The Memphis JCC was founded on November 1, 1949 - the creation of 20 determined and resourceful members of the Jewish community. These men dreamed of a place that could offer social, cultural, educational and athletic programs to enrich the lives of everyone who entered its doors. The Center's first home was at 2016 Court Street. Responding to the pressures of expanding programs and burgeoning membership, in 1962 the Center purchased its present site and began building a facility that could accommodate its present membership of over 6,000 people. The new facility was opened in 1964.
In 1979, the leadership of the Center realized additional space would be necessary if the organization were to fulfill the expanding needs of its membership into the 80's and beyond. Funds were raised to build new facilities and update others.
In 1990, it was recognized that the Center was in need of a major facelift to meet the needs of its membership into the 21st century. Funds were raised to accomplish this task with the result that the Center was remodeled and updated to current standards and expanded to a 160,000 square foot facility.
Once again in 2005 the Center embarked on a major capital and endowment campaign. Following the success of the campaign, new facilities were added including the largest and most complete Weinberg Family Water Park in Memphis and Shelby County, a new outdoor multi-purpose Pavilion and the new 20,000 square foot Plough Wellness Center.
The Center building is a complete multi-purpose facility located on Poplar Avenue. Walk into the Center and enter an environment filled with vitality, the arts, family activities, preschool, athletic and fitness. At the Memphis JCC, there are a multitude of things to experience and learn for the entire family. Center programs are life enriching and family fortifying. Attend a theatrical production or join an aerobics class. Enroll in a class or volunteer for a committee. Involvement at the Center can be at whatever level you like. The JCC is based in a community - we exist both for our members and because of our members. Center administration and programs are overseen by a Board of Directors and department committees.
A professional staff administers each department on a day to day basis and are specialists in their fields. Walk into the Center and find out what we offer.
OBJECTIVES
To serve the leisure time needs of the Jewish and total community - all ages from preschool to the aged, all economic and social groups, all shades of opinion, all religious groups, as well as those not religiously identified.
Although primarily a membership agency, the Center which is a recipient of the United Way of the Mid South and the Memphis Jewish Federation, also strives to serve the overall community. Cultural events, educational programs and exhibits are generally open to all.
The Center uses many methods to enrich the leisure hours of all our members, helping make life more meaningful and pleasant through programs rooted in Jewish tradition and American culture. Each member can discover and explore the potential that lies within him through the avenues provided at the Center in its group work, physical education, and cultural arts department.
A Message From The President and Executive Director
Shalom and welcome to the Center of the Memphis Jewish Community.
The program year for our Center is underway and, like each of the previous years in our Center's life, 2009 or 5769 will be marked by growth, excitement and challenge.
The MJCC can make a difference in your life. It has already made a difference in shaping and building our community, and it has brought us much pride and distinction.
The wide range of ongoing and special activities described in this site includes:
- Athletic and Recreational activities
- Fitness and Wellness programs
- Judaic enrichment opportunities
- Children and teen activities
- Cultural events and classes
For the toddler to the senior adult, Center programs reflect the variety of needs, interests and expectations which exist in our community.
Our Memphis JCC is committed to insuring Jewish continuity by perpetuating knowledge of Judaism and by providing the skills needed to carry Judaism from one generation to another. Our visiting scholars, classes and cultural programs offer adults an accessible and welcoming doorway to personal enrichment and growth.
We congratulate the lay leadership, staff and membership for supporting the ongoing and innovative programs in all our departments. Among JCC's in North America, ours has been applauded and praised nationwide. But it is upon you - our members and our community - and your interest, participation and evaluation that the Center's vitality rests.
As we meet throughout the year at programs and events, we hope you will feel comfortable in sharing your comments, compliments and concerns with us.
Shalom,
Barrie M. Weiser, Executive Director Ken Steinberg, President