I hope everyone had a Happy Chanukah and Happy Holidays, and I want to wish you a happy, healthy and rewarding New Year. What better place to be inspired, enlightened and find that all-important life balance than the Sabes JCC.

In striving to fulfill our mission of bringing the community together in an inclusive Jewish environment inspiring life balance, we are focused on offering the programming and providing the experiences to do just that. We are so proud of all of our staff and volunteers who work hard to make all of this possible. In addition to providing the great programming, services and facilities the JCC also endeavors to do this in an inclusive environment. Part of this means we want to make our programs and membership available to those who need financial assistance, those who need assistance for special needs and to as many individuals and families as we can.

The Sabes JCC - a place where everyone can belong.

Happy New Year,

The Arts & Bridges Project was created to celebrate the power of art as a bridge between cultures. The Interfaith Bridging Initiative, the Iraqi American Reconciliation Project and the Sabes Jewish Community Center co-hosted two multi-faith evening programs pivoting around a pair of exhibits: Near and Far and Images From Mesopotamia. The programs featured engaging lectures, performances of music, song and dance and interactive workshops. The events attracted a diverse crowd that included Jews, Christians, Muslims and people with an interest in gaining a fuller understanding of Iraqi culture. Both evenings were well attended and the quality of the programming was exhilarating. There was a multidisciplinary approach to education and entertainment weaving together the visual, literary, and performing arts in perfect harmony.

The Arts & Bridges events originated during the planning stages of the art exhibit: Images from Mesopotamia, which featured paintings and portraits by twelve Iraqis. This exhibit was proposed to the JCC in 2008 by the Iraqi American Reconciliation Peace Project (IARP), an organization that helps promote reconciliation between the people of the United States and Iraq. The JCC and IARP invited the Interfaith Bridging Initiative (IBI) to co-host a related event to coincide with the exhibit. The committee of three members grew to eleven members and branched into two evening events. After a year's worth of work, two extremely successful events took place under the roof of the Sabes JCC.

"The invitation from [the] Sabes [JCC], through art curator, Robyn Awend, to "open the house" to others took us on a journey none of us could have predicted," said Kathy McKay, Director, IARP, Arts & Bridges Co-sponsor. "The planning meetings were energetic and even tumultuous. The ideas for artists of many mediums, all with roots in the Middle East, tumbled out. The resulting two evenings of programming were inspiring, eye opening, and healing. The "house" doors had been flung open and the ensuing celebrations were a delight to behold. I remain humbled and appreciative of the opportunity to have been a participant in the rich tapestry of dance, song, art and conversation."

The goals of the Arts & Bridges events were to raise awareness and build community between Jewish, Muslims and Christian cultures through interactive and meaningful programs; to invite non-Jewish individuals to the JCC and to demonstrate that it is a welcoming place to convene and dialogue on important ideas and topics; to engage Jewish people in a new way; and to engage a broader audience for the artwork on display.

Some of the presenters and performers included: a presentation on the Jewish Community in Iraq by Daniel J. Schroeter; Iraqi Music by Adnan Shati (tambourine player) and Tarek Hamila (oud player); a dance performance by Les Quatre Dance Group; Israeli & Jordanian dancing with Shira Schwartz and Saed Kakish; letter writing to Iraqi youth; Hebrew and Arabic calligraphy with Rani Halpern and Adnan Shati; a conversation and examination of the artwork on display with the artists and docents; ORIM Dance Performance featuring 10 youth dances, lead by Shira Schwartz; and Songs of Convergence: Partners in Praise Girls Choir led by Artistic Director, Julia Fahey.

For the majority of the attendees, these events were the first time they had come to the Sabes JCC. We had many young people, non-Jewish and new Jewish faces attend and participate in all aspects of the programs. It was exciting to have the opportunity to engage many Jews who do not normally frequent the JCC. There was a fuller understanding in the context of the event of world Jewry and of historic Jewish culture. Jewish participants and presenters immediately became an advocate as a partner in dialogue with others.

Given the political dilemmas and complicated relationships between these three cultures, we were proud to offer a local opportunity to help build trust amongst these faiths as an emerging endeavor. These events encouraged grassroots face-to-face dialogue and cultural interactions creating an ongoing impact in our community.

"Making Arts and Bridges the success it was took work," said Ira Gordon, IBI Member, Arts & Bridges Co-sponsor. "There were, to be sure, lots of logistical questions: how much to pay the presenters, where to find sources of revenue, how to find co-sponsors, etc. More demanding was the attention to sensitivities. We were, after all, attempting to bridge a sensitive divide. After the wounds of last winter's Gaza offensive, many Minnesota Muslims were uneasy. Attending a cross cultural event at a Jewish community center is complicated emotionally, religiously and politically. Many members of the local Jewish community didn't have much experience in graciously welcoming their Muslim neighbors. For some Jews, seeing Arabic verses from the Koran displayed on the walls of the JCC was jarring. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, the input of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish planners, the hours of deliberating and discerning the blind spots bore fruit. Synergy prevailed.  Much remains to be done; but the construction of a new bridge has begun. We've confirmed what many of us already knew: making and celebrating beauty can overcome all manner of barriers. YaAshir Kochacheinu: May God empower us as we continue on this journey."

We had an overwhelming amount of people express interest in participating in future Sabes JCC events. These events further cemented the Sabes JCC's role in the larger community as a place to come for community building. These programs planted seeds for continued cross cultural projects. New work is already emerging from our Jewish and Muslim emcees from the Arts & Bridges events and other participants.

The Sabes JCC's Delegation is heading back to sunny California. Join Minneapolis and St. Paul teens as we head to the Osher Marin JCC in Northern California from August 8-13 for a week of fun with 300+ teens from the United States, Canada and abroad. Jewish teens entering grades 8 through 12 are eligible to participate. Select the specialty of your choice from the list below and work directly with an artist in residence specializing in the field. In addition to daily workshops, teens will participate in evening social events culminating in a closing performance put on by all participating teens. Auditions and registration will begin in February.

"I've participated in JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® for two years in a row and loved it both times," said Asher Pink, Sabes JCC Delegation in Musical Theatre. "I not only met a great group of friends who are talented teen artists from all over the country, but I also honed my performance skills, learned a lot from the professional artists we worked with, had a really fun time, and strengthened my Jewish connections. I think that ArtsFest is a memorable and worthwhile experience for everyone who takes part and I would encourage all teenagers who like any type of visual or performing arts or who like to be creative and around other creative kids, to participate this year. Learning, creating, and performing with other Jewish teens made the ArtsFest experience especially powerful and memorable for me. And for those kids who haven't found a way to really connect with Judaism or other Jewish kids, this may be it."

This year's arts specialties include: Culinary Arts, Acting, Jazz Ensemble, Digital Photography, Dance, Visual Art, Musical Theater, Vocal Music, Rock Music.

Consider undergoing a New Leaf metabolic assessment as an investment in yourself. You will see a return on this investment that you can be proud of. This was apparent to Personal Training Director Nick Altringer from the very first time he saw New Leaf in action. It gives people a cardio or nutrition program based on their own metabolic processes. The assessments can guide you on prioritizing goals of weight loss, health management, and improving fitness or athletic performance. "I am excited to have the Sabes JCC members and community utilize this service and see results they desire," states Altringer.

New Leaf Testimonial

By Stuart Wachs, Sabes JCC CEO and New Leaf Participant

The premise of the program is to measure your anaerobic and aerobic threshold in order to design a program that allows you to maximize your use of fat as an energy source in addition to improving your anaerobic/aerobic threshold. This means that it helps you improve fat loss and be much more efficient in your cardio workouts. After the first test I was very reluctant to follow the program  It had me working out many days at what felt like a pace so slow that it felt as if I was exerting no effort. Sometimes it was actually boring! Mark, the trainer who tested me and set up my program, told me to be patient. He said I would be amazed with the results. So being a good "student" I listened and followed the 12-week program exactly. And he was right! When I retested, I had lost 7 pounds, even though I was pretty lean when I started. My body composition also improved by 5%, meaning this was pure fat loss. Equally amazing was the improvement in my aerobic capacity. After my retest, my new program had me able to work at a much higher intensity while staying at an aerobic and fat burning heart rate. Not only is this helping me continue to improve my fitness/wellness, it also is allowing me to greatly improve my performance when I run or cycle. I am now a full convert to heart rate zone training.

Now there is away for anyone to find a membership option that fits at the Sabes JCC! As we shared with you in our fall newsletter, we have created a new set of membership options based on your feedback and our research, that allow you to choose how you can be a member of the Sabes JCC. In addition to the JCC membership we have always had, which gives you access to our wonderful Health & Wellness facilities and program discounts, we have added 3 new membership categories. Thus far, we have introduced you to the Community Membership category designed for those individuals and families who do not have a need or interest in using the health & wellness facilities but do want to be members and get discounts on our exciting programs and events. This membership also includes use of the outdoor pool for the hot summer months. We have also rolled out our new Sustaining Membership category, which allows those who believe in and are enriched by the JCC to support us with their donation. This membership is fully philanthropic and tax deductible.

On January 1, 2010, we will launch our new Premium Membership category. The Premium Membership includes all current membership benefits: use of health & wellness facilities; member discounts on most fitness programs, JCC classes and performances; use of the outdoor pool and access to group exercise classes. In addition to these benefits, the new Premium Membership will also offer 2 free guest passes a month; premium discounts on ECC, HaBonim and camp; 2 free tickets to the Live from New York's 92^nd Street Y™ program; and a $50 gift voucher towards JCC programs and services. This new option will cost only $10 more per month.

For current members, we are happy to present you with a six-month complimentary upgrade to the Premium Membership. If, after six months at the Premium Membership level, you decide that you would prefer to continue with a Fitness Membership or Community Membership, just let us know and we will adjust your membership.

For individuals interested in becoming JCC members, we would love for you to come in and consult with our friendly Membership staff to determine the membership category that is right for you.

Local filmmaker and volunteer, Igor Dadashev partnered with VOICE: Community Building Initiative, the Sabes JCC, Jewish Community Action and the Minneapolis Jewish Federation to The American VOICE of the Soviet Jews, a documentary about the Jewish World War II veterans that immigrated from the Former Soviet Union and are current members of VOICE: Community Building Initiative. Igor sat down with VOICE Programmer, Lyudmyla Petrenko, for this Q&A session.

Why did you decide to make this film?

A family reunion brought me to Minneapolis from Magadan, Russia where I've been living for the last 20 years of my life. My parents and my younger brother and his family live in Minnesota and they invited me you join them. I've been living in Minneapolis since May 2009.

Settling down and especially establishing myself as an artist in a new environment and new country, far from my native Russian language, comes at a high price. Having said that, it is not the first time I am experiencing a dramatic change in my life. Twenty years ago I moved from my native Baku, Azerbaijan to Saint Petersburg and then Magadan, Russia. There -- despite being a native Russian speaker -- I experienced an internal emotional turmoil by not being accepted as a full-fledged Russian citizen.

So, the theme of immigration is very much close to me and this time it is also an opportunity to document my life experiences by utilizing my professional expertise in video and documentary making.

That's why when my younger brother brought me over to Sabes Jewish Community Center in Minneapolis in June of 2009 to explore volunteer opportunities at the Sabes JCC, I did not think twice about giving my time, energy and professional experience for the cause of the VOICE program that unites and assists Former Soviet Union Jewish immigrants residing in Minneapolis. That's where I met Lyudmyla Petrenko who, right from the get-go, suggested an idea of documenting life experiences of the World War II Soviet Jewish immigrants residing in Booth Manor, Minneapolis. They are the active members of the VOICE program.

What are your goals and interests?

As a professional writer and journalist -- a chronicler of our times -- I see my duty in meticulously recording the accounts of the survivors of Nazism, war heroes, winners who broke the backbone of fascism. That's why I created a film about all Soviet Jews who are American citizens, but remain true to the culture and traditions of their ancestors. I see the greatest interest in the discovery of my own roots, attainment of self-knowledge through the awareness of my nation's history.

The Sabes Jewish Community Center's very own, Donna Tilsner, Manager on Duty and Front Desk Associate has received the Helen I. Pontius National Award of Merit from Women in Leisure Services. The award recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Women in Leisure Services, and the field of leisure services. Donnas' full time job is the Recreation Supervisor for the City of Edina and she works at the JCC from 3 to 4 times a week.

Women in Leisure Services is a national organization and is for professional women involved in the delivery of leisure and community services in public, private and commercial settings. All of us at the Sabes JCC are very proud of Donna and feel that she is truly worthy of such an outstanding award.

The Israel Program Center of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, in collaboration with the United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul, the Sabes JCC, and the St. Paul JCC, invites young adults, ages 16 to 30, to submit essays on Women in Israel, past, present or future. The essay may depict the life of an individual woman, her challenges, triumphs and contributions; it may address a general issue such as legislation, values/norms, social developments, its effect on women and the impact of change; the subject may be drawn from women of all backgrounds living in Israel. Essays must reflect the contestant's own research, writing and original thinking and not have been submitted for previous class assignments, publications or contests. No literary form other than an essay will be accepted. Only one (1) essay per person may be submitted.

The deadline is January 17, 2010 and first prize is a round-trip ticket to Israel.