Weekly CenterScene

Don’t miss your chance to see one of the six remaining performances of Fiddler on the Roof, on stage now through March 17. Tickets are going fast; get yours now.

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View full-size flyer (PDF) »

Basketball leagues. Preschool. Fitness. Bookfair. Swimming. Kosher meals. Senior outings. There is something for everyone today at the JCC. But for the past 100 years, this hasn’t just been about the variety of programs and services, but the fact that the JCC welcomes everyone—no matter what religion, race, gender, age, or ability—and because of this, the NAACP has chosen to honor the JCC during its Civil Rights Celebration (CRC) on March 21, 2013.

“It is a tremendous honor that the NAACP selected the Jewish Center as this year’s Past Civil Rights Icon. As we celebrate 100 years as an organization in Columbus, one area of great pride is the leadership our agency has shown working toward the civil rights for all,” said JCC Executive Director Carol Folkerth.

Many milestones in the JCC’s first 100 years have been toward the advancement of civil rights. In 1918 the JCC provided support and space to immigrants and women’s groups. The JCC had the first integrated semi-professional theater and bowling lanes in the 1950s. In the 1970s the JCC promoted the rights of Soviet Jews, and today the JCC is proud to offer special needs programming including camping and arts for children and adults. The JCC also provides English as a Second Language classes, Russian acculturation programming, and a place for people to vote.

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At last month’s Bexley City Council meeting, Mayor Ben Kessler proclaimed that “March 2013 is ‘Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus Month’ in this our fair City of Bexley, Ohio.”

Executive Director Carol Folkerth and President Joe Sniderman were present to accept the proclamation, which describes how, “For the past 100 years, the Jewish community, and the community at large, have had a place to meet, to celebrate holidays, to perform plays, to swim, to discuss books, to sing and dance, to play racquetball, to go to preschool, to enjoy a hot kosher lunch, to go to summer camp, to play mahj, and much more.”

It continued, “The Jewish Community Center is celebrating 100 years of community, 100 years of compassion, and 100 years of change thanks to the Columbus Jewish Federation and Leo Yassenoff, the son of a Russian immigrant who later became a philanthropist.”

However you enjoy the JCC—through sports or fitness, preschool or camp, arts or education, holidays or every day—let there be a little more nachas this month!

The floor and walls are in. Now the structure of the building is beginning to take shape. Thank you for helping us grow! Follow JCC Columbus on Facebook for daily updates.

For every member, there is a different story. We'll be collecting—and sharing—your 100-word stories all year. We want to hear about your memories, moments, and mazel tovs. Please help us remember the last 100 years through your eyes.

Leslie Rosen’s Story
More than 30 years ago I took an exercise class called "Moving with Mim." It combined exercise with engaging conversation over current events. Prior to our class, Mim taught one of her movement classes with the preschoolers. I could not wait for my infant, who was in the babysitting room, to be able to participate in that class. How lucky I have been to have danced with my classes for the past 20 + years, as well as my own children, and now my two grandchildren are experiencing the joy of dancing with Mim!

Richard Williams’ Story
When my family moved to Columbus in 1990, we immediately joined the organization. All six of my children went through the JCC preschool and youth sports activities. Everyone grew comfortable at the JCC! My wife and I met many wonderful people at or through the JCC! We enjoy participating and volunteering our services at the Center. Simply stated, it does not seem possible to be a good community person without being a member and participator at the JCC!

Tell us your JCC story »

View full-size flyer (PDF) »

Passover Cooking Demonstration This Sunday
J-Reach has partnered with the Kingsdale Giant Eagle Market District for yet another holiday cooking demonstration!

Chef Matt has prepared an exciting menu with Passover-friendly food options to make for your Seder, or during the 8-day holiday observance. Last year's Passover Cooking Demonstration was a huge success, and we expect this year to be an even bigger hit!

Please join us from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, at the Demo Kitchen. Each dish will be made from scratch and served to our guests. Seating will be available. Please contact Becca at bnitzberg@columbusjcc.org for details. 

2nd Annual Northwest Chocolate Seder!
Last year's Northwest Chocolate Seder was a HUGE success!

We will hold our 2nd Annual Northwest Chocolate Seder on Sunday, March 17, at the Whetstone Shelterhouse at the Park of Roses from 1-2:30 p.m.

During this program, we will read a Passover story, partake in a ceremonial "meal" with chocolate substitutes for traditional Seder plate foods, and other Passover-themed activities!

This event will cost $5/person with a $20/family maximum. Payment is your RSVP. For details on this family-friendly holiday celebration, please contact Becca Nitzberg at bnitzberg@columbusjcc.org. Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 13!

The Whetstone Shelterhouse is located at 3901 N. High St. in Clintonville.

J-Reach's Northeast Passover Celebration!
Looking for a creative way to get your children excited for the upcoming holiday of Passover? Look no further!

J-Reach will hold the 2nd Annual Chocolate Seder at the JCC New Albany on Sunday, March 17! This ceremonial "meal" will begin at 3:30 p.m. and will feature chocolate substitutes for the traditional Seder Plate foods. This family-friendly (and delicious!) program will be led by Northeast-area parent and elementary school teacher, Cheryl Agranoff.

The Chocolate Seder will be followed by an hour or so of Open Gym, and a screening of a family-friendly Passover movie. Join us for an afternoon of fun, sweets, sports, and Passover!

Admission to the Chocolate Seder is $5/person; $20/max for families! Please RSVP with Becca by Wednesday, March 13, at bnitzberg@columbusjcc.org. JCC New Albany is located at 150 E. Granville Rd in New Albany.

J-Reach Kosher for Passover Wine Tasting at Gahanna Giant Eagle

Join J-Reach at the Gahanna Giant Eagle for a Kosher for Passover Wine Tasting! Guests will have the choice of up to 6 wines to sample at 25 cents each. Samples of wine will be paired with Kosher for Passover treats, courtesy of Giant Eagle! This program will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, and is only open to those age 21+.

Please contact Becca at bnitzberg@columbusjcc.org for details!

The Gahanna Giant Eagle is located at:
1250 N. Hamilton Rd.
Gahanna, OH 43230

Thousands of Jewish teens from around the globe were delighted by a welcome address from President Barack Obama as they began their five-day 2013 BBYO International Convention February 14-18. Seven teens from Columbus’ own BBYO and 31 teens from the BBYO’s KIO region were among the 1,600 Jewish youth who enjoyed being greeted by President Obama in a video message.

The gathering of nearly 2,000 Jewish youth was the largest in recent history. Other highlights of the opening ceremonies were the engaging speeches by Michael Froman, Assistant to President Obama and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs, and Josh Mandel, Ohio State Treasurer.

The keynote address by Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., called the teen delegates to action as they embarked on Friday, February 15, for the BBYO Stand UP Day of Service and Advocacy. The delegates split into groups, spending the day traveling around D.C. and working on various community service projects, from AIPAC to gardening to moving musical instruments into a new elementary school.

The day of service ended, of course, with a Shabbat celebration in which all 1,600 teens came together to recite the blessings and share a meal. The teens had 12 different Kabbalat Shabbat Services to choose from as they welcomed Shabbat—one for each denomination and spiritual style.

See President Obama’s message here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0zJF572veE

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Our 5th Grade Team just won the C.O.B.A. (Central Ohio Basketball Association) Championship for Division III.

Front Row, Left to Right: Graham Anderson, Eli Burkey, Davionne Peake, Damian Davis, Drew Yaffe;
Back Row, Left to Right: Coach Brad Dresbach, Gavi Steinman, Max Dresbach, Travis Miller, Noah Meyers, Dylan Kauffman, and Coach Steve Yaffe

And our 6th Grade Boys Basketball Team also won 2nd place at the Ohio Youth State Basketball Tournament.

Front Row, Left to Right: Trevor Binau, Aaron Young, Connor Moriarty, Carter McClellan, Matthew Shapiro
Middle Row: Vinny Pernotto, Ryan Callahan, Anthony Welsh, Isaiah Drewry, Leo Schottenstein
Back Row: Coach Mark Welsh, Coach Bryan Drewry, Coach Rick Shapiro

The twinkling sound of a pianist playing familiar tunes from yesteryear fills Mondays with delight for the seniors who frequent the JCC’s New Horizons 60+ programming.

Music Monday is just one of many ways the JCC provides lively programming for seniors, keeping them active and engaged. Each Monday, the JCC provides musical programming for Jewish adults, aged 60 and older, in secure and comfortable surroundings, enriching their lives and enhancing their intellectual and spiritual wellness.

Thanks to the Uncle Davey Fund of the Columbus Jewish Foundation, New Horizons provides music, music education, and culture for older members of the Jewish community. Even for seniors on tight budgets or with special transportation needs, the Uncle Davey Fund brightens Mondays with song, culture and collegiality. David Meyers was known as “Uncle Davey” to the family of Mitzi and Ed Stan. The Stan family established the Uncle Davey Fund after Davey’s life was cut short by cancer in 2007. According to his nieces and nephew, Jodi Shealy, Lori Sachs, and Lynn and Michael Stan, the JCC was like Davey’s second home, and he definitely would have been tickled pink by the music, Jewish ambiance, and good cheer.

Music Monday is available for the older adult who attends the JCC New Horizons programming and enjoys the congregation and companionship that coming to the JCC for the daily, hot kosher meal program provides.

For more information about Music Mondays and the New Horizons 60+ program, contact Debbie Vinocur at dvinocur@columbusjcc.org or (614) 559-6214.

In honor of the JCC’s 100th birthday and the 100th day of school, New Albany Preschool families donated 100 new books to the YWCA Family Center. Thank you to all the families for their generosity!