J Life brings Joyful Jewish Experiences to the JCC

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore is proud to announce the launch of J Life, a Jewish family engagement platform designed to position the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC as the “go-to” destination for relevant and joyful Jewish experiences.

J Life’s on-campus programming and activities will include a mix of larger community-wide signature events, smaller targeted programs, and events coordinated across different JCC departments.  It will also feature educational classes, community service opportunities, and the ability to connect families with a variety of Jewish community resources.

From the Shapiro Aquatics Park to the Biblical and Universal playground, to The Gordon Center, the facilities at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC offer many unique and exciting opportunities to offer enriching experiences. Participants can play, learn, and celebrate in modern, kid-friendly indoor facilities or explore the natural beauty of the JCC’s outdoor trails, multiple playgrounds, and other green spaces.

“We are so excited to connect families with the joys of Jewish traditions through the many new J Life programs. Being welcoming and inclusive and bringing people together is what our JCC is all about”, explains Barak Hermann, JCC CEO. “‘Come as you are’ is our motto and it means -any and all families –including LGBTQ, multi-racial, and/or interfaith families are invited and welcome. J Life is designed to build meaningful memories for families as they celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays in fun and creative ways. We believe that this model will weave a more colorful and inclusive fabric across the JCC and all its programs” states Sara Shalva, Chief Program Officer.  

Rabbi Ariel Platt, the Director of J Life, is looking forward to engaging, educating, and empowering families at the JCC. “I’m excited to bring my passion for relationship building, creativity, and empathy to this amazing new initiative and building upon the strong foundation that is already in existence.”

J Life is made possible thanks to generous support from the Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds.  According to Elizabeth Minkin, President, Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds, “The increasing diversity within the Jewish community means that now, more than ever, institutions must ensure that they are welcoming, innovative, and relevant to everyone, regardless of a family’s Jewish affiliation or level of knowledge or practice.  That’s why the Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds are motivated to support the J Life initiative as we believe this platform reflects the JCC’s deep commitment to connecting families through meaningful Jewish experiences.”

The JCC of Baltimore invites the community to the upcoming J Life holiday celebration, Harvest Music Festival, on October 13 at 5:00pm at Gordon Outdoors at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC. This FREE community-wide Sukkot celebration will be filled with family entertainment – music, inflatable playgrounds, bubbles, balloons, face painting and more.  For additional information, please visit www.jcc.org/sukkot.