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16 | theburg | 02.16 T he Harrisburg Jewish Community Center is more than a physical space. Since its inception in 1915, the JCC has been the focal point of the city's Jewish community. Not surprisingly, then, a Dec. 5 celebration of the center's 100th anniversary drew hundreds of people. Margie Adelmann, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg—the umbrella organization that supports the JCC—calls the JCC the "central unifying organization, where people come together, where all are welcome for cultural, fitness and educational opportunities and to learn more about Jewish life and traditions—regardless of how they practice Judaism." "No matter which synagogue a family was affiliated with, Harrisburg Jewry joined together at the JCC," noted Marian E. Frankston, co-chair with Marcia Cohen of the celebration. roughout its history, the JCC's programming has been "extensive and eclectic," including pottery, photography, dramatics, gala dances, bowling, basketball, gymnastics, swimming and handball. Adult classes have ranged from philosophy to politics. "When I was a youngster, my brothers, sisters and I were at the JCC six days a week," Frankston recalled. "We attended the Yeshiva Academy, now Silver Academy. One of the most popular activities was 'iddy biddy' basketball. ere was a program called 'Sunday Funday'—for children with teen counselors—and an active teen lounge for meetings, dances and games." MILeStoNeS A Jewish community existed in Harrisburg before 1915, boasting several communal organizations and businesses and three synagogues. However, it lacked a central building. Community leader Louis Brenner formed the local Young Men's Hebrew Association, which provided Jews with recreational, educational, social and cultural activities, and Leon Lowengard became its first president. In 1921, these community leaders purchased a large private house on N. 3rd Street. at building, now the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, remained the JCC venue until 1958, when the current structure was built Uptown. In 1995, the federation launched a campaign to renovate and expand it. Over time, services and programs were added, including the Community Review, a bimonthly publication "reflecting a true cross-section of Jewish life"; the Early Learning Center; the day camp, now at Green Hills Swim Club; and the Yeshiva Academy. During the turbulent times of the Holocaust and World War II, Rabbi David L. Silver, spiritual leader of Kesher Israel Congregation, established the Yeshiva, a Jewish day school, in the JCC. Harrisburg became the first American city with a population of fewer than 5,000 Jews to have a school teaching both Judaic and secular studies. "Rabbi Silver was a special man," said Merv Woolf. Woolf, born and raised in Harrisburg, started using the JCC at an early age. "I went to Hebrew School and to the gym," he recalled. "I was on the basketball and swim teams. It was a place to go when my mother took ill when I was 7. I'd walk there and spend the whole evening." Later, Woolf got involved in theater, including an elaborate production of the musical "Pal Joey." He also recalled the JCC's New Year's Eve gatherings. Over the years, Woolf and his wife DeDe have served on "every committee." He was on the board of the Yeshiva Academy and the building committee that oversaw the 1996 renovations. In addition to historic events, the community was besieged by natural disasters, including the massive flooding of the 1972 Tropical Storm Agnes and by Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. In 2004, the community mourned the passing of Albert Hursh, who had worked at the JCC and the United Jewish Community (the predecessor to the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg) for more than 70 years, serving as executive director of both. Hursh was a "dominant leader who will long be remembered," said Morton Spector, who was born in Williamsport but moved with his family to Harrisburg in 1948. MeLtINg Pot Shortly after his father's heart attack in 1956, Spector was asked to get more involved in the community. He chaired the annual campaign and was president of the JCC and later, a board member and chair of the United Jewish Community. e JCC's Freda and Harry Spector Room is named for his parents. "e center was always the melting pot, able to maintain visibility for both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities," he said. "All the organizations, such as Hadassah, Anti-Defamation League and Israel Bonds used it as a home base. It was for Jews of all religious denominations." HearT oF a CoMMUniTy A century old, the Jewish Community Center continues to foster unity, identity, memories. by bArbArA trAININ bLANk Historic photos provided by Harrisburg Jewish Community Center.

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