The Joan and Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center of Staten Island will host a virtual lecture with international journalist Paul Alster, who will discuss his debut novel Kin or Country. The event will take place on Thursday, October 22nd at 2pm. The lecture is presented by the Dr. Esther Grushkin Seminars for Adult Jewish Education.
 
Paul Alster is an Israel-based journalist who has covered both sports and political news for a variety of international outlets. His work has been featured in The Jerusalem Report, The Investigative Project on Terrorism, Forbes, DailyMail Online, The Hill, The New York Post, and others. Alster previously served as the regional correspondent covering current affairs, intelligence, and terrorism in the Middle East for FoxNews.com, where he continues to be a featured commentator.
 
Most recently, Alster penned his debut novel, Kin or Country, published this summer. A thriller set in 2048 Israel, the novel weaves together political intrigue and a murder mystery. Drawn from the author’s experiences living and working in Israel, the story highlights tensions between secular and religious groups and raises questions about the nation’s future.
 
The JCC will host Alster on Zoom for a presentation and Q&A on Kin or Country. The event is sponsored by Eileen and Alan Bernstein in memory of Miriam and Eli Cohen. The fee for the program is $10 per household.
 
“When I wrote Kin or Country last year, I genuinely believed it might take until the end of the 2040s for the massive demographic challenge presented by the growth of the ultra-Orthodox communities to reach a head. However, recent events prompted by the Coronavirus-driven financial crisis and its fallout have already seen many of the issues I envisioned rush to the fore much faster than expected. Seismic changes in the way Israel is governed and in the attitude of the many peoples living within its borders need to take place very soon to avoid a scenario similar to the premise of my book,” Alster said about his book.
 
This upcoming program joins several lecture series and standalone events hosted by the Dr. Esther Grushkin Seminars for Adult Jewish Education at the JCC. Also known as SAJE, this endowment created by Jerry Grushkin in honor of his late wife allows the JCC to host various events that promote intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
 
When the pandemic began, the JCC quickly adapted its programming to an online setting and continues to add new virtual programs on a variety of subjects. Recently, the JCC hosted SAJE lectures on the evolving “Jewish American Princess” stereotype in Hollywood films, the roots of Christianity in Judaism, and leading contemporary Israeli artists. All lectures were led by experts in their respective fields.
 
Given the online nature of these events, the JCC has been able to reach beyond the Staten Island community to welcome virtual guests from across the country and around the world to enjoy its programming.
 
Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC, said, “We feel so fortunate to be able to host these interesting, thought-provoking events on a diverse range of topics. Our Cultural Arts team has truly made the most of these challenging times, not only by keeping our members connected with each other, but also by connecting them with amazing speakers worldwide and showing people from around the world all that our community has to offer.”
 
Upcoming SAJE lectures include:

• American Jewish Women in Politics with Amy Posner: Tuesday, October 27 at 12:30pm
• How Sandy Koufax Made Every American Jew Feel 10 Feet Tall: Thursday, November 5 at 7pm
• Memories of a Child Holocaust Survivor in Terezin: Wednesday, November 18 at 7pm (free event)
  
  

To learn more about these programs and purchase tickets, click here.

On Thursday, September 24th through Sunday, September 27th, sixteen local restaurants will participate in a Dine Out For Sunrise fundraiser. The fundraiser will support the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island, a free camp for children with cancer and their siblings. Patrons who dine at participating restaurants during this time can add on a donation for Sunrise to their bill.
 
The restaurants that will participate are Brioso, Casa Belvedere, Italianissimo, Jimmy Max Restaurant, Joyce's Tavern, La Fontana, Marina Café, O'Neill’s Irish Pub, Reggiano's (both locations), The Richmond, The Stone House, Sofia’s Taqueria, Violette’s Cellar, W's Bar and Grill, and the West Shore Inn. Dine Out For Sunrise is sponsored by A-List Janitorial Supplies.
 
The event is part of the Sunshine Sunday Series, a four-month long fundraising series that will take the place of the Sunshine Sunday event that is traditionally held in-person every January. Other virtual events in the series include a fall-themed kids party, a Thanksgiving cooking class, and a holiday-themed mixology class and happy hour. The events will culminate with a journal, called the Sunshine Pages, which will allow businesses to highlight their community work, new initiatives launched during the pandemic, and their involvement with Sunrise.
 
“This is a wonderful way to support our local restaurants, which are so important to our community, and Sunrise Day Camp at the same time,” said Orit Lender, CEO of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island. “We hope you will enjoy a delicious meal and add on a donation to help give summer back to children with cancer and their siblings.”
 
Jessica Caracciolo, Event Co-Chair, noted, “I am so excited to kick off the Sunshine Sunday Series with our September Dine Out!  I think our committee did an amazing job pivoting our fundraising efforts to meet the current restrictions in place. I can’t wait for the rest of the series and, as always, am so thankful to be a small part of the fundraising efforts for Sunrise Day Camp.” 
 
Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island recently celebrated its fifth year, concluding its virtual camp season in August. Recognizing the extraordinary financial demands that a child’s chronic illness can have on a family, Sunrise Day Camp and its year-round and in-hospital programs are offered completely free of charge to all children being treated for cancer and their siblings, on a non-sectarian basis.
 
A member of the Sunrise Association, Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is one of several camps in a growing network dedicated to providing safe, fun summer camp experiences for children with cancer and their siblings. Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is the only day camp for children with cancer in New York City and serves families from Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New Jersey. The JCC raises funds for the camp through donations and community events, including the annual SunriseWALKS.
 
For more information on the Sunshine Sunday Series or to donate to the fundraiser, click here.

On Friday, August 28th, the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island ended its camping season and hit a special milestone—no confirmed COVID-19 cases across its in-person camps.
 
Of over 700 campers in JCC programs, none tested positive for COVID-19 at any point throughout the summer. Camp programs took place throughout the borough and include Traditional Day Camp, Marvin’s Camp for Children with Special Needs, Trident Aquatics Camp, Core 24 Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, Gymnastics Camp, and camp programs at several Cornerstone and Beacon sites. There were also no cases among over 250 staff members.
 
“We are truly thankful for a wonderful summer. Despite having everything stacked against them, everyone rose to the occasion and continued the JCC tradition. Providing our boys with the escape back to normalcy will forever be appreciated! We’re looking forward to next year already,” said camp parent Jason Rappaport.
 
“It was my son’s first year, but it won’t be his last,” said Bobbe Fernando, mother of a camper. “On our way home on the last day, he asked if he could come back next year. As a parent, I was so reassured by all the measures they put in place to keep our kids safe.”
 
Before the camp season began, a camp committee comprised of medical professionals laid out strict guidelines in order to preserve the health and safety of the campers and staff. Temperature checks and health screenings of both campers and staff took place every morning before camp started.
 
Campers were put into families/pods and kept socially distant from other groups. Staff members were required to wear masks and sanitized shared spaces regularly. Directors changed activities to comply with government standards.
 
“We navigated multiples sources of ever-changing guidelines, while dealing with uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. We flipped our model of camp on its side. We endured changes of plans and adapted to new policies and procedures in a moment’s notice. But most importantly, we laughed, we played, we cheered, and we were together,” noted Glenn Wechsler, JCC Day Camp Co-Director.
 
Orit Lender, JCC CEO, said, “This summer, more than ever, it was important for kids to play outside, get away from screens, and reunite with their friends. I’m so proud of all our camp staff, medical committee, campers, and families. By working together, we were able to keep our campers healthy and give them a summer to remember. We are so grateful to the parents who trusted us with their children!”
 
The JCC plans to continue health screenings similar to the ones used by camp as it opens up more of its programs in the fall.

In memory of Lucille Chazanoff:
In honor of her life of caring, loving, touching, and positively impacting so many lives. We all will miss her, but always remember the mark she left on the world.
-Martin D. Steinberg

In honor of David Sorkin:
In honor of your retirement from the JCC.  Thank you for your many years of contributions to the JCC and the Staten Island community.
-The Avis Family

In memory of Harold Schwartz:
My deepest condolences to you, Lenore.
-Evett Shulman

In memory of Lucille Chazanoff:
My deepest sympathy to Jay & family.
-Jackie Reiter 

We are proud to annouce that we will host Sunrise Circle of Friends, a virtual interactive show for kids, on Wednesday, July 29th from 5-6 pm. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp Staten Island, a free camp for children with cancer and their siblings.
 
The event will feature performances and demonstrations by Brian Wild & His Interactive Animals, Steve the Magician, Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts, and Music with Patrick. The event is being produced in collaboration with JMT Media and is chaired by Ilana French.
 
As a special treat, the Staten Island Wine Fairies will deliver a wine basket for mom and dad to enjoy during the show for an additional fee. Basket deliveries are open to Staten Island residents only, and sign-ups for the wine deliveries close Wednesday, July 22.
 
“The JCC is thrilled to be able to provide virtual entertainment for families while also raising much needed funds for Sunrise Day Camp,” said Orit Lender, CEO of the JCC. “We are so grateful to our volunteers and performers who are donating their time and talents to put this special afternoon together.”
 
Recognizing the extraordinary financial demands that a child’s chronic illness can have on a family, Sunrise Day Camp and its year-round and in-hospital programs are offered completely free of charge to all children being treated for cancer and their siblings, on a non-sectarian basis. The camp, which is celebrating its fifth year of service to children with cancer and their siblings, has been running virtually this year due to the campers’ health concerns.
 
Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is the only day camp for children with cancer in New York City and serves families from Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New Jersey. The JCC raises funds for the camp through donations and community events, including the annual SunriseWALKS.
 
A member of the Sunrise Association, Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is one of several camps in a growing network dedicated to providing safe, fun summer camp experiences for children with cancer and their siblings.
 
The virtual event costs $10 per household, with the option to add on a $25 wine delivery. Tickets and wine deliveries can be reserved here. For more information, contact Evett Shulman at eshulman@sijcc.com or 718.475.5256.

The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island is pleased to announce that, thanks to the generosity of the Emergency Children’s Help Organization (ECHO), campers at the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp Staten Island will receive a special weekly package as part of the “Camp in a Box” program.
 
The camp, which is celebrating its fifth year of service to children with cancer and their siblings, has been running virtually this year due to the campers’ health concerns. Each “Camp in a Box” package contains activities and crafts that correspond with the weekly camp theme, so that children can participate in activities from home. Boxes also contain as a special edition Sunrise Day Camp t-shirt.
 
“Our campers are so excited to open these boxes each week,” said Sandy Haft, Camp Director. “It’s like getting a holiday gift every week for two months! We are incredibly grateful to ECHO for supporting this program during these difficult times.”
 
"On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of ECHO, it is a privilege to partner with Sunrise Day Camp and the JCC in order to accommodate the children under these unprecedented circumstances," said Pasquale Loporcaro, ECHO’s Executive Director.
 
ECHO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to children experiencing challenging medical or life emergencies. ECHO’s goal is to help ease the burden financially, along with brightening children’s lives during times of crisis.
 
"The JCC and Sunrise Day Camp have always been wonderful partners with ECHO.  Their community work has always been an asset to those in need. We are honored to be part the ‘Camp in a Box’ program,” noted the organization’s Chairman and Founder, Sebastian Angelico. 
 
Recognizing the extraordinary financial demands that a child’s chronic illness can have on a family, Sunrise Day Camp and its year-round and in-hospital programs are offered completely free of charge to all children being treated for cancer and their siblings, on a non-sectarian basis. Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is the only day camp for children with cancer in New York City and serves families from Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New Jersey. The JCC raises funds for the camp through donations and community events, including the annual SunriseWALKS.
 
A member of the Sunrise Association, Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is one of several camps in a growing network dedicated to providing safe, fun summer camp experiences for children with cancer and their siblings.

This 4th of July feels a little different—like most holidays over the past couple months have felt. But it’s important to remember that, despite changed plans or cancelled parties, we can always hold on to our sense of community.

Here at the JCC, that’s what has kept us going over the past few months. While times have been tough, we’ve been able to survive because of our community. We have relied on the generosity of donors and funders to keep going. Because of this generosity, we’ve been able to continuously serve the people hit hardest by the crisis. Even though the doors to our buildings closed to the public, we never stopped working behind the scenes to help those who needed us most.

Community has always been a huge part of who we are as an agency. By working with other groups, we’ve been able to build stronger partnerships and strengthen our impact in our community. And while our staff members have certainly been tested by this pandemic, they have also grown too, rising to the challenge and showing what an extraordinary group of people they are. Having to adapt to remote work hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve seen so much creativity from our staff as they find innovative ways to connect with people virtually.

We hope to continue to take what we’ve learned and use it to continue to reach even more people after the crisis passes. It has been amazing to see the positive impact we have made in people’s lives, and I’m proud and excited to be taking the lead of an organization doing such important work during this critical time.

And now, as things start to reopen, we finally get to have some fun. After months of preparing, we are incredibly excited to open camp. While our camps may look a little bit different than in previous summers, we are proud to continue the nearly 90-year tradition of camping at the JCC. Even though we’ve had to make changes to ensure safety, including turning camp virtual for our Sunrise Day Campers, camp is always there to bring our children joy, friendship, and happiness.

As we look to the future, I’m looking forward to seeing what we can all do together and what the next chapter brings. Thank you all for your continued support of our work here at the JCC. We couldn’t do it without you.
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Wishing you a safe and happy holiday,
Orit