Joy Levitt
By Joy Levitt
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Community YMCAs and JCCs are struggling. But communities rely on them.
Millions of American of every racial, economic, and religious group have slowly been coming back to their local YMCAs and JCCs. Shuttered in March because of the pandemic, gymnasiums, fitness centers, pools and early childhood centers — which help people stay healthy and connected under normal circumstances — have lost hundreds of millions of dollars…
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Opinion Ruth Messinger, Jewish Madonna of Human Rights
Ruth Messinger and I were sitting in synagogue talking, as is our custom (much to the dismay of the rabbi, my husband). She and I get a lot done in between praying on Shabbat mornings, and it isn’t all gossip. This was during the height of the crisis in Darfur. Ruth had brought American Jewish…
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Life When Reb Zalman Met the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama speaks during a visit to Germany. / Getty Images It was, and will always remain, one of the most mysteriously significant experiences of my life. In 1990, eight of us travelled to Dharmsala, India at the invitation of his Holiness the Dalai Lama under the auspices of the Nathan Cummings Foundation. The…
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Culture Israel Philharmonic Makes Spectacular Debut in Its New Home
It was a who’s who of Tel Aviv and New York Jewish culture vultures, politicians, philanthropists and, yes, music lovers from around the world. Thirteen years in the making, more than 77 years since its founding, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was inaugurating its new home at Heichal Hatarbut. Thanks to the city of Tel Aviv…
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Life Remembering Debbie Friedman: Showing Up and Being Present
I hadn’t spoken to Debbie Friedman in many weeks and had only seen her once since she moved back to California. Still, I had to try. I sent her an email asking if she was coming to New York anytime soon, that I needed her. Ten minutes later, she emailed me back. “Is it Deb?”…
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