You’re probably wondering what happened to the normal Friday news chum post? Well, I was working from home today and forgot to send myself the bookmarks before I left on Thursday. But don’t dispair. Never dispair.
Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time there was a network of Jewish Community Centers in Los Angeles. There were active and vibrant centers on the Westside, in Santa Monica, and all over the San Fernando Valley. These centers were educating children, doing good for adults, working with seniors. Then, suddenly, in 2001, 5 of the 7 centers closed due to a $3 million deficit. When the dust settled, long-established buildings had been sold to pay off the debt (leaving some centers homeless), and only two centers standing with buildings: the Westside JCC and the Milliken JCC in the West Valley (both of which were the more well-to-do communities). The homeless Valley Cities JCC finally closed in 2009. Today brings news that the Milliken JCC is closing in June, its facilities having been sold to the New Community Jewish High School. But, surprise, surprise, this doesn’t mean there are no JCCs in the valley, for the North Valley JCC has risen from the ashes and is going strong, albeit without a home of its own. Having at one time been active at the congregation that was next to the NVJCC, I’m glad that it is the survivor.
Music: Aerial Pandemonium Ballet (Harry Nilsson): Daddy’s Song (new vocals, guitar/piano/out of sync)
