Dear Family and Friends of Valley Jewish Community Center,

In the wake of these uncertain times, we  have hesitated to postpone our Center’s programs and activities.  However, out of concern for the health and safety of our community, effective today, March 16th all activity is postponed until March 29.  Please know that we care about you and we are available by email and telephone to address your needs and concerns.

When the Apollo 13 oxygen tank failed and the lunar module was in danger of not returning to earth, Gene Kranz, the lead flight director overheard people saying that this could be the worst disaster NASA had ever experienced-to which he is rumored to have responded, “With all due respect, I believe this is going to be our finest hour.”

Imagine if we could make our response to this crisis our finest hour.  Imagine if a year or two from now we looked back on these times and told the stories of how we came together as a team in our community, in our state, in our nation and across the world.

Your contribution to the finest hour may seem small, invisible, inconsequential-but every small act of not doing what you were going to do and doing an act of kindness or support will add up exponentially. These acts can and will save lives. 

The Apollo 13 crew made it their finest hour by letting go of the word “I” and embracing the word “we.” And that’s the task required of us. It can only be our finest hour if we work together. You are all on the team. And we need all of you to shine in whatever way you can.”

We will all have to find our new groove and it may take more than a day.  We need to give ourselves space to feel and shift.  And we want you to know that you are not alone.  We will get through these uncertain times together.

Best,