For the second January in a row, I attended the Open House at my local Jewish Community Center. For decades, I paid annual dues, enjoyed the many programs, used the facilities, enrolled my children in the programs, attended classes and events. Some negative experiences arose, but I don't recall if I dropped my membership in response to them or just let the affiliation lapse as rather hefty dues became less cost-effective relative to use. I've not paid membership fees for a very long time.
Now as a frequent responder on Reddit's r/judaism platform, people separated from their Judaism, or seeking entry, frequently ask how to enhance their personal involvement. The majority of responses suggest reading a book or watching a video. No objection to those, but Judaism depends on kehillah, or community. Synagogues form the anchor, but they can intimidate the unfamiliar. As an alternative, I will often suggest they consider their local Jewish Community Center. They put no religious demands of shabbos or kashrut, have people around of minimal background, indeed many not Jewish but who like working out in the gym. Some like the iconic 92nd St Y in Manhattan have abundant Jewish programming with resources to invite prominent guests. Mine used to have a loftier selection of intellectual content, but has adapted to the clientele of Seniors and youngsters, with a relative paucity of adults in their prime years.
At the Open Houses, aimed primarily at revenue enhancement from new memberships, I spun the freebie wheel. Each landed on Day Pass so I now have two. They also have two lesser obligation options, a Summer Membership entitling people to indoor and campsite activities for about $400 and a try it out one month trial for $125 or so.
As a Senior, would I use the entitlements of membership? I have done very well on my home treadmill, though it has limitations. However, I need not get dressed or drive anywhere, park the car, get changed in the locker room when I exercise at home. That's a big incentive to staying on schedule. Their gym has weights, which I do not. Their treadmill's incline functions, which mine does not. And they have a steam room which I like, a hot tub, a sauna, and a pool, which all require additional time in the locker room. Redeeming the day passes will immerse me in these for two days at no cost. Used for sure. Payment of one month would guide utilization more accurately. I suspect that I do so well on my home treadmill over a prolonged time because it requires no preparation but will falter once exercising requires travel, even if more effective exercise.
Might I make friends? I could use more friends. The global pandemic largely tanked personal interaction. Board and committee meetings are electronic. Seniors at OLLI no longer congregate in the lounge or gather in the cafeteria. My synagogue remains live of shabbos, though not all do. When I am at the JCC, usually for a synagogue-sponsored class or mincha service, but even for the two Open Houses I attended, there did not seem to be very many people around. However, the parking lot had ample cars, so people must be physically present somewhere in the complex, just not readily interactive with me.
And classes, guest speakers, and related mental boosts have followed the least common denominator pathway of so much of my other Jewish engagement. I have OLLI as my upper-tier mental challenge, and that's without even taking them up on their offer to let me attend one mainstream class each semester at the University's main campus for a very nominal surcharge.
It's about money, perhaps. More than perhaps; likely it's about money. For $400 a year, I'm probably in. For $1000 a year as an empty nester, probably not. JCC Membership, and other Jewish affiliations including synagogue are often price elastic. Neither a $400 or $1000 payment would change my financial situation very much, but I'm scripted to seek value. A monthly trial might be, but it won't expand to a large annual commitment. Use of the facilities for a summer might be worth $400 to me one time, then reconsidered. My goals for membership would entail enhanced fitness, but at a personal imposition that I am not likely to sustain. And personal engagement for which I have better options. My membership lapsed some time back for legitimate cause. No compelling reason has emerged to justify a Second Act, at least for me.
Have I misled guidance seekers who visit r/judaism when I advise them to seek out their JCC? Probably not. The organization can create connection, especially for young folks who do not require sophisticated Jewish immersion, which remains available to them elsewhere. Like all organizations, the JCC has its niche. A decent value to some. For me, it remains price elastic.
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