About the JCC

History of the York JCC

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.

Earlier in our nation's history, the 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 present locations in the suburbs, the JCC remained a hub of Jewish life.

On July 29, 1983 the Jewish Community Center purchased 5 acres of land along Hollywood Drive, abutting Temple Beth Israel. Fund raising began in December 1986 and 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 swimming, art, physical education, etc. Today, the York JCC is a thriving community center, fitness center and cultural center serving the Jewish community as well as the diverse population of York County.

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.


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York Jewish Community Center

2000 Hollywood Drive     York, PA 17403
PH (717)843-0918     FAX (717)843-6988
jcc@yorkjcc.org

 

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