JCA

The Jewish Community of Arlington, MA

Mission

The Jewish Community of Arlington says "Hineinu" - we are here!

JCA is a loose, inclusive umbrella organization, providing opportunities for the growing Jewish population of Arlington, MA to meet and interact. Anyone who feels connected to Jewish heritage and identity is welcome.

The JCA is not a synagogue, but we can help members find an area synagogue that meets their needs. We also provide community events throughout the year to help celebrate the Jewish holidays:

• Rosh Hashanah Taschlich
• Chanukah Party and Menorah Lighting
• Spring Passover/Purim Party
• Pot-luck Friday Night Shabbat Dinners
• Social Activities such as outings to Jewish Film Festival

History

The original JCA was organized by Cathy and Mike Gildesgame about 20 years ago. The Gildesgames organized activities and produced a regular newsletter.

The most recent incarnation of JCA was initiated by a group of Arlington leaders including Annie LaCourt, Sharon Grossman, and Judi Bohn. A kick-off Chanukah Party was held in December, 2007, followed by a well-attended Passover Bagel Brunch in March, 2008.

Staying in contact

• Join the Arlington Jewish list:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arlingtonjewish
  to find out about events and items of interest to the community. (co-moderated by Betsy Schwartz and Stephanie Marlin-Curiel)
• Join the JCA administrative list:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jewishcommunityofarlington/
  to help plan and grow the JCA organization.
• All are welcome our steering committee meetings, which usually take place on the 3rd Thursday of the month from September - May from 7:30-9:30 at Arlington Senior Center. Look for an announcement confirming the next meeting on the JCA website and through the JCA yahoogroup.
• This website is designed to be the connective tissue of the JCA, to store resources and other links of more permanent value. Our webmistress is marion@leedscarroll.com

... about the current logo: The artwork (by Marion Leeds Carroll) is based on a photograph (by Cynthia Tollen) of the welcoming hearth in the Robbins Library. Improvements or new ideas are welcome!

Thanks also to Marlene Rockmore of SynecdocheConsulting for her assistance in organizing and launching this website.