APJCC in Los Gatos

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate New Year's Eve? How about choosing a gift for someone less fortunate? December 31 is the last day of the Embrace-a-Family holiday gift drive. We're partnering with Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley to provide gifts to those in need, and this year the need is greater than ever. Choose a gift at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/eaf-apjcc and Jewish Family Services will deliver it for you.

These pictures from CP Fine Catering by Cafe Primavera are making us hungry! Someone's going to be the winner of 5 delicious dinners from Cafe Primavera, and it could be you. All you have to do is enter the JCC's Winter Raffle. Get tickets at https://apjcc.org/raffle The raffle raises funds to support JCC programs during these challenging times.

The outdoor fitness center is open 12/24 from 6am-3pm, and 12/25 from 7:45am-1pm. We have the big tent roof up to shelter you from any inclement weather!

This adorable puppy face was painted by JCC member Dale R. in a recent Watercolor Painting class! You can learn to paint in watercolor too. Next session starts in January (online on Zoom). Learn more and sign up at https://apjcc.org/communities/arts/classes-in-the-arts/

STAFF SPOTLIGHT Nick O. You’ll most likely find Nick on the fitness floor either training a client, helping members, or finishing up one of his own workouts but you may also see him moving equipment or helping building a tent. Nick is always willing to lend a helping hand. Curious to find out what his favorite fuel is? Swipe right to see some of his hobbies and his favorite pre- work out snack. #staffspotlight #jcclosgatos #personaltrainer #preworkout #lifting

Fitness and board members, Hayley and Jeanette took Saki to Starbucks after their daily workout at the J. What’s your favorite place in LG to take your pup for a walk?#dogmom #fitness

So many of us are glued to the TV awaiting election results. Come on in for a stress relieving work out. Don’t worry, we have our TVs on so you won’t miss a thing . : @jillianslattery #election2020 #electionresults #stressrelief #workout #selfcare

Listen to the story of Da Ponte's hidden identity from @Howard Jay Smith

‘A Jewish Priest?’ Why does everyone call you that behind your back? asked Mozart Abbé Lorenzo Da Ponte was Mozart’s collaborator on the composer’s three greatest operas (and three of the greatest operas of all time). Da Ponte lived a life as wild, colorful and ribald as the characters in his ‘The Marriage of Figaro,’ ‘Don Giovanni,’ and ‘Cosi Fan Tutte.’ The ‘Secret Diaries' reveal Da Ponte’s work with Mozart while struggling to hide his Jewishness and survive in an esse...ntially hostile, anti-Semitic world. Critical praise for presenter Howard Jay Smith's book on the topic: "A stunning and complex masterwork on the life of the astonishing bacchanalian renaissance-man, ultra-achiever and rapscallion, the Jewish-born Lorenzo da Ponte. Howard Jay Smith brilliantly juggles with bravura and virtuosity, Lorenzo’s remarkable mind-bending epic life that would have been the envy of Dickens, Voltaire, Homer and Tolstoy. And for the first time he brings to the forefront how Lorenzo’s deep-rooted Jewish DNA catapulted him into immortality." - Tom Greene (Writer/Producer). See more

JCC personal trainer Bill Yanowsky is currently accepting new clients. Here's a client rave for Bill. Message us to learn more! "My awesome personal trainer Bill Yanowsky has been training me over video conference. I've been training with Bill for multiple years [in person and online]. I continue to see progress with my fitness goals and the workouts are still varied and challenging. I highly recommend Bill if you are looking to attain your fitness goals." - Alex G.

Today is the day! #vote

The latest post on the JCC blog is from Diane Fisher, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council. https://rabbihugh.wixsite.com//anti-racist-work-in-solidar The blog presents voices from the APJCC community aimed at improving our lives, our relationships, and the world. The views expressed are the writers' own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the APJCC, its staff or Board of Directors.

We understand everyone has different comfort levels right now. We believe that your health is essential and more important than ever! Our Virtual classes are perfect if you’re not comfortable coming in yet and are looking for motivation and accountability. Watch this short video to see a couple of our classes in action and hear some of our members talk about how important these classes have been for their well-being during this time. #soundon

Today is National Lemur Appreciation Day! If you like to move it move it like the lemurs in the Madagascar movie, check out the fitness options at the JCC. Indoor, outdoor, and virtual fitness. #lemurappreciation #madagascar #moveitmoveit #jcclosgatos #losgatos

Here's a client rave for JCC personal trainer Stephanie Bloom! "During this unprecedented time, our health and our wellness is important as ever. My Zoom personal training sessions with Stephanie Bloom have been worthwhile in making sure I am taking care of myself. She does everything she can to make adaptations to exercises with what you have at home. My work with her has made it clear that you don’t need much equipment to get a good workout in and break a sweat. I have loved being able to continue training through the JCC at an extremely affordable rate. I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity." - PJ Schwartz

Thank you to Moran Lev Patisserie for an amazing baking event on Zoom last night! And thanks to JCC members Michal Shoham and Rachel Batish for organizing this.

We are so inspired by all of you who have gotten back into a fitness routine despite the many variables we are all facing! Message us to set up a tour to see all of the changes we’ve made. #friyay #fitnessinspiration #tagus

Are your kids asking questions about the election? Ruby Shamir wrote the book on this! She'll be speaking on Zoom this Tuesday 10/27 at 8:00pm to explain how to talk with children about politics, people power, and how voting works. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talking-to-kids-about-politics In the video shown here, the JCC's assistant director of early childhood education, Annie Hurst, interviews Ruby (top left) about her upcoming talk. JCC cultural arts director Maya Tripp is also in the video (top right).

APJCC in Los Gatos and Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley have always valued our partnerships that help us enrich and enhance the lives of all people. Community Relations Council and their #TogetherWeVote campaign with LUNA - Latinos United for a New America and African American Community Service Agency is just one example of how collaboration between organizations strengthens our entire community. Read more: https://www.jvalley.org/get-inv/community-relations-council