North American Jewish Community Centers

Lisa Fishman · #1 06-28-2006, 07:58 PM

Ok, I just, this week, joined the Levite (Birmingham, AL) Jewish Community Center. So far I like it and have been spending time there working out and fitness classes. One of my favorite things about the "J" is their huge, clean outdoor swimming pool. They have an indoor one too. I know they also have social and educational events too.
Is anyone a member of a Jewish Community Center in the US or Canada? What do you like about the facillity? What kinds of events and programs do they have and or hold? I'd like to hear more about it. Thanks.

RACooper · #2 06-28-2006, 11:39 PM

I was... back around '98-'01, basically because of the easier access to workout equipment and a fencing program more my speed in comparison to the universities. However I did end up leaving as the Centre's governing board became increasingly "political" and exclusionary - (ie. Jewish only hours or sections of the gym, pamphleting through the mail or of lockers, cancelling of social functions in favour or political speakers or fundraisers). Now that board is gone, and the Centre has gone/is undergoing some massive and much needed renovations, and I would go back... but I live in an entirely different part of town.

All in all I liked the place, and only lament the enviroment that a cliche of people created for a handful of years...

FSUZeta · #3 06-29-2006, 08:23 AM

we had a pool membership at the jewish communitry center when we lived in tulsa, ok. we were never made to feel unwelcomed, although we are not jewish. i never explored the facilities and do not know what other programs they offered. their pool was great!!

jacksonville, florida has a huge community center in the san jose section of town. in a previous life it was a toney country club-they have done lots of renovations, so my guess is that it is very nice.

kddani · #4 06-29-2006, 08:51 AM

Pittsburgh has a very nice JCC. My Barbri (bar prep) class was held there last year. Was not a fan of the auditorium, but the main building was really nice- HUGE pool and workout facilities. They were very welcoming to us, and we were even offered a discounted membership to use the fitness facilities and pool for the summer while we were taking our bar class.

PhoenixAzul · #5 06-29-2006, 09:08 AM

I second KDDani's eval of the Pittsburgh JCC. Because it serves a VERY large Jewish community, it's well funded and well used, for everything from speakers to events and of course, workouts. I've been involved in several partnerships with them through Aquatics- their guards train at my Y sometimes and we train at their pool. When I was wee, my swim team was in the same division as theirs...always enjoyed meets at their pool.

adpiucf · #6 06-29-2006, 10:31 AM

My family was involved with the Jaycee in Philly when I was a small child and I even went to summer camp there. Great pool and my mom really liked the aerobics classes. My aunt has been a member for over 30 years and she's a serious racketball enthusiast! I've been back up a few times as an adult. Clean facilities, friendly staff and lots of activities.