Holding a proclamation from Edison, Adam Glinn, former president of the JCC of Middlesex County, with Edison Mayor Jun Choi at the Jan. 27 event marking the fifth anniversary of the JCC and YMCA Community Campus partnership. Photos by Debra Rubin
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Jewish identity strengthenedFebruary 05, 2008
In a celebration of what was described as “a model for what the world should be,” the Jewish Community Center of Middlesex County and the Metuchen-Edison-Woodbridge YMCA marked five years of a collaboration that has brought together an ethnically and religiously diverse community.
Politicians and community representatives joined YMCA and JCC leaders on Jan. 27 for ceremonies at the Edison facility, showing that it has lived up to its name — The Community Campus.
The combining of services that began in December 2002 remains what is believed to be the nation’s only such partnership.
For both partners, the collaboration has produced booming memberships — comprising Jews, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Asian-Americans, and African-Americans — enhanced athletic facilities, and an increase in programming and services.
“It has worked out wonderfully,” said JCC executive director Dorothy Rubinstein, president of the JCC board when the partnership was formed. “We share a membership that is 8,000 strong. That membership really represents the diversity of the community.”
Moreover, a fear by some that the JCC’s Jewish identity would be swallowed up has proved unfounded.
JCC president Eric Nacht said Jewish membership is 2,500, the highest since the facility opened in 1984. At the time of the collaboration’s launching, JCC officials estimated its membership at 1,000; Nacht said it had never before exceeded 2,000.
“In the future we intend to increase our cultural programming,” said Nacht. “We intend to reach out to more Jewish families in the area and expand our young adult and young Jewish programming.”
The YMCA will formally unveil its plans for a $1.7 million expansion at the site on Feb. 20.
The idea for the community campus was proposed in 1998 by Y board member David Belowich. The Y wanted to establish a presence in north Edison, but costs, particularly for a pool, were prohibitive. The JCC, facing a declining Jewish population in northern Middlesex County, had its own financial woes.
Rubinstein recalled sitting in former JCC director Iris Baumgarten’s office when the call proposing the collaboration came from YMCA CEO William Lovett.
“It was like lights went off in my head,” she recalled.
The campus raised $3 million for the project, including a $500,000 special state grant and a $50,000 grant from Middlesex County. Money was also donated by corporations, foundations, financial institutions, and the more than 300 business owners in the Oak Tree Road area, where the facility is located, comprising the Indian Business Association.
As much as 40 percent of the campus’ total membership is Indian.
“The YMCA and JCC working together to provide for people of all nationalities is a perfect example of how all communities should work,” said Edison council member Sudhanshu Prasad, himself a campus member. “When I come here, I see lots of other people from the Indian subcontinent as well as people from many other nationalities and races.”
That mix of cultures whose members may have little familiarity with Judaism has also proven to be a positive.
“We celebrate all the Jewish holidays very publicly in our lobby,” said Rubinstein. “People always stop and ask what they are all about. We are open about our customs and traditions.”
The two sides share upgraded fitness and athletic facilities, meeting rooms, and an all-purpose room for performances and lectures.
Jewish identity strengthened
Edison Mayor Jun Choi goes over program notes with Pamela Brown, program chair and a YMCA board member, as JCC president Eric Nacht looks on.
The JCC is a kosher facility with its own Jewish programming, the community Hanukka celebration and Yom Hashoa commemoration are held at the campus every year, and in the spring, it will be the site of Middlesex County’s celebration for Israel’s 60th anniversary.
The anniversary ceremony featured a number of dignitaries, including state Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Dist. 8), Middlesex County Freeholder Director David Crabiel, and Edison Mayor Jun Choi.
Former JCC president Adam Glinn, one of the campus founders, said, “We have created a community of tolerance and respect. These extraordinary people have created more than a campus. We together have created a hope.”