Siegel JCC Annual Report 2019-2020

The Stories We Tell

A YEAR IN REVIEW

Siegel JCC Annual Report

2019 / 2020 leadership & awards

OFFICERS ADAM MARMON DAVID MELLEN, 1976-79
DANNY HAAS, PRESIDENT LAUREN MARTIN *FRANK CHAIKEN, 1973-75
JAMESON TWEEDIE, VICE PRESIDENT MATT PETRIN *MARTIN YALISOVE, 1971-73
BETH MOSKOW-SCHNOLL, VICE PRESIDENT ALYSSA ROSENBERG CONNIE KRESHTOOL, 1969-71
LYNN HANNA, VICE PRESIDENT RABBI STEVEN SAKS, DERECH REP *NORMAN SCHUTZMAN, 1967-69
CHRIS ALONZO, TREASURER ALIZA SAWDON *SADIE TOUMARKINE, 1965-67
ROSS COOPER, ASST. TREASURER YOAV TAL *HOWARD HANDELMAN, 1963-65
BETHANY KUTZ, SECRETARY RACHEL WERKHEISER *GEORGE J. WEINER, 1960-63
STACY HOROWITZ, ASST. SECRETARY DIANE ZUTZ-CUMMINGS *BENJAMIN STOLPER, 1957-60
PETER LUSTGARTEN, AT-LARGE *HARRY DAVID ZUTZ, 1955-57
DON PARSONS, AT-LARGE PAST PRESIDENTS *of blessed memory
MEREDITH ROSENTHAL, AT-LARGE MICHELLE SILBERGLIED, 2014-17
BARBARA SCHOENBERG, AT-LARGE MARTIN LESSNER, 2012-14 AWARD WINNERS
BRENT SALIMAN, IMMED. PAST-PRES STEVE BIENER, 2010-12 BRENT SALIMAN, HARRY COHEN
SARAH BAKER ANDRUS, 2008-10 LEADERSHIP AWARD
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONNIE SUGARMAN, 2005-08 CHRIS ALONZO, PRESIDENT’S AWARD
LILLIAN BALICK, SENIOR CTR REP * ROBERT B. COOPER, 2004-05 JENNIFER LOWREY, BARBARA WEINER
SETH BLOOM DAVID BERNSTEIN, 2002-04 EMERGING LEADERSHIP AWARD
ASHLEY CLOUD AMY LEVITON, 2000-02 UNITED WAY OF DELAWARE, COMMUNITY
ANDREW CONINE RICHARD STAT, 1998-00 LEADERSHIP AWARD
PHIL EPSTEIN DANIEL L. KLEIN, 1996-98 THE J TEAM, STAFF PERSON OF THE YEAR
AARON GOLDSTEIN ROBERT B. COONIN, 1994-96
MEREDITH HAINES, BBG REP *MARK J. CAPLAN, 1992-94 2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org
KERIN HEARN RICHARD D. LEVIN, 1990-92
STACY HOCHHEISER WEAVER *MARTIN I. LUBAROFF, 1988-90
BENJAMIN KUTZ, AZA REP JUDY LEVY, 1986-88
BRIAN LEGUM *NAN LIPSTEIN, 1984-86
JENNIFER LOWREY MARVIN SHEPARD, 1981-84
CARYL MARCUS-STAPE *DORIS MORRIS, 1979-81

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the power of stories

THERE IS NOTHING MORE POWERFUL THAN A STORY. STORIES CAN BE
SHARED AND EMBRACED. STORIES CAN ELICIT HOPE AND INSPIRATION.
STORIES CAN STRENGTHEN AND CONNECT OUR COMMUNITY.
IN OUR 2019/2020 ANNUAL REPORT, WE LOOK BACK AT THE PAST YEAR
THROUGH A SERIES OF NARRATIVES, WHICH HIGHLIGHT WHAT WE DO . . .
TOGETHER.
HERE ARE A FEW SHORT HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR:

The Wellness Summit, offered in collaboration with JFS Delaware and with the
support of Jewish Federation of Delaware, won first place at the Jewish Community
Centers of North American Innovation Incubator. The 3rd Annual Wellness Summit
was held in March, in loving memory of KidsPlace staff member Sarah.

In addition to new recreational offerings such as ballet, hip hop, and club basketball,
we celebrated our first year of partnership with Top Kick Karate, through which over
45 individuals learned the art of Tang Soo Do.

With the support of our ECC families and the Howard H. Simon Youth Scholarship
fund, we enhanced our Early Childhood Center playground to engage our youngest
friends: seven classrooms of children under age two.

Staff from both Nemours and the J came together to push themselves to their fitness
limits in our Reps for Dollars event.

6th grader Avery Lustgarten worked with our team at the J to create the Snowball
Sprint, a 5k and 1-mile fun run to raise money for the J and water.org.

Immediately upon institution of Delaware’s stay-at-home order, our Senior Center
began preparing and delivering meals to vulnerable community members. Our friends
from JFS helped us expand our reach, supporting our delivery efforts, to over 5,000
meals (and counting!).

During quarantine, our staff came together to launch the Virtual JCC, connecting
the community through social, educational, cultural, fitness, and recreational
opportunities.

In the following pages, we recount tales of people who have made an impact on our
community.
We are so very grateful to each member of our community for being part of the J story.

Ivy Harlev, Chief Executive Officer
Danny Haas, Board President

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A Tale of Two Mensches

BY SIEGEL JCC STAFF | October, 2019

CARYL MARCUS-STAPE LEARNED TO GIVE AT A YOUNG AGE. IN HER
FAMILY, GENEROSITY WAS A PRIORITY, AS WELL AS THE JEWISH
VALUES OF KINDNESS, RESPONSIBILITY, AND HONOR.

IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR CARYL THAT JEWISH VALUES BE WOVEN
INTO HER LIFE AND THAT OF HER FAMILY. AS A SINGLE MOTHER
IN THE 1980S, SHE FOUND THE MISSING PIECE IN AN OTHERWISE
ACTIVE JEWISH LIFE AT THE JCC. SHE FELT EMBRACED BY THE
JEWISH COMMUNITY IN DELAWARE, WHOSE GENEROSITY
ALLOWED HER DAUGHTER PAMELA TO TRAVEL TO AND ATTEND
CAMP JCC.

After meeting and marrying Jeff, the J became the Stapes’ second home:
from a place to work for Caryl, to preschool for son Mark, to milestone
celebrations like Bar Mitzvahs and graduation parties.

As their children grew up, Caryl and Jeff’s connection to the J blossomed. Over the last two years, the Craft Bash fundraiser has been one of the
Caryl has been a long-standing member of the Board of Directors, an highlights of our community building efforts. In addition to raising the
incredible fundraiser, and celebration planner extraordinaire, including much-needed funds for youth programming, the event has also been a
the Siegel JCC’s 100th Year Anniversary Gala. Together, Caryl and Jeff have “friendraiser,” bringing people together in a beautiful way. Truly Caryl’s
chaired the J’s Annual Campaign and the Create a Jewish Legacy initiative. brainchild, Craft Bash has been one of our great success stories at the J.
Their support for the community has not been limited to the JCC, but to
many other Jewish agencies and synagogues as well. When considering the future of the fall fundraiser, it was quite clear that
Caryl Marcus-Stape and Jeff Stape would be our event honorees for Quiz
Caryl and Jeff have made it abundantly clear that it is their mission to protect, Bash 2019. It is our way of showing our appreciation to two people for whom
nourish, and encourage the future generations of our community. The we are exceedingly grateful.
number of events, campaigns, and celebrations that they have given their
time and support to are countless. The importance of giving permeates in all
that they do. Together, Caryl and Jeff are leaving a lasting impact and legacy
on our Jewish community in Delaware.

We consider ourselves blessed to have the opportunity to work with Caryl
and Jeff.

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The Art in All of Us

BY NICK TAVARES, ECC PROGRAM & CURRICULUM
COORDINATOR | November, 2019

“TELL ME . . . WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ARTISTS?”

THIS WAS THE FIRST QUESTION THAT I PROPOSED TO A CAPTIVE
AUDIENCE OF FOUR-YEAR OLD’S WHEN I WAS AT A LOSS FOR WHAT
WOULD INTRIGUE THEM.

LAST JANUARY, I FOUND MYSELF DUSTING OFF MY TEACHING
SKILLS AS I HAD ASSUMED THE ROLE OF A LONG-TERM
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER IN PRE-K AT THE SIEGEL JCC’S EARLY
CHILDHOOD CENTER. I WAS EAGER, BUT AT THE SAME TIME
APPREHENSIVE; WHERE ARE THESE CHILDREN DEVELOPMENTALLY?
IN AN EDUCATION SETTING ROOTED IN AN EMERGENT
CURRICULUM, TEACHERS MUST HAVE A STRONG KNOWLEDGE
OF THE INDIVIDUAL CHILD TO CREATE AN INTENTIONAL AND
EFFECTIVE CURRICULUM. BUT, COMING IN MID-YEAR, WITH A
GROUP OF CHILDREN THAT ARE ALREADY IN A FLOW, WAS NERVE-
RACKING. HOW DO I PLAN A CURRICULUM FOR THIS GROUP THAT
WILL ENGAGE THEM, CHALLENGE THEM, EDUCATE THEM AS WELL
AS GIVE ME THE CHANCE TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO?

I immediately went to what I was passionate about with hopes that my His response was so authentic and real: “Kind of angry . . . there’s a lot of
extensive knowledge in the arts would help to jump-start our time together. blacks, and it’s all swirly.”

What do you know about artists? “That is such an interesting take on this art,” I responded. “This artist is
Jackson Pollock, and he uniquely painted pictures. He would lay big pieces
The answers came rolling in, and they were all spot on: “they paint,” “they of canvas on the floor and made his paint thin so that he could move it
make art,” “they are creative.” That last one was what prompted me to help around with sticks and old brushes. He liked the way the paint would drip
the group along. and fall on its own and went where it wanted to. That was how he used his
imagination.”
“What if I told you that an artist is anyone that uses their imagination to
create something?” We continued until every child had a chance to talk about a painting, and
then the pieces of art became a huge focus at our felt-board station.
This sparked something and got the ball rolling. That’s when we were
welcomed with responses like “dancer,” “actor,” “writer,” and we kept Over two weeks, the children had the opportunity to paint like Pollock,
pushing. paint to various genres of music, make mosaics, paint under the table to
emulate the Sistine Chapel. We printed fabric, made patterns with musical
“Have you ever thought about your clothes being art? What about food or a instruments (a rhythm if you will), sorted buttons in the sensory table,
blanket? All of those creations use imagination.” created stage shows in dramatic play, had puppet shows, and moved our
bodies in different ways to music. We watched some media clips of Cirque
The children were really engaged at this point, so we continued onto the du Soleil performances, marching band, drum and bugle corps shows, winter
next part of the lesson. guard performances, Broadway scenes, and even a child, spoken-word poet.

On the floor was a variety of iconic pieces of art that ranged from still life to In the end, the children demonstrated many skills and were exposed to a
self-portraits to modern art to installations. wide variety of cultures through art. At the conclusion of the two-week
thematic unit, when asked to reflect on what they learned, a child responded
“Look at all of this art,” I said. “Sometimes the art looks like something, but with:
other times, the person looking at it has to use their imagination to consider
what the artist was thinking.” “I learned that whenever I use my imagination . . . I am an artist.”

The first child approached the art tentatively and selected a print of Jackson
Pollock’s One: Number 31, 1950. I asked him, “How does this art make you
feel?”

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sprinting for a mission

Sprinting for a Mission Today, 1 in 9 people lack access to safe water.
The run will also help supply the Siegel JCC’s Early
BY JCC STAFF | January, 2020 Childhood Center with needed school supplies.

AVERY KNEW SHE WAS BEING AMBITIOUS. Avery wanted to plan a large-scale project for
SHE ALSO KNEW SHE HAD BIG GOALS. BUT, two reasons: the first was that she was driven
THAT DIDN’T STOP HER. HER BAT MITZVAH to raise a lot of money for her charities. Having
WAS A YEAR OUT. SHE HAD FALLEN IN attended a lot of races, she knew that this could
LOVE WITH THE MISSION OF A CHARITY be a good opportunity to reach her fundraising
CALLED WATER.ORG. SHE ALSO GREW goals. Secondly, she wanted to learn about all the
UP AT THE SIEGEL JCC, STARTING AT THE pieces that go into a fundraising event. So far, she
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER WHEN SHE says she has already gathered so much knowledge
WAS THREE MONTHS OLD. SHE DECIDED about budget management, project management,
TO BLEND THESE PASSIONS AND SUPPORT communication and advertising, and feels she is
BOTH FOR HER BAT MITZVAH PROJECT. sure to learn even more.

In October, she approached the J about hosting 2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org
a 5k at their facility since she knew the J had held
competitive runs before. And that was how the
Snowball Sprint originated.

The 5k is a run to support water.org, which helps
get clean water to people in developing countries.

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the power of music

The Power of Music on the Roof songs. We belt out spirituals such
as Go Down Moses and Down by the Riverside.
BY RABBI BETH JANUS | February, 2020 Yiddish bubbles up as we sing the teasing love
song, Tumbalalika. We sing songs relating to
MUSIC IS A POWERFUL WAY OF ACCESSING Jewish holidays, liturgical tunes, Israeli melodies,
AND IGNITING THE SOULS OF PEOPLE. and other popular Jewish songs. Faces animate
as people hear music from their childhood or
Jewish Music for the Mind and Soul comes from old favorites. Jewish Music for the Mind and
my experience of working with older adults and Soul brings pleasure to people with their minds
the impact of singing Jewish music together. I fully intact and to those who live with cognitive
gather seniors and we sing and clap our hands. I decline. I have brought this program to many
bring Jewish music from decades ago that evoke locations and hope to reach and touch more and
memories of family, synagogue, holidays, and more people.
community. We each tell stories and remember
the past, while bringing our voices together in It really moves Libby when, at almost 102, kisses
the present. My goal is to generate joy and create my hand and says, “I just love when my daughter
community. A participant Shirley says of the class, takes me to your class.”
“Your feet dance and your mind grows.” Maureen
says, “Music makes you feel alive.” May we all have more music, connection, and
delight in our lives.
Hava Nagila always brings huge smiles and
laughter. Bei Mir Bis Du Shein is well loved, while
Zum Gali never fails to get toes tapping. I have yet
to meet someone who doesn’t love the Fiddler

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wellness summit

Wellness Summit Wins Innovation Incubator Award from JCC Association

BY JCC STAFF | March, 2020

INNOVATION IS A CRITICAL FOCUS OF JCC ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA’S FUTURE WORK. AS PART OF THIS
FOCUS, JCCS ACROSS THE NATION WERE INVITED TO SUBMIT PIONEERING, DARING IDEAS THAT ARE DRIVING
ACHIEVEMENT FOR CONSIDERATION INTO ITS INNOVATION INCUBATOR, A COMPETITION BASED ON THE CRITICALLY
ACCLAIMED ABC REALITY SHOW, SHARK TANK. JCC LEADERS WERE ASKED TO SHARE THE STORIES BEHIND THEIR MOST
THOUGHT-PROVOKING, EXCITING IDEAS FOR CONSIDERATION. A SUB-SET OF SUBMISSIONS WERE THEN SELECTED
FOR PRESENTATION TO A PANEL OF JUDGES REPRESENTING JEWISH PHILANTHROPY’S LEADING THINKERS AND
CHANGEMAKERS.

The Siegel JCC submitted the Parent/Teen Wellness Summit, a program We were so very proud to accept the award on behalf of the Siegel JCC, JFS
held in collaboration with JFS Delaware. The Wellness Summit was dubbed Delaware, and the Wellness Summit committee and to continue to keep
“a meaningful conversation on mental health” with topics of discussion mental health on the forefront.
including myths and facts about mental illness, the impact of stigma,
signs and symptoms of mental illness, signs of suicide and how to help, The 3rd Annual Wellness Summit was held on Monday, March 2, 2020, to
and how treatment and recovery are possible. The summit ran separate, provide a safe, comfortable space to talk about mental health – common
concurrent sessions for parents and teens led by community mental diagnoses, the ins and outs of care systems, available community resources,
health organizations, followed by a joint panel discussion. Over 200 people and personal experiences – with experts and peers.
attended, participated, asked questions, and shared.
One participant said: “The [format] was outstanding. It opened the
Siegel JCC CEO Ivy Harlev was selected to present the Wellness Summit at participants’ ability to direct the conversation towards what mattered to
Mifgash, the Executive Leadership Forums for JCCs. Jay Kaiman from the them the most, fostered a feeling that each participant is heard and matters,
Marcus Foundation, Stephen H. Hoffman from the Jack, Joseph, and Morton and gave the participant the feeling that they have some power to influence
Mandel Foundation, and Jaynie Schultz from the Schultz Family Foundation what is often perceived as a hopeless situation for so many DE residents who
were among the many in attendance during Harlev’s presentation. In struggle.”
her presentation Harlev shared the story of Sarah, a counselor in the J’s
afterschool program who died by suicide, and whose death was the impetus “I thought it was really great to hear other people’s stories and to know I’m
for the Parent/Teen Wellness Summit. She then explained how the JCC and not the only one,” shared one teen at the conclusion of the program.
JFS came together to create the Summit. The program intended to start a
meaningful conversation on mental health and how the conclusion of the The Wellness Summit is an evolving program, tailoring the content and
Summit left participants with the feeling of FINALLY (the conversation had activities each year to meet the needs and interests of the community. This
to start) and MORE (this was not the end, rather just the beginning). The JCC critical conversation about mental health must continue in order to promote
and JFS are committed to continuing the conversation. awareness of local mental health services, increase access to resources
and supports, and end the stigma surrounding these challenging, personal
Harlev finished her presentation by saying that the conversation is far from experiences.
over and that we feel a sense of responsibility to our community to keep it
going. When we can touch the life of one, it affects a community of many.

The panel of judges at the 2020 Innovation Incubator selected the Parent/
Teen Wellness Summit as the winner, awarding the program a grant of
$3,600 to continue to make an impact.

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bringing the j home

Bringing the J Home Here’s a little of what Jackie shared with us:

BY JCC STAFF | May, 2020 THE J: When the J made the decision to close its doors, how did the Senior
Meal delivery service come to fruition?
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IT IS. AND MOST ANY MEMBER OF
THE J WILL TELL YOU, THAT THE J FEELS LIKE HOME. CHEF JACKIE: When talk started about potentially closing the Senior
Center and ultimately the JCC due to the virus, we wanted to make sure
But since the Siegel JCC closed its doors due to the Coronavirus and a shelter- seniors who relied on our daily congregant meal program still had access to
in-place mandate given by the Governor on March 22, the teachers and nutritious meals without putting themselves at unnecessary risk by going
staff of the J have had to find other ways to share their hearts, bringing the out into public. Our first thought was to encourage them to sign up for other
J-home into the homes of the community. low-cost meal delivery services through the county because they already
have a solid system in place for getting meals to seniors. With how quickly
From virtual live streams of Shabbat and music classes for children, to everything progressed, the timeline for that was unrealistic. I was confident
fitness classes for adults, to Jokes of the Day, the J has remained a source of we could pull together the resources here at the JCC to deliver nutritious,
connectedness during a time of global isolation. Kosher meals in a safe way to people in our community. We were able to get
approval for meal delivery through our county meal program, and we started
Recently, the J reached out to its very own Chef Jackie Rankins, who planning from there.
prepares meals for seniors. With heart in hand, Jackie has been making and
planning meals so that the J’s reach extends beyond its doors and into the THE J: What are the moving parts to getting meals made and deliveries out
homes of the people relying on daily, prepared lunches. For many seniors smoothly? Have there been challenges? If so, how have they been overcome?
who are food insecure, home-bound, or afraid to leave their houses at this
time, this is of critical importance.

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CHEF JACKIE: There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to making It’s great that people may see us as mitzvah-makers. To us, this is just
meals and deliveries happen—menu planning, making sure we have something we do every day. We provide meals, some consistency where
appropriate ingredients, keeping up with which seniors want meals on we can, and compassion to our friends in the community. We’ve just had to
what days, making sure all of the appropriate paperwork is filled out, and adjust to do it in a different way, for now. I think that the true mitzvah in all
organizing delivery routes. I think the biggest challenge for us has been how of this is, thanks to many generous donors, no senior participating in this
quickly the program grew. In our first week we prepared and delivered about program thus far has had to pay for a meal.
45 meals, and by the end of our second week we served 90. We have just
been taking everything a day at a time, adjusting menus based on supplies We have such an amazing community, and it’s so reassuring to see people
we have in stock, adjusting delivery routes, and doing our best to maintain coming together even when we cannot be together.
organization throughout the process.

THE J: What have been the positive effects for the community? Some might
see those of you involved as mitzvah-makers. How impactful do you consider
this job during such unprecedented times?

CHEF JACKIE: We have received a lot of positive feedback not only from
seniors utilizing our meal delivery program, but their families, our staff, and
other members of our community. It gives seniors one less thing to worry
about. They don’t have to put themselves at risk by going to the grocery
store. They don’t have to worry about if they have enough food to make
lunches for the week.

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For the Love of Pictures of the most recorded moments in our history. After discovering
that the family had a photographer come to the house to take
BY SIEGEL JCC STAFF | April, 2020 their “PorchTraits” from a distance, outdoors, Saul shared the idea
immediately with Creative Director, Jaidy Schweers. Schweers had
FOR MANY, THE SPRING OF 2020 CAN BE REMEMBERED AS A also heard of a photographer friend in Center City Philadelphia, doing
TIME OF FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY, OF CAUTION AND DISBELIEF. the same thing. The team decided to bring the concept to the J.
COVID-19 FORCED US INTO A STATE-MANDATED LOCK DOWN;
SCHOOLS CLOSED, FAMILIES HUNKERED DOWN INDOORS OR With Saul managing the growing list of weekly shoots, and Schweers
FOUND CREATIVE WAYS TO BE OUTSIDE WITH LITTLE TO NO and Aquatics Director, Stephanie Kegelman setting out into the
CONTACT WITH OTHER PEOPLE OR HOUSEHOLDS. THE J REMAINED community to photograph them, PorchTraits was born, offering a
A CAMPUS GHOST TOWN, AND A VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING HAVEN. small token of what the community was in need of . . . a snapshot of
their own quarantine story.
While J-goers found bountiful access to virtual fitness classes, social media
engagement, senior meals, and online youth activities, the community was Albeit safely, J-families also wanted to connect with people other
still missing something special, and they weren’t sure what that was until than their family. Some people hadn’t seen another person in weeks.
around the time J Brand Director, Anna Saul pitched the idea of PorchTraits They reveled in the idea that someone from the J would come to
to her marketing team. their home, masked up, to spend 20 minutes snapping a handful of
photos that would tell their COVID-19 narrative. Some families threw
Saul came across a picture in a post from a friend in the Philadelphia suburbs. in props, or donned their face coverings, others laughed together
It was a picture of her friend with her family on the lush front lawn of their or crossed their arms and playfully pouted. Regardless of the
home during quarantine. It was one single photo, but it documented a outdoor stage they created for themselves on those days, they were
multitude of feelings and memories during what will likely become one reminded of, and were able to document, what truly matters during
times of challenge and hardship.
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Nearly 75 families were photographed in those short few weeks, over
$4,000 raised, and too many warm fuzzies to count.

2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org

2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org love of pictures

The Siegel JCC | The Stories We Tell | 15

love of pictures

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Jewish at Home

BY KATIE GLAZIER | June, 2020

KEHILLAH. MINYAN. CHEVRUTAH. THERE ARE MANY WORDS IN JUDAISM TO
EXPRESS TOGETHERNESS AND COMMUNITY. THERE ARE PRAYERS THAT
CANNOT BE SAID ALONE. AT HOLIDAY TIME, FAMILIES AROUND THE WORLD
OPEN THEIR DOORS AND SET EXTRA SEATS AT THEIR TABLES – BIG SEDER
DINNERS, LIVELY CHANUKAH PARTIES, AND THE MOST ANTICIPATED OF ALL
MEALS, BREAKING THE FAST AT YOM KIPPUR.

What happens to Judaism when everyone has to stay home?

Plenty, it turns out. The silver lining of the grey cloud of Coronavirus is how we as a
people have found ways to stay connected to each other. When the stay-at-home
orders began, Jews around the world were planning for Passover. Many families had
virtual seders, with guests joining around the tables virtually from around the corner and
around the world. Synagogues began to live-stream Shabbat and weekday services or
host their congregations via Zoom. In the spring, the J’s Early Childhood Center thrived
– classes were held regularly over Zoom, and teachers prepared lesson plans for at-home
learning. Families could join via Facebook Live on Mondays for Havdalah and Fridays
for Shabbat. Mahjongg, bridge, and canasta all morphed into online play. Who knew
there were so many different ways to play these games online? We know now! Babies
to bubbies adapted to this new reality and became far more tech-savvy than ever before.

Even social distancing has connections to Judaism and Jewish teachings. Quarantine’s
hot phrase became “staying home saves lives.” Is that so different than kol Yisroel arevim
ze bazeh (all of Israel is responsible for one another)? Social distancing is just another
way of practicing pikuah nefesh (safeguarding life), which comes above all other mitzvot.
By keeping our physical distance from one another, we are saving each other’s lives. We
are all responsible for each other, which is why our Jewish agencies are reaching out into
the community to support the vulnerable among us.

We are #strongertogether, and it is never more apparent than during a crisis such as this.
By focusing on shared Jewish values, we will get through this together.

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2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org jewish @ home

The Siegel JCC | The Stories We Tell | 19

2019 operat

MISC GRANTS

303k 250k

FUNDRAISING JFD

428k 205k

PURCHASE OF SERVICE PROGRAMS

556k 4m

MEMBERSHIP

1.5m

TOTAL: $7,199,689 2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org

20 | The Siegel JCC | The Stories We Tell

ting activity DEPRECIATION

SALARY & WAGES 162k

3.9m TRANSPORTATION FUNDRAISING / OTHER

82k 212k

INSURANCE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

72k 291k

PROFESSIONAL FEES

432k

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & TAXES

779k

2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org OCCUPANCY & UTILITIES

1M

TOTAL: $6,955,576

The Siegel JCC | The Stories We Tell | 21

2019 annual campaign donors

HERO ($3600+): SUPPORTER ($540): Lauren & Tom Martin
Suzanne & Stuart Grant Frances Ratner & Steve Biener Kristen & Nick Messina
Pollyanna Foundation Diana & Arnie Caine Beth Moskow-Schnoll & Barry Schnoll
Laura Rubin Jerome Covin Lynne Parker & Charles Oberly
CHAMPION ($1800): Jill & Ralph Downard Ethel & Don Parsons
Yetta Chaiken* Leslie Goldstein Francesca & Bruce Rudin
Heather & Danny Haas Stacy & Alan Horowitz Anna & Dave Saul
Susan & David Hefter Patricia & Kenneth Hurd Carmen & Stephen Shappell
Mary & Dan Klein Bethany & Jason Kutz Wendy & Phil Shlossman
Lisa & Marty Lessner Doris & Joe Levine Arlene Simon
Marilyn & Richard Levin Richard Levine Wendi & Jeff Weingartner
Amy & Michael Leviton Jennifer & Fritz Lowrey Rachel & Greg Werkheiser
Sandra Lubaroff Alison & Peter Lustgarten Roberta & Mel Woloshin
Michelle & Russ Silberglied Margot Waitz & Gordon Manin CONTRIBUTOR ($180):
Caryl Marcus-Stape & Jeff Stape Marcia Halperin & Norman Monhait Anonymous
FELLOW ($1080): Leslie Newman Ruth Balick
Airbase Carpet & Tile Mart Ruth Rosenberg Rabbi Michael Beals
Elly & Rick Alexander Debbie & David Ross Wendy Berger
Ivy & Donna Harlev Robin & Bruce Saran Sheila & Julius Berman
Carolyn & Neil Hockstein Ruth Siegel Rona Budovitch
Julie & Rodger Levenson Laurie & Glenn Silverstein Ashley & Andy Cloud
Sophie & Michael Longwill Missy & Yoav Tal Diane Zutz-Cummings & Paul Cummings
Susan & Joseph Nicholson FRIEND ($360): Lisa & David Driban
Ellen & Stephen Pearlman Regina & Chris Alonzo Barbara & Philip Epstein
Becky & Michael Rosen Sarah & Brian Andrus Debbie & Robert Feinson
Robin & Michael Sachs Elaine Schmerling & Warren Butt Karen Friedman
Sharon & Brent Saliman Jane & Gene Castellano Jan & Rob Goodman
Barbara Schoenberg Congregation Beth Shalom Lynn & Matthew Hanna
Theodore Zutz* Catherine D’Amato Kerin Hearn
PARTNER ($756): Lena & John Elzufon Diane & Murray Horn
Mona & Ron Duwell Norman Ertel Mark Ifshin
Peter Popper Debbie & Charles Goodman Heather & Andrew Jefferson
Ellen & Gerald Resnick Berta Kerr Eugene Kane
Marty Zukoff Michelle & Roger Kerzner Constance Kreshtool

22 | The Siegel JCC | The Stories We Tell 2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org

CJL donors

Jane & Raymond Kursh Annette Aerenson Richard A. Levine
Terri Kuzo Felisha Marcus Alderson Amy Leviton
Karen & Brian Legum Gary W. Alderson Sandy Lubaroff
Wendy & Alan Lerner Max L. Alderson Amanda Lukoff
Judy & Allan Levy Paige Alderson Eugene Marcus
Rabbi Jacob Lieberman Chris Alonzo Elaine Markell
Philippa & Jesse Miller Regina Kerr Alonzo Lauren B. Martin
Moshe Monzon Sarah Baker Andrus Debbie Nachlis
Lisa & Matt Petrin Anonymous Van & Betty Olmstead
Heather & Scott Reich Brian & Pamela Appelbaum Liz Sidel O’Neil
Celina & Ronald Riebman Amie Baker Don & Ethel Parsons
Rabbi Yair & Marisa Robinson Ruth Balick Jonathan Perry
Christina & Rob Rogers Lori Barbanel Sarah Perry
Alyssa & Steve Rosenberg Seth Bloom Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Resnick
Meredith & Dan Rosenthal Alan C. Blum* Jordon N. Rosen
Aliza & Vaughan Sawdon Jack Blumenfeld & Karen Jacobs Sharon Rosen
Ethan & Sandra Solomon Arnold Caine Ruth Rosenberg
Richard Stat Diana Caine Brent & Sharon Saliman
Meredith & Jameson Tweedie Benjamin Cohen Bruce & Robin Saran
David Warheit Jodi Cohen Eileen Sarter
Stacy & Jake Weaver Rosi Crosby Barbara Schoenberg
Meredith & Ned Weinberger Arlene & Robert Davis Joshua & Gina Schoenberg
Michael Yudhishthu Jill Downard Donna Schwartz & Sonja Hildebrand
Ralph Downard Ehyal Shweiki
*of blessed memory Sharie Eng Bernard L.* & Ruth B. Siegel
Jill & Joel Flambaum Linda & Michael Sigman
2019-2020 | siegeljcc.org Michelle Glazier Michelle & Russ Silberglied
Cindy Slomowitz Goldstein Caryl Marcus-Stape
Jan & Rob Goodman Jeffrey P. Stape
Heather & Daniel Haas Mark Stape
Matthew & Lynn Hanna Michael Stape
Ivy & Donna Harlev Connie & Michael Sugarman
Amy & Scott Harrison Seth & Sarah Torregiani
Peter Hazen S. Janie Truitt
Laurie Hazen Rachel Werkheiser
Stacy & Alan Horowitz Rabbi Jeremy Winaker
Robert Hronsky Barbara Yalisove
Berta Borgenicht Kerr
Constance S. Kreshtool *OF BLESSED MEMORY
Mark D. Kuller
Bethany Kutz The Siegel JCC | The Stories We Tell | 23
Richard & Marilyn Levin

Thank you
(from all our hearts)
for helping us tell . . .

our Story.

our partners

PLATINUM SILVER HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER
CONCORDVILLE SUBARU JANSSEN’S MARKET LEVY WILSON
DIAMOND STAPE & ASSOCIATES SEASONS PIZZA
AIRBASE CARPET & TILE MART THE TANALL SCHOOL SIMON EYE
FAIRFAX DISCOUNT LIQUORS TOWER HILL SCHOOL STATE LINE CHIROPRACTIC CENTER
NATIONAL APPLIANCE WAREHOUSE BRONZE THE INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL
GOLD ARTISANS’ BANK THE MOTTOLA GROUP
DIVERSIFIED, LLC FULTON BANK WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL
PINEMERE CAMP ASSOCIATION HOLLYWOOD GRILL

Siegel JCC JCC Association Beneficiary Agency of
Delaware of North America