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.

Located at 318 West 118th Street, between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue, JCC Harlem will base its programming on the needs and interests of the diverse and unique community it serves, rather than simply replicate the offerings of JCC Manhattan. "The open space is ideal for cultural events, children's activities, holiday celebrations, and more," says JCC Manhattan's Chief Program Officer Dava Schub.

It all began when UJA-Federation of New York identified Harlem as an emerging Jewish community with a need for organized resources, Schub explains. A number of families had moved there in recent years, and yet, there was no central "Jewish address" to welcome the approximately 8,000 Jews, their neighbors, and loved ones that live there. The JCC saw an opportunity to create a mission-driven community organization.

"We've been thoughtful about what it means to move into a neighborhood that's rich in history, diverse, and transforming," Schub says. "We also keep asking, ‘What does it mean to be a good neighbor?' To imagine what dynamic Jewish life can look like in Harlem, we need to know who you are, what keeps you up at night, what adds value to your life, who your family and neighbors are, and how you want to add value to your community." A neighborhood survey was conducted, and meetings with religious and political organizations, civic groups, and residents were held to help define Harlem's needs.

"People have been very generous with their time, ideas, insights, and interests. Everyone we meet introduces us to someone else. It has been an amazing journey," Schub adds.

Meg Sullivan is JCC Harlem's program director and director of community engagement. "There's vibrant Jewish life in Harlem that's hungry for a home base," Sullivan says. "There's a very eager swath of Harlem residents who care about Jewish life uptown."

"The way the JCC has come in has been outstanding," says Liz Mandel, treasurer of the Harlem Minyan and a mother of three. "The effort has been grass-roots, from the bottom up...and has brought the community into the process."

Elisia Abrams and her husband, Keath, are excited about the possibilities JCC Harlem can offer, in particular children's and Shabbat programming. "The JCC is thought of as a place where everyone will feel comfortable," she says. "I can't think of a better partner to bring everybody together."

JCC Harlem will offer the Jewish community there a home base. For Abrams, this is "earth shattering," given that Harlem Minyan's events take place in a variety of locations. "It's hard to host an event when each time you have to figure out where you're going to host it."

Similarities exist between the two JCCs, but there are differences too. JCC Harlem will have no "members"—all programs will be open to the public, some for a fee and others for free. "We are learning about what the neighborhood wants—its interests and needs—and looking to create a JCC that will reflect them," Schub explains. "Some of what is being imagined will borrow on our strengths from 76th Street—an amazing film program, vibrant Shabbat celebrations, Center Studio Pilates, literacy volunteer partnerships with neighborhood schools, and more. We hope and expect much of what happens there will be a reflection of the fabric of the Harlem community and those who live there. There's a lot of excitement in the question marks. What will be similar are the values that animate and inspire us."

Sherri Lerner is the former editorial director at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. She has written and edited for numerous publications and is currently on the staff of the Wechsler Center.