The OFJCC Center for Social Impact offers programming to help those in need, including a recent trip to Santa Rosa to help build a home for low-income residents. Participate in programs that help those in need on Monday, January 21, 2019 at Mitzvah Day.

It was a little over a year ago that wildfires ravaged Sonoma and Napa Counties. The Coffey Park area in Santa Rosa was especially hard hit—over 1400 homes were destroyed in the neighborhood.

On Sunday, October 28, I participated in a “Raise the Roof” event with Habitat for Humanity in Santa Rosa, along with about 30 other people representing the OFJCC, PJCC and the Jewish Federation. I rode the bus up, leaving the PJCC at 6:45 in the morning.

We shored up curbs, installed rebar, moved rocks and poured concrete. I learned quite a bit about construction; I had no idea what rebar was or how much concrete is needed to make anything! It took over 800 pounds just to build a small curb. I was glad I was wearing work gloves and pleasantly surprised I didn’t end up with blisters on my hands.

We talked about why we volunteered that day and the sadness and helplessness we all felt as the fires raged on. I brought up Camp Newman, which was my daughter’s home-away-from-home for over 10 years.

Before heading home, the bus driver drove us through the Coffey Park area, just a few blocks from where we had worked. There were a number of homes in various different stages of construction but there was still a lot of empty space where homes once stood. We also saw several burned trees—stark reminders of those days.

All in all it was a tiring but fulfilling day. It felt good to help those in need. I was very grateful I had a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in that night.

OFJCC Staff member Amy Shulman describes the best part about joining a community theatre group.

The first time my synagogue put on a Purim play, the theme was rock ‘n’ roll. King Achashverosh was dressed like Elvis Presley. All I could think was, “Why am I not on that stage?”

I’m not an actor by any stretch of the imagination and I can’t carry a tune. But I don’t let any of that stop me from dancing like no one is watching and singing like no one is listening – much to the chagrin of my kids! But at the end of that show, even they asked me why I wasn’t in the play.

The following year the synagogue announced when they were looking for performers for the next Purimspiel: The Megillah According to the Beatles. I played Sir Paul (my favorite Beatle). We opened with ‘We’re Rabbi Pepper’s lonely hearts club band…’ and the kids sang ‘We all pray in a yellow synagogue.’

The day after the performance, I was exhausted and had no voice left. But boy, did I have fun! 

Over the next 15 years, I participated in every Purimspiel at the temple. Themes ran the gamut from the Beach Boys to Motown to the Jersey Boys, Chicago and Hair. I was always part of the women’s chorus and also played Haman, Haman’s wife, Esther’s ‘Bubbie’ and even Esther.

Since the ages of the performers ranged from 6–76, I met lots of people who I would not have met otherwise. And most of all, I had fun!

Sadly, my synagogue stopped putting on these very special Purimspiels about two years ago and I’ve missed them. So I was especially happy to see that there will be a Prince of Egypt Community Choir – the OFJCC is partnering with TheatreWorks for a one-time event during their upcoming production of The Prince of Egypt.

Kids (ages 7 and up), teens and adults will participate in a community choir and perform musical numbers from The Prince of Egypt in a unique, one-time festive concert presentation. Ten rehearsals will take place at the OFJCC between August 22 and October 22, culminating in a performance on the main stage at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, October 23.

Come join me. Sing your heart out, meet your community and have fun!

Boot Camp. The words alone are enough to strike fear into the hearts of many. The classes are patterned after Marine Corp fitness, using intense intervals and circuit-training to push people farther than they would normally go. The class can be used to jump-start a training routine or as a regular part of an ongoing workout regimen.

I had taken a Boot Camp class a few years ago, had great results, and decided to try it again because I wanted to make a change in my health. In the class, James took us through just under an hour of interval training which included cardio, weight training, stretching, lunges, sit-ups and push-ups. The workouts varied with each class, from lifting weights to running outside, using the treadmill, kettle bells, and straps.

In the 12 sessions I completed, I felt more energetic overall and was gradually able to lift more weights. But don’t make the same mistakes I did when I started. You’ll want to prepare adequately for the class.

Some things I learned:

1. It is really important to listen to your body and modify exercises as necessary. While I was able to do most of the exercises, I did have to modify some (my knees do not like burpees or jumping jacks). I started with weights on the lighter side—I’ve had issues with my wrists and know what sets them off—even though the trainer suggested heavier ones. But he also provided suggestions for modifications when I couldn’t think of them.
2. Finish eating breakfast at least an hour before an intense workout. I was eating breakfast when I got to my desk around 8:40 AM, then started Bootcamp at 9:30. Not a good idea. (Wrong kind of burpee!)
3. Bring a healthy snack; I was always famished after Boot Camp.
4. I should have set up my fitness tracker beforehand so I could have measurable numbers on how my body reacted to the intense workouts.

Even though I’m back to working out on my own, the important thing is that I’m incorporating new exercises and maintaining the benefits gained during the month. If you are looking to challenge yourself physically and go beyond your comfort zone, Boot Camp is a great way to go!