As summer continues, there is no shortage of activity at the Carole and Marcus Weinstein Jewish Community Center. 

From the energy of summer camp to the inaugural JPrideRVA celebration and preparations for a milestone 80th Anniversary this fall, the Center continues to bring people together through meaningful experiences, lifelong connections and values of community, belonging and caring for one another that resonate throughout Jewish and broader community life.

First Month of Camp Brings Creativity, Adventure and Connection

Summer is in full swing at the Weinstein JCC, where campers across Camp Ganim, Specialty Camps and Camp Hilbert have spent the first month building friendships, trying new activities and creating lasting memories.

At Camp Ganim, the Center's youngest campers have enjoyed a summer filled with creativity, discovery and outdoor fun. From art projects and gardening activities to swim lessons and water play, campers have explored new interests while building confidence and independence.

"Whether they're making art, discovering something new in the garden or taking their first swim lessons, our campers are developing independence, curiosity and friendships while experiencing the joy that makes camp such a special part of childhood," said Camp Ganim Director Donna Peters.

Specialty Camps have offered a wide variety of experiences, including visual arts, engineering, gymnastics, soccer, horseback riding and outdoor adventure. Through hands-on learning and skill-building activities, campers have had opportunities to explore new passions while developing confidence and creativity.

"From engineering and athletics to visual arts, outdoor adventure and horseback riding, campers are developing skills, exploring new interests and gaining confidence through hands-on experiences that encourage creativity and growth," said Specialty Camps Director Nick Pruden.

At Camp Hilbert, campers have embraced the outdoors through swimming, nature exploration, archery, special events and camp traditions. The first month has focused on building connections, fostering independence and creating the sense of community that defines the camp experience.

"The friendships, traditions and sense of belonging that develop at Camp Hilbert are what make the experience so special. Whether campers are swimming, exploring nature or simply spending time together, they are creating memories and connections that will last well beyond the summer," said Camp Hilbert Director Robin Kelley.

Across all three camp programs, campers are developing friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging that will remain long after summer ends.

JPrideRVA Celebrates Inclusion and Belonging

One of the highlights of the summer was the successful launch of JPrideRVA, a weeklong celebration designed to support, educate and create awareness around LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Jewish community.

The initiative was spearheaded by Jewish Life & Engagement Manager Pinina Morgan, whose vision, creativity and leadership helped bring JPrideRVA to life. The inaugural celebration was made possible through a generous grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.

Throughout the week, the Weinstein JCC was transformed with rainbow flags, streamers and artwork created by campers from Camp Ganim, Camp Hilbert and Specialty Camps. Staff members wore "Love is Kosher" t-shirts, while members and guests were invited to show their support with buttons and stickers.

Programming included a rainbow bagel station, a discussion led by Bizarro Torah titled House of Dinah: Sapphic Torah Study, an educational gallery exhibit highlighting prominent Jewish members of the LGBTQ+ community, and a presentation by Rabbi Mike Moskowitz exploring allyship, advocacy and belonging through the lens of Jewish tradition. The celebration concluded with a rainbow-themed Shabbat dinner that brought participants together in a spirit of community and connection.

"JPrideRVA was created to help ensure that LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies feel welcomed, valued and connected," Morgan said. "It was inspiring to see community members come together to learn from one another, engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our community."

The week reflected the Weinstein JCC's ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming community rooted in the Jewish values of kavod habriyot (respect for every person), lifelong learning and meaningful dialogue. At a time when many people continue to seek spaces where they can bring their full identities and experiences, JPrideRVA provided opportunities for connection, education and belonging.

While organizers recognized that conversations around diversity and inclusion can sometimes generate differing viewpoints, the response from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed appreciation for the Center's willingness to foster thoughtful discussion, celebrate the diversity of both Jewish and broader community life, and create opportunities for people to learn from one another. The inaugural initiative also highlighted the importance of ensuring that all individuals feel seen, welcomed and valued while recognizing the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ Jews within the larger community.

As the week concluded, organizers expressed gratitude to the many participants, volunteers, partners and supporters who helped bring the vision to life and demonstrated a shared commitment to building a community where people of all backgrounds can find connection, belonging and purpose.

Help Preserve 80 Years of Weinstein JCC History

This fall, the Weinstein JCC will celebrate its 80th Anniversary, marking eight decades of community, connection and Jewish life in Richmond.

The milestone offers an opportunity not only to celebrate the institution's history, but also to honor the generations of Jewish families, leaders, volunteers and community builders whose vision helped strengthen Jewish life in Richmond and shape the Weinstein JCC into the vibrant community institution it is today.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the Weinstein JCC is inviting the community to help preserve the people, stories and moments that have shaped the Center since its founding in 1945. 

Organizers are collecting stories, photographs, memorabilia and historical artifacts that help tell the story of the institution and the generations of families who have been part of it. These materials may be featured in anniversary exhibits, videos, publications and public relations initiatives throughout the year.

Brad Finkel, President and CEO of the Weinstein JCC, said the anniversary is as much about the people behind the institution as it is about the milestone itself.

"For 80 years, the Weinstein JCC has been shaped by the individuals, families, volunteers, staff members and community leaders who have invested their time, energy and passion into this institution," Finkel said. "As we celebrate this milestone, we want to preserve those stories and ensure they continue to inspire future generations. The history of the JCC belongs to the entire community, and we hope people will help us tell that story through their memories, photographs and artifacts."

See several photos from the Israeli Showcase in 1974

Community members are encouraged to share stories accompanied by photographs or other visual materials whenever possible. Organizers are particularly interested in accounts that document significant moments in the Center's history and illustrate the impact the JCC has had on Jewish life in Richmond and the broader community over the past eight decades. Stories of founding families, volunteer leaders, longtime members, historic programs and milestone events are especially valuable, as are memories that reflect multi-generational connections to the JCC and its role in strengthening community life.

Because many of the individuals who helped build and lead the JCC are no longer with us, families are encouraged to share stories, photographs and artifacts on behalf of parents, grandparents and other relatives whose contributions helped shape the institution. Organizers hope to uncover not only personal memories, but also photographs, newspaper clippings, camp keepsakes, program books, awards and other items that help bring the JCC's history to life through anniversary exhibits, videos and historical displays.

Preserving these stories reflects the Jewish tradition of l'dor v'dor—from generation to generation—ensuring that the experiences, leadership and memories of those who came before us continue to inspire those who will follow.

Community members interested in sharing a story, photograph or artifact are encouraged to contact the Weinstein JCC Development Team at 804-545-8659 or development@weinsteinjcc.org.

As the Weinstein JCC prepares to celebrate its past, it is equally focused on honoring the people who continue to shape its future. After all, the story of the Weinstein JCC is ultimately the story of the generations of individuals and families who have helped build, sustain and strengthen both Jewish life and the broader Richmond community over the last eight decades.

See several photos from the Israeli Showcase in 1974