Omaha Jewish Community Center facts for kids
The Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Omaha, Nebraska is a special place for the Jewish community. It first opened in 1926. Later, in 1973, it moved to its current spot at 333 South 132nd Street. The JCC has always been a key center for Jewish life in Omaha. It helps people connect and supports many important activities. Today, it even has a unique Holocaust memorial, which is the only one of its kind in the Midwestern United States. In 2008, swimmers training for the U.S. Olympic Trials practiced here before their big competition.
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The JCC's Story: From Past to Present
When the JCC first opened in June 1926, it was located at 20th and Dodge Streets in Downtown Omaha. It had many useful spaces, like a library, a gym, an auditorium, and a Talmud Torah (a school for Jewish studies). The main goal was to offer many cultural, social, and fun activities for Jewish people in the area.
Early Years and Community Growth
Jewish people from Germany, Poland, Russia, and other Eastern European countries came together at the JCC. They took part in various Jewish cultural activities. In 1931, the JCC joined with two other groups: the Omaha Welfare Federation and the Omaha Jewish Philanthropies. They formed a new organization called The Jewish Community Center and Welfare Federation.
Many important programs were based at the JCC. The Jewish Community Forum brought in famous guest speakers. The Jewish Youth Council focused on helping young people grow. The Philanthropies Campaign collected money for many Jewish causes.
Moving West: A New Location
In 1973, the Center moved to West Omaha. This move was very important for the community. Many families and synagogues also moved west, following the JCC. This showed how much the JCC influenced where people lived and gathered.
What Happens at the JCC Today
Today, the JCC continues to be a very active place. It is seen as "an institution which houses all forms of Jewish activity." It welcomes men, women, and children to enrich their lives and grow in their Jewish faith.
Programs and Organizations
The Omaha Jewish Community Center is home to many different programs and groups. These include:
- The Jewish Federation of Omaha
- The Kripke Jewish Federation Library
- The Jewish Press (a newspaper)
- The Center for Jewish Education
- The Dan and Esther Gordman Center for Jewish Learning
- The Institute for Holocaust Education
- The ADL/CRC
Facilities for Everyone
The JCC has many great facilities for people to use. These include:
- The Friedel Jewish Academy (a school)
- A theatre for performances
- An art gallery space
- Dance and music studios
- Meeting rooms and classrooms
- The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home (a place for seniors)
- The Herbert Goldsten Synagogue (a place of worship)
- Livingston Plaza Apartments
For sports and fitness, the JCC offers:
- An indoor swimming pool
- An outdoor aquatic center
- Fields for baseball, soccer, basketball, and handball
- Two indoor running tracks
- Health clubs for men and women
- A large health and fitness center
Nebraska Jewish History Society
The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is located right at the Omaha Jewish Community Center. This society helps to preserve and share the history of Jewish people in Nebraska.
Exhibits and Archives
The Society has several permanent exhibits that tell important stories:
- “Jewish Landmarks”
- “Our Story”
- “From Generation to Generation”
There are also changing exhibits in the main gallery, so there's always something new to see. The Society also keeps archives of local Jewish history. These are collections of old documents, photos, and other items. The Henry and Dorothy Riekes Museum inside the Society shows what a neighborhood shul (a Jewish house of worship or synagogue) might have looked like.
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