We are so happy that you have chosen to visit the J's website. We are confident that here you will find a variety of wonderful programs and activities to meet your needs and the needs of your entire family. All the information you need to know about us is literally at your fingertips. Our Calendar of Monthly Events is the easiest and quickest way to find out what's happening at the JCC. Don't forget that you can also register for all of your favorite classes online.
|
|
Susan Strait Chairman of the Board |
|
MISSION STATEMENT
The Jewish Community Center is a non-profit, social service agency founded upon Jewish ethics and values. It is committed to meeting the ever changing needs of the entire Jewish Community for strengthening Jewish identity and for enriching the quality of Jewish life.
The Center provides the total community with a forum for open dialogue regarding matters affecting Jewish life here, in Israel, and throughout the world. It initiates diversified social, educational, recreational, and cultural programs within a Jewish setting.
VISION STATEMENT
In accordance with the principles of our Mission Statement, the vision of the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center is to maximize the use of the programs and services, the position in the community, and the accessibility of the Jewish Community Center to welcome all Jews and their families, to help them move along a continuum of Jewish growth, and to build Jewish memories. Pursuing cooperation and harmony with other Jewish institutions in the community, we will foster a community of learning Jews who are consciously Jewish; who are respectful of Jewish differences; who are knowledgeable of and committed to Jewish values and practice; who participate in synagogue life and in Jewish communal and cultural life; who make Israel an important component in their identities as Jews; and who manifest their Jewishness in lifestyle, life choices, and life commitment, thus creating a Jewish community capable of continuing creative renewal.
MILESTONES IN THE JCC'S 100 YEARS OF SERVICE
|
1894 |
Lizzie Kander founds the Jewish Mission to aid immigrants. The Mission is housed in the vestry of Temple Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun at 10th and Cedar Street. Activities include sewing, cooking, manual work and "treats" for immigrant children. |
| 1896 | Lizzie Kander publishes The Settlement Cookbook, based upon recipes Kander and others used in cooking classes at the Mission. |
| 1900 | The Jewish Mission coalesces with the Council of Jewish Women and the Sisterhood of Personal Service to form the Milwaukee Jewish Settlement. The Settlement rents a house on Fifth Street and moves to a larger one in 1904. |
| 1911 | The Settlement takes possession of the newly built Abraham Lincoln House, on Ninth and Vine street, forerunner to the Jewish Community Center. Activities include classes in English, cooking, music, nutrition, as well as a host of social clubs which meet regularly in meeting rooms. |
| 1931 | Proceeds from the sale of the Abraham Lincoln House and royalties from the Settlement Cookbook are used to buy the University High School at 1025 N. Milwaukee Street and form the Jewish Center. The new center is formally dedicated in March 1931. It offers a broad array of social, cultural and recreational activities for the entire community. |
| 1934 | The Jewish Center becomes a Milwaukee Community Fund (United Way) beneficiary. |
| 1946 | The Center officially changes its name to the Jewish Community Center. |
| 1955 | A lake side site at 1400 North Prospect Avenue is the new home of the Jewish Community Center. The move to the new location reflects the Jewish population's shift out of Milwaukee's inner city. |
| 1966 | The Jewish Community Center acquires property new Eagle River, Wisconsin, and begins Camp Interlaken JCC summer resident camp. |
| 1968 | The Jewish Community Center acquires property in Fredonia, Wisconsin, and creates Camp JCC day camp. |
| 1987 | The Jewish Community Center, continuing to follow the Jewish community's shift to the suburbs, moves to its new quarters at the 28-acre Karl Campus in Whitefish Bay. |
| 1998 |
JCC purchases 73 acres of land in Mequon for potential future development in conjunction with the Milwaukee Jewish Home. |
2007 JCC re-opens the Hy & Richard Smith JCC Family Park in Mequon.
The Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC celebrates it's Grand Opening as it
completes the Capital Campaign.
