Memphis Jewish Community Center

The Memphis Jewish Community Center (MJCC) is a nonprofit organization located in Memphis, Tennessee, founded in 1951 and dedicated to serving the local Jewish community and beyond. The MJCC is an inclusive and compassionate community built on Jewish values, heritage, and culture, where people of all ages, lifestyles, ethnicities, and levels of observance come together to pursue personal fitness, team sports, the arts, youth programming, and early childhood education.

Mission

The mission of the MJCC is to connect, engage, and strengthen the Jewish community in Memphis. It strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of background, to participate in various activities and programs that enhance physical, mental, intellectual, cultural, social, and spiritual well-being.

Programs

The MJCC offers a wide range of programs, including:

• Sports and Fitness: Programs for all ages promoting health and wellness, such as basketball and soccer leagues, state-of-the-art workout facilities, and personal training options.
• Aquatics: Serving all ages with indoor and outdoor pools, swim lessons, and lifeguard training.
• Senior Adult Services: Including a daily lunch program, outings, and educational programs.
• Cultural Arts: Engaging both the Jewish and broader community through Jewish-themed productions and exhibits, literary festivals, and international film festivals.
• Camp and Youth Services: Offering summer camps and after-school programs for children.
• Early Childhood Center: Providing care and education for infants to pre-school age children.
• Jewish Engagement: Programs for all ages to celebrate Jewish holidays and promote Jewish education.

Community Impact

The MJCC has been a pivotal part of the Memphis community for over seven decades. In 1968, following the death of Martin Luther King Jr., the MJCC played a significant role in community outreach. They initiated "Operation Action," a program that served twelve hundred children from poverty areas, defusing potential social tension by providing employment for over 300 teenagers. Today, the MJCC continues to partner with organizations like the United Way and the Memphis Jewish Federation to enhance the lives of its community members.

History of Day Camp

The MJCC's Day Camp program began in 1950 and has since grown in size and depth. It is a beloved part of the community, with alumni now directing the camp they once attended as children. Over its 70-year history, the Day Camp has become a symbol of community engagement and development.

Affiliations

The MJCC is affiliated with the Jewish Community Center Association and works closely with local organizations to ensure comprehensive community service. It receives funding from various sources, including the Lemsky Endowment Fund of the Memphis Jewish Federation.

[1] https://www.jccmemphis.org/main/our-mission/ [2] https://www.jccmemphis.org [3] https://www.jccmemphis.org/daycamp/camp-history/ [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/62-0481800 [5] https://harwoodcenter.org/about-us/history-mission/