Looking back, looking forward

Just about one year ago, I started my tenure as Executive Director at the Gordon JCC. Passing the one-year mark has me looking back as we continue to build forward into the future. Having grown up in Memphis and studied at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for college, I knew how strong the Jewish community in Nashville really was. While I may have known the strength of the community, there are several things that I am proud to have learned in my first year here at the J.  

Revisiting this past year, here are a few of the instances that stand out: 

• I learned Camp Davis is the premier day camp in Nashville. We’ve been, “keeping kids dirty since 1930,” as the slogan says. Camp activities are so important in this digital age, and our Camp Davis provides kids aged 5-16 the best summer ever connecting with friends and counselors inside and outside on our beautiful campus.  

• I learned that if I am ever curious about history at the J, or daily operations of the organization, I can rely on Marilyn Rubin to have the answer, or to know exactly who to ask. Marilyn is one of the many dedicated employees at the J without whom we would simply not be able to operate.  

• I learned the Gordon JCC Early Childhood Learning Center is a beacon of light. With Director Elizabeth-Lee Gertonson leading the way, we are educating and fostering a sense of community with our youngest members.  

• I learned that community members rely on and engage with the J in so many different ways. Some folks are here daily to work out or do water aerobics, some are here weekly for a TGIT meal or art reception, and others rely on the J once or twice a year to come to the Hanukkah Festival or the Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken and Jewish Arts and Music Festival. Even though these are all such different avenues to the J, the common thread is that people come here to be part of something bigger than themselves. 

• Finally, while I knew how strong the community was, I have been blown away to learn how warm it has been for me and my family.  

As nice as it is to look back, I am even more excited about looking forwards. We are in the middle of developing a strategic plan to set long-term organizational goals for the next 5-10 years. Through this process we have done a lot of listening and learning from members and non-members alike and will be setting a new standard to grow the J both in membership and participation.  

While the planning process is coming to fruition, I am still looking forward to a great summer at the outdoor pool. We have a brand-new filtration system to keep the pool open and clean all summer long, as well as totally renovated locker rooms. We are going to have new pool-deck programs like summer solstice yoga, mermaid karaoke, back to school movie night and so much more.  

There is so much to be proud of for our 123-year history here at the J, and so much to look forward to. It is my honor to serve as the Executive Director, and I’m excited to continue building on our successes. As always, please reach out to me with any thoughts, questions, or concerns. I hope you join me as we grow, because as our community says, “Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek,” which means, be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened.