About The JCC | History
The Jewish Community Center was founded originally
as the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew
Association and eventually changed its name to the
Jewish Community Center. Between 1910 and 1952, it moved to five different locations in York City. This was because earlier in our nation’s history, Jewish people were not
as welcome in public organizations as they are today.
Beginning in 1952, the building at 120 East Market Street
became the center for everything Jewish except religious activity.
One of the roles of the JCC is to act as the focal
point and common meeting ground for all Jews: Orthodox,
Conservative, and Reform. The synagogues were located
downtown but did not have ample facilities for social
activities. When the synagogues moved from center-city
to their locations in the suburbs, the JCC remained a hub of Jewish life.
In 1983 the Jewish Community Center purchased
5 acres of land abutting Temple Beth Israel. We officially opened our facility at 2000 Hollywood
Drive on October 30, 1989.
The JCC’s role has changed and expanded to reflect the
changing times. Involvement of the Jewish Community
Center in the non-Jewish community has increased tremendously by opening our doors and welcoming people to use our facilities, by making it possible for all people, regardless of background, to participate in
our programs. Today, the York JCC is a thriving community
center serving the Jewish community as well
as the diverse population of York County.
JCC Board of DirectorsStewert Weinberg, PresidentCraig Milsten, Vice President Tammy Snyder, Treasurer Lonnie Bellenbaum, Secretary Neal Friedman, Imm. Past President Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan Trish Arbetman Penny Ayers Phil Biddell Jessica Brubaker Amy Doyle Erda Erdos Greg Finklestein Don Gogniat Bob Grossman Jack Kay |
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Mission Statement
Our mission, as a human service agency, is to strengthen and preserve Jewish culture, promote mutual understanding and the acceptance of diversity, and enhance the well being of our members and the communities we serve through cultural, educational, physical, recreational, and social opportunities. We work cooperatively with other civic organizations to improve our community, and welcome everyone regardless of their circumstances or ability to pay.
