A Global Perspective: An Evening with Ambassador Roger Carstens

The Weinstein JCC’s Adolf-Adams JCC Forum continues its tradition of bringing world-class voices to Richmond with a timely and thought-provoking program: “An Evening with Ambassador Roger Carstens.” The event will take place on Thursday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Christopher’s School in the Louis F. Ryan Recital Hall.

Ambassador Carstens, who served as the U.S. Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, offers a rare window into the high-stakes world of international diplomacy and crisis negotiation. His work—often carried out under intense pressure with lives hanging in the balance—has required not only strategic expertise but also deep emotional intelligence and resilience.

In conversation with Ryan Nobles, NBC News Chief Capitol Hill Correspondent and a familiar face to Richmond audiences from his years at NBC12, Carstens will explore the human side of leadership. Together, they will examine how trust is built in fragile environments, how leaders make decisions when no option is ideal, and how individuals remain grounded when outcomes are uncertain.

At its core, the evening is about more than geopolitics—it is about leadership in its most human form.

A VIP Meet & Greet reception will begin at 6:15 p.m. Tickets for this one-night-only event are available at weinsteinjcc.org.

A Love of Learning, A Culture of Connection: How One Preschool Teacher Is Inspiring Families Beyond the Classroom

While the Forum brings global perspectives to Richmond, some of the most meaningful leadership stories unfold much closer to home.

At the Weinstein JCC Preschool, learning extends well beyond the classroom walls. For Jessica Haar, a veteran educator with more than two decades of experience, teaching is not only about early childhood development—it’s about building relationships, fostering curiosity, and creating meaningful connections between children, families, and the broader community.

Haar, who has been teaching at the JCC preschool for the past three and a half years, brings 21 years of experience in education to her role. Even with that depth of experience, she continues to grow professionally, currently pursuing her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, where she has already earned a Career Studies Certificate.

In her classroom of 4- and 5-year-olds, that commitment to learning is evident daily. But it is one initiative—born from a single student’s need—that has come to define Haar’s approach and impact.

The now-beloved Saturday library visits began when a student, Mila, joined Haar’s class after moving to Richmond from Russia. Mila spoke only Russian but showed a strong interest in books, often asking her father to read to her. Recognizing both the challenge and the opportunity, Haar invited Mila’s family to meet her at the local library, ensuring the child had access to books she could understand.

What began as a thoughtful gesture quickly evolved into a meaningful tradition.

Today, Haar organizes optional library meetups every other Saturday, inviting families to join her and their children for shared reading time. These visits not only reinforce literacy but also deepen relationships between teacher, student, and family—an extension of the classroom experience into real life.

“I am excited to spend time with the children and their families at the library. I enjoy seeing which books they choose for themselves and their friends,” said Jessica Haar.

Back in the classroom, that same intentionality continues. Students are actively involved in selecting books, encouraged to consider both their own interests and those of their classmates. Haar creates individualized profiles for each child—highlighting favorite colors, foods, and activities—which guide book selection and help students feel seen and understood.

To support the process, she uses visual tools that allow children to track their choices, building early literacy skills while reinforcing independence and engagement.

Parents say the impact is clear.

“We are infinitely grateful for Jessica’s commitment to building strong, individualized connections with her students while inspiring a love of learning.”
— Paul & Katie Cormal

“The Saturday library visits turned reading into something our family looks forward to all week, and we’ve watched Margot grow into a more curious, confident learner because of the community she’s built.”
— Hunter Guerin

“I like that she takes us to the library and she gives us problem solvers tokens and has a beautiful classroom. I love that she loves my art.”
— River

“Jessica is such a great teacher. She's always in a good mood at drop-off and pickup, which really sets the tone for the kids each day. She meets the kids where they are and helps them grow in their own way.”
— Shep Roeper

“The JCC preschool’s commitment to inclusion truly shines through in Jessica. She creates a calm, child-focused classroom where every student can thrive.”
— Devon Barnhart

“Jessica has been an amazing influence on our son's growth. She does an amazing job of making every kid feel like a part of the group while also building their independence and self-confidence.”
— Taylor Clark

“Jessica has a rare combination of warmth, calm, and intentionality that makes her classroom feel both effortless and purposeful.”
— Todd Sutler

“Teachers work hard because Jessica is my teacher and she works hard and keeps me safe and I love her.”
— Teaghan 

“Jessica is phenomenal at creating an inviting learning environment… balancing play to satisfy curiosity and structure to ensure success.”
— Mike & Bronwyn Emswiler

“It’s things like this that make Jessica such a unique teacher.”
— Kelly (JCC Teacher & Parent)

That impact extends beyond academics. Haar’s classroom is a place where children build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging—an early foundation rooted in core Jewish values like Kehilla (community) and Kavod (respect).

She is also part of a larger team that continues to set the standard for excellence. The Weinstein JCC Preschool has been voted #1 Preschool in Richmond for 15 consecutive years by Richmond magazine readers—a reflection of the collective dedication, care, and professionalism of its educators.

Looking ahead, Haar plans to continue and expand the library program into future school years, further strengthening the bridge between classroom learning and community engagement.

Celebrating Creativity: The Colors of Spring Exhibit

That spirit of connection continues in the arts.

The Weinstein JCC’s Sara D. November Gallery is currently hosting The Colors of Spring, an inspiring exhibit featuring works by members of the Metropolitan Richmond Artists Association (MRAA). On view through June 10, the exhibition showcases a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, reflecting both the vibrancy of the season and the richness of the local arts community.

The MRAA, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting visual arts through exhibitions, workshops, and outreach, brings together artists whose work captures themes of renewal, beauty, and expression.

Open to the public free of charge during regular hours, the gallery invites visitors to slow down, explore, and engage. All artwork is available for purchase, offering an opportunity to support local artists while bringing something meaningful into one’s home.

Celebrating Leadership, Honoring Service, and Looking Ahead at the Weinstein JCC Annual Meeting

The Weinstein JCC will bring together board members, leadership, staff, and community members on Sunday, May 17, for its Annual Meeting—an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future.

The meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Center and will be followed by a reception. The event is free and open to the community.

This year’s gathering will recognize Stuart Simon for his service as Board President over the past two years, a period marked by significant milestones, including the successful completion of a capital campaign and the welcoming of new CEO Brad Finkel.

The meeting will also mark a leadership transition, with Chris Greenberg set to be installed as the new Board President, along with the Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term.

In addition, several community and organizational awards will be presented, including the Arenstein Family Youth Service Award, the Edith & H.J. Bernstein Volunteer Leadership Award, and the Barbara Wise JCC Staff Excellence Award. More information about this year’s recipients will be shared in the June Reflector.

Supported in part by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, the Weinstein JCC continues to serve as a hub for connection, engagement, and community life—an impact that will be both celebrated and carried forward at this year’s Annual Meeting.

On Stage: Descendants: The Musical

The season continues with a burst of theatrical energy as the Weinstein JCC Jewish Family Theatre presents Descendants: The Musical, based on the hit Disney Channel films.

Set in the kingdom of Auradon, the story follows Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos—the teenage children of Disney’s most infamous villains—as they leave the Isle of the Lost for a chance at a new life. Faced with the challenge of choosing between following in their parents’ footsteps or forging their own paths, they discover the power of friendship, identity, and making the right choices.

Featuring vibrant choreography, catchy songs, and a talented cast of young performers, the production offers a meaningful and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.

Performance dates include June 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, and 28. Tickets are available at weinsteinjcc.org.

Building Connections and Welcoming Members: Living the Value of Kehilla Every Day

There’s a renewed energy around membership at the Weinstein JCC—and it begins the moment members walk through the doors.

In recent weeks, the Membership team has been focused on making every interaction feel more welcoming, more personal, and more connected. Whether greeting familiar faces, helping new members get settled, or simply taking the time for a meaningful conversation, the goal is clear: ensure every person feels they belong.

That focus reflects a core Jewish value—Kehilla, or community—a concept brought to life visually in the JCC’s lobby artwork of the same name. Just as the artwork represents the strength and interconnectedness of community, so too do the daily interactions that shape the member experience.

With the recent transition to a new membership system, staff have been working closely with members to ensure a smooth process—issuing new membership cards, capturing updated photos, and helping individuals navigate the change with ease. Along the way, these moments have created opportunities for one-on-one connection and deeper engagement, as staff learn more about what members value most about their JCC experience.

As the spring season unfolds, the focus remains on strengthening relationships, supporting the wide range of programs happening throughout the building, and continuing to create an environment where every member feels part of something larger than themselves.

At its core, membership at the JCC is about more than access—it’s about connection. And in living that value of Kehilla each day, the JCC continues to build not just a facility, but a true community.

A Hub for Community and Culture

Taken together, these programs reflect the breadth of the Weinstein JCC’s mission: to serve as a place where ideas are shared, creativity is nurtured, and community is strengthened.

From an evening with a global diplomat to stories of impact within its classrooms, from art exhibitions to live theatre and everyday moments of connection, the JCC continues to offer experiences that engage both heart and mind.

As spring unfolds in Richmond, the Weinstein JCC invites the community to take part—to listen, to learn, and to be inspired.