$1 million in funding
for security initiatives each year
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus, or the JCC, is where people of all backgrounds gather, connect and find friendship. They are committed to strengthening the body, mind and soul of the over 400,000 community members who engage with them annually. For over 100 years, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus has been at the heart of the Columbus Jewish community and the Bexley neighborhood. They are an inclusive community of belonging, where you can build lifelong relationships and create enduring memories.
“We’re a hub for all,” says Mike Klapper, CEO of the JCC. “We’re the town square, the convener, the programmers, the Jewish preschool, the fitness center and more. You name it, we do it here at the JCC of Greater Columbus. And from infancy all the way to our seniors, we provide programming that our Jewish community not only wants but needs.”
“We’re a hub for all. We’re the town square, the convener, the programmers, the Jewish preschool, the fitness center and more. You name it, we do it here at the JCC of Greater Columbus.” – Mike Klapper, CEO of the JCC
Klapper recognizes that the JCC is stronger thanks to the support from their network of community partners – namely, JewishColumbus. Funds made available by JewishColumbus help support a wide range of programming at the JCC.
“JewishColumbus is a remarkable partner for us,” says Klapper. “JewishColumbus is the fundraising arm of the Jewish community. We couldn’t do what we do without their financial support.”
“JewishColumbus is a remarkable partner for us. JewishColumbus is the fundraising arm of the Jewish community. We couldn’t do what we do without their financial support.” – Mike Klapper, CEO of the JCC
Over the next few days, we’ll introduce you to just a few of the programs that the JCC provides for our Central Ohio Jewish Community.
Programing Gone Virtual — Kosher Meals & Cultural Arts
The JCC nourishes spirit, mind and body for the local Jewish community. While COVID-19 has prevented some of their usual Kosher lunch programming, the JCC has adapted to continue serving Jewish seniors in the area with their drive through Kosher LifeCare Alliance Lunch. This is just one of the ways that their commitment to serving the community remains steadfast.
Another program thriving in its virtual format is JCC Cultural Arts. They recently held the 2020 Columbus Jewish Film Festival, which featured eight different films, and they have already begun plans for early 2021. Their Jewish Book Fair and Author Series has hosted more than 25 different virtual author events this fall through a partnership with the Atlanta JCC. Gallery Players, the longest running community theatre in Columbus, returns virtually this December. They will also bring Broadway and West End actress, Alexandra Silber on for a virtual conversation and song review entitled After Anatevka.
Even though this year has kept many people apart, the JCC has firmly taken a stand to show its community that they are going to be there for them no matter the distance.
Even though this year has kept many people apart, the JCC has firmly taken a stand to show its community that they are going to be there for them no matter the distance.
The Early Childhood Learning Community and PJ Library
As a Center of Jewish learning and a five-year Cbus Top Picks Best Preschool, the JCC Early Childhood Learning Community (ECLC) provides a comprehensive education for young children in a warm Jewish setting. They strive to nourish a child’s natural curiosity and excitement while allowing each child to develop at their own pace. Jewish learning is central to the curriculum. Every week, they integrate Jewish traditions, prayers and values seamlessly into classroom learning. This Jewish outlook offers an opportunity for the children to experience Judaism while learning universal values.
An additional program supported by both the JCC and JewishColumbus is PJ Library, a free repository of wonderful Jewish children’s books. For community member and reading teacher Sherry Werman, PJ Library books provide a wonderful gateway to meaningful conversation about religion, tradition and community.
“I feel like having these books makes it easy to talk to kids about these topics without them feeling like they’re at school,” says Werman. “It’s very relatable to them. I also know that so many kids get these books and a lot of kids are from families of mixed marriages. And I think it’s important to have these books in their home so that they can see some of the overlaps of different religions.”
“It’s very relatable to them. I also know that so many kids get these books and a lot of kids are from families of mixed marriages. And I think it’s important to have these books in their home so that they can see some of the overlaps of different religions.” – Sherry Werman, community member and reading teacher
For more information about the PJ Library, or to sign up for monthly books, click here.
You can help the Wexner Heritage Village – and so many more local Jewish institutions – when you give to JewishColumbus. We support the Jewish Community at every stage and facet of life.
