where the story of Purim is read and a traditional snack of hamentashen is served. 

Children who participate in the After School Program will also snack on hamentashen. The fun will continue with a “paper chain” race to see who can construct the longest chain. Whoever does will win tickets to the JCC’s annual Purim Carnival! During the week, seniors will be able to partake in a special holiday lunch as well.

The annual Purim Carnival will take place on March 5 from 12-4pm. We are excited to invite the entire community back to the JCC after hosting a socially distant “Car”nival the past few years due to the pandemic. It just wasn’t the same, so we look forward to resuming the full experience that is unlike any other, and to reconnect and make new memories as a community during the most joyous Jewish holiday!

The fun-filled event will include carnival games, bounce houses, magic shows, and story time for the children. Make sure the kids hold on to their tickets after each game, so they can exchange them for cool prizes. Parents can also get in on the fun by dressing up.

Esther’s café will also be open in the auditorium and feature a kosher menu. Menu items will include corned beef, knishes, and hamantaschen cookies. Community organizations are invited to host an information table. Reach out to Amy Bisnett at 315-445-2360 or abisnett@jccsyr.org to learn more.

“It’s always happy to see families coming together to enjoy a holiday with the community,” said Cindy Stein, director of Senior and Adult Programs at the JCC. “Honestly, the kids need this. They need to come back to be able to have special times with their families and to enjoy Jewish traditions.” 

Our menu will be provided by Esters Café in the auditorium! Filled with delicious kosher food for all!

See you there!

2023 Parade

image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image

2023 Purim Carnival

image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
READ MORE
Events

JCC of Syracuse announces 2023 Annual Meeting and Gala award recipients

The JCC of Syracuse’s 160th Annual Meeting and Gala will be held on Sunday, June 4th from 11 am to 2 pm at Owera Vineyards in Cazenovia, NY.  This is the JCC’s largest and most important fundraiser of the year at which they come together as a community to honor those who have been instrumental in the growth and development of the Center. This essential fundraiser raises thousands of dollars in scholarships each year allowing children to attend the JCC’s summer camp, early childhood development program, after school program and programs to mainstream children with special needs. It also allows the JCC to offer discounted fitness classes to those in need and enables it to serve over 6,000 meals to senior adults each year.

The gala will once again bring the “New York City Deli Experience” to Upstate New York with the return of Yitzy of Essen New York Deli. The mouth-watering corned beef will make its much anticipated return this year with an authentic Jewish deli brunch. The event will kick off with a cocktail hour, followed by brunch and a brief meeting and awards ceremony. New this year will be video presentations  of the honorees.

This year’s honorees represent a wide spectrum of dedication and support. The Kovod Award, which signifies honor and importance, is awarded annually to those members who have been active in events and programs in an outstanding way. The JCC will be present this year’s Kovod award to Shai Jaffe. Shai has grown instrumentally over the past few years working in the Children’s Programming department. He will be recognized for his dedication to the JCC and for his outstanding work with children from ECDP, After School and summer camp.

The Kovod Gadol Award, which in Hebrew, translates to “great honor”. This award is presented each year to honor a single individual or couple who has demonstrated, usually over a period of years, an extraordinary degree of commitment, energy and loyalty to the JCC and greater community. This year’s Kovod Gadol award will be presented to JCC Board Member and longstanding supporter, Steven Wladis. Steven has served on the JCC Board of directors for 20 years and has been the continual Annual Meeting & Gala naming sponsor.

This year’s Hall of Fame award is being presented to Board President, Steven Sisskind. Steven has served as president of the Board for ten years. This is Steven’s final year as Board President, and the JCC will honor the dedication and support he has shown during his tenure.

“We are delighted to honor another outstanding group of honorees this year,” said the JCC’s Executive Director, Marci Erlebacher. “The continued support and service that these individuals have given to the JCC, and the greater Jewish Community is truly remarkable. We look forward to honoring them all at this year’s event.”

For more information on the upcoming Annual Meeting and Gala, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Erin Hart at 315-445-2360, ext. 112, or [email protected].

READ MORE
Gym equipmentAdults

What’s New at the JCC?

By Carlett Spike

A new year means new happenings at the JCC. Both regulars and newcomers can explore these programs and upcoming events:

Holocaust Library 

A new library dedicated to Holocaust history and literature has been established at the JCC by Dr. Alan Goldberg. The Holocaust Library will be housed in the Jerome and Phyllis Charney Holocaust Information Resource Center. A professor emeritus of Syracuse University’s School of Education and director of the Holocaust and Genocide Initiative, Goldberg hopes this library will serve as a source of Jewish pride and education.

The collection includes several hundred books on history, biography, essays, fiction and poetry provided by Goldberg. “We are beyond thrilled and honored that Alan has chosen the JCC to house this incredible library of books,” said Marci Erlebacher, executive director of the JCC. “We hope that this can be a resource to many across the Central New York community.”

Last Chance to Sign up For Dollar & A Dream Special 

Commit to your fitness in the new year for just $1. First time members will pay $1 for one month to the day of membership from the date of signup. Offer ends Jan. 31. Those who signed up through the Dollar & a Dream special will receive an exclusive offer for a discounted one-year membership (at the conclusion of their trial). This offer is only available for first time fitness members. Please contact Nick Finlayson at [email protected] to sign up or for more information. 

New After School Clubs

The JCC’s After School Program now offers three new clubs open for children K- 6th grade who are enrolled in the After School program. Parents can sign their children up for: 

  • Art club hosted by Ms. Kim. This club will give children the opportunity to practice various art techniques to create their own masterpieces. 
  • Kindergarten club. A group for kindergarteners to explore and learn with kids their own age, as well as develop new friendships. 
  • Book club. Open to both younger and older children, the group will read age appropriate books (chapter books for older kids/picture books for younger ones) and discuss or participate in a project related to the reading. 

Parents can reach out to Kevin Smith at [email protected] for more information. 

Save the Date: Purim Carnival to be held Sunday, March 17th

Mark your calendars, the annual Purim Carnival is scheduled for March 17, 2024. As one of the biggest events of the year to celebrate the Jewish community, everyone is invited to the JCC for an afternoon of fun. Expect costumes, carnival games, magic shows, and more!

READ MORE
Adults

Chanukah at the JCC

Chanukah is closer than you think. The passing of Rosh Hashanah brings a new year with new opportunities. In the spirit of the new year, the JCC is looking forward to providing a sense of normalcy that has been missing these last few years. The pandemic gave everyone an appreciation for the feeling of fellowship and strengthened the bond within the community. Now that people are beginning to feel a semblance of safety, the JCC hopes to bring a party that is warm and familiar through ritual and celebration.

The JCC’s annual Community Chanukah Party is making its return. The event will be held on Sunday, December 18th from 12:30pm – 3:00pm and is being sponsored by the Jewish Federation of CNY. Families will be invited and welcomed to join for a fun-filled afternoon. The eyes of the children will brighten as soon as they walk through the doors and see inflatables, crafts, face painting, balloon twisters, a photo booth and more. Refreshments will be provided and delicious food will be offered including latkes, bagels, fruit, and everyone’s favorite sufganiyot (jelly donuts). 

The After School Program will be hosting their Chanukah Party Tuesday, December 20th during the program. Children will get to play dreidel, pin the fork on the latke, eat sufganiyot and more. Each child will get a Chanukah goody bag to take home.

As usual, the Early Childhood Development Program will be celebrating Chanukah.  All classrooms will celebrate the holiday at their own developmental level within the classroom. The wings of the classroom will be decorated for the holiday and will have special materials for the occasion. On Wednesday, December 21 the classrooms will have their own Chanukah Celebration all day with special activities, crafts, latkes and sufganiyot.

Chanukah for the Senior Department will be celebrated on Friday, Dec 16th. A special lunch and sufganiyot will be served. We will have entertainment for this celebration. Reservations are required.

Finally, the whole community is invited to join us for nightly menorah lightings at the JCC. Children from Early Childhood and School Age programs come together to sing the blessings and watch as the lights are lit. Those without family to bring can find family within the comfort of the community. We will light the menorah at 4:30pm each weeknight during Chanukah. 

READ MORE
Adults

Night of Shopping

The JCC is hosting a night of shopping! Take the opportunity to support women owned businesses and local vendors. This is the perfect place to purchase holiday gifts for loved ones. Wine will be available and the event is open to the community.

Get a jump start
on your holiday
shopping!
Join us for a night of
shopping women owned local
businesses! We will have many
local vendors and businesses
with perfect holiday gifts to
give or for yourself!
Support the Early Childhood
Development Program, local
vendors and businesses. 

Open to the
Community!
Vendor Tables still
available!
READ MORE
Home
Call
Donate