Being Jewish is about:

• Valuing the Divine spark in every person
  
• Choosing a way of life
  
• Shaping identity
  
• Behaving ethically and morally
  
• Experiencing sacred cycles of time and life
  
• Connecting with community
  
• Engaging with others with respect, compassion and generosity
  

Community:

JCC Chicago gathers people representing diverse backgrounds, beliefs and practices and helps uncover commonalities in order to unite them into a Kehillah – community. Who are we? We are secular, movement-identified, religiously identified, cultural, Zionists, those who choose to cast our lot with the Jewish people, those who are Jews-by-Choice, and those who choose to join us. Together we celebrate, learn from and add to a rich heritage.

A Blessed Inheritance

JCC creates opportunities for participants to make meaningful connections with a living heritage through engaging in respectful dialogue with others. These connections are spiritual, communal, ethical and social.

“We are so blessed! How good is our lot; how beautiful the heritage we have inherited!“ (prayerbook)

Ashreinu! Ma tov chelkeinu u-ma na’im goralieinu

Every moments counts – even the most mundane

At JCC, almost any moment can be transformed into a “teachable moment.” The use of everyday interactions and experiences as “text” provides a wonderful setting for noticing and reflecting on how our behaviors impact on others. Over the course of time we learn how best to respond to the range of challenges we face in our daily lives.

A community of choice

We know that positive Jewish socialization will lead this generation to embrace a Jewish identity that is comfortable and life-enriching. When people feel valued as part of a vibrant and relevant community, community, they are more likely to choose to stay connected to Jewish life.

As Reb Nachman of Bratzlav teaches, “Everything in the world – whatever it is and whatever happens – is a test, designed to give you freedom of choice. Choose wisely.”

JCC and Bringing Jewish Values to Life The Educational Philosophy of JCC

Links about Jewish Values

http://www.jewishhealingcenter.org/ – Multi Jewish Perspectives
http://video.answers.com/jewish-values-4-1200900