Aug 5, 2011

New Jewish Community Center Coming to Miami Beach

Several years ago, in recognition of Miami Beach’s diverse and thriving Jewish population, a plan was envisioned to construct a modern, full-service Jewish community center. Challenged by a number of factors along the way – including JCC leadership transitions, a competitive fundraising environment and a difficult economic climate – the project endured numerous stops and starts. However, thanks to the work of an invigorated and highly committed JCC Board of Directors, who worked together to scale back initial plans for the facility and enhanced collaboration with various institutions to garner the lead gifts necessary for a successful $12 million fundraising campaign, construction of a 35,000-square-foot facility at the JCC’s existing Pine Tree Drive location began on July 14, 2011. Along with the new facility comes a new name: Galbut Family Miami Beach JCC.

According to JCC President Jerry Sokol, the project is the result of many people working together to make the dream a reality. In a letter to the community, he wrote: “This project could not have come to fruition without the help of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the City of Miami Beach and all of our donors, especially the family of Russell Galbut, who provided the naming gift. We are also thankful to all of our members who have continued to support us, use our services and attend our events.”

Described by Sokol as being an “avid supporter through this process,” Federation has agreed to guarantee the bond that will finance the construction of the facility. “We know how much this new JCC means to our community and Federation's support is indicative of our confidence of the ability of a new Miami Beach JCC to enhance Jewish life on Miami Beach,” said Ellen Rose, Chair of Federation’s Planning & Distribution Committee.

When it opens in September 2012, Galbut Family Miami Beach JCC will feature a state-of-the-art fitness center; 4,200-square-foot outdoor swimming pool; multi-purpose playing field; large gymnasium; social hall; and special rooms dedicated to the arts, parenting and gymnastics programs. “We will now have a haven where the entire community can participate in social, recreational, educational and cultural programs in one convenient location,” Sokol said.

Currently operating from offices adjacent to Federation’s Stanley C. Myers Building, the “JCC without walls” is working hard to conduct business as usual. Its busy summer camp has been in swing on the grounds of Lehrman Community Day School, and its much-valued afterschool program cares for children on the campuses of North Beach Elementary School as well as Lehrman Community Day School. A newly launched website will enable people to more easily register for programs and stay updated on developments at the new Galbut Family Miami Beach JCC site.