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After a challenging several years, JCC CEO Barak Hermann is thrilled to see the organization emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. Hermann believes one secret to the J’s ongoing success lies in its ability to change with the times.
“As the trends and needs of the Jewish community have evolved, the JCC has evolved,” says Hermann.
The JCC’s evolution has included programming that addresses the needs of the JCC’s broad constituency including Jews of all denominations, LGBTQ+ Jews, Jews of Color as well as members of all races, religions and backgrounds who make up the wider Baltimore community.
Of course, the JCC is still “in the business of Jewish continuity and Jewish identity,” says Hermann. To that end, a new platform called J Life provides “curated Jewish engagement experiences” for families with children from infancy to age 17.
“We’re trying to help people in Baltimore live a Jewish life in a way that’s meaningful to them.”
Evolving also necessitates changes to the JCC’s physical plants including a lobby renovation to the Rosenbloom Owings Mills slated to begin in the new year that will feature new membership and security desks and some updated aesthetics. Also in Owings Mills, a renovation of the Gordon Center for the Performing Arts lobby – to include a bar with concessions and state-ofthe- art technology — is currently in progress to enhance the user experience.
Additionally, the JCC will commence renovations to its fitness center in Owings Mills including updated equipment and flooring in spring 2023 as well as new equipment at our Weinberg JCC Park Heights campus.
“We’re really upping the look and feel of the J so that people will want to join,” says Hermann. “Once we get them through our doors, that’s when the mission magic happens!
“The JCC is proud to be a part of The Associated network which provides funding and professional support services to our agency. We are also grateful to local foundations, state and federal governments and individual donors who have supported our renovation efforts.”
Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore
An agency of The Associated
jcc.org
410.559.3500
3506 Gwynnbrook Ave. Owings Mills, MD 21117 and 5700 P ark Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215
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