JCC stories
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is actively shaping 21st-century Jewish life. The stories in this section, which also appear in our seasonal program guides, serve as an introduction to some of the people and programs that represent that change, that make us so much more than a community center. We hope they inspire as well as inform.
Several of the stories that appear here have short video companions. To watch these videos, click the link in the sidebar of each story. To watch all of the videos now, click here.
stories from Winter/Spring 2017
A JCC Opens in Harlem
In the years since it opened its doors in 1989, JCC Manhattan has worked to shape a vision of 21st-century Jewish life on the Upper West Side and beyond. That vision is the inspiration behind JCC Harlem, a 6,000-square foot space opening its doors to the public in January 2017.
Judy Gross: Making A Difference at the JCC and Beyond
Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan's literacy programs rest on one basic truth: One person can make a huge difference in another person's life. Judy Gross, Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan's Director of Literacy + Math Programs, embodies this principle while inspiring thousands of others to make a difference as well.
Radiating Out: Shabbat Hits the Road
Since 2008, Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan has encouraged the community to welcome Shabbat not with a bang, but with a "Shabbang."
Thousands of people have come together on Friday evenings to break bread with friends, family, and neighbors. Shabbat Shabbang and Shabbat Shabbang Jr. dinners feature gourmet dinners, Shabbat rituals, and entertainment in a warm, welcoming environment.
stories from Fall 2016
On the Front Line: Meet Colton Tracy
If you've stopped by Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan's Box Office to ask a question or register for a program, chances are you've met Director of Registration Colton Tracy and his team of registration associates—the smiling, patient souls who share the impossible task of knowing a little bit about everything that goes on at the JCC—and the Upper West Side in general, for that matter.
Creating Treasures from Trash: Daniel Passantino
For Daniel Passantino, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" is not a phrase to be taken lightly. In fact, the 28-year-old Manhattanite takes it literally.