Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15217-1563 United States

Mission Statement

Mission and Vision: To advance our vision of an exemplary, thriving, engaged community rooted in Jewish values, the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh’s mission is to enrich our community by creating an environment that strengthens the physical, intellectual and spiritual well-being of individuals and families.

About This Cause

History For 119 years, the JCC has held steadfast to “enriching the Pittsburgh community by cultivating an inclusive, dynamic environment built upon Jewish heritage, values and culture that span the life cycle from generation to generation.” True to its roots as the Irene Kaufmann Settlement, the JCC promotes the best in faith-based and civic values; provides the highest quality social service, cultural arts, camping, early childhood, youth service, health/wellness programs; and nurtures a community-oriented approach to meet these objectives. We develop quality programs across the lifetime continuum of service, facilitating experiences for individuals over a range of departments and addressing unmet needs. We fulfill this mission by serving people developmentally (physically, emotionally and spiritually) from newborns to the frail elderly – spanning the life cycle. Within the past year, the JCC partnered with more than 130 Jewish and community organizations to help meet the needs of our greater community. The JCC anchors the Squirrel Hill community and is the destination point for more than 3,000 people each day. We also turn a “blind eye” to need, providing over $2.5 million in financial assistance in our annual operating budget, nearly $1 of every $6 we spend. Our facilities host activities 105 hours each week nearly every day of the year. Over 17,500 individuals are current members of the JCC with many programs open to the community-at-large. In all, some 30,000 individuals enter the JCC annually, totaling over 1.4 million visits to our facilities. In all, no single Jewish agency in Pittsburgh serves more people over more hours in more program areas than the JCC _____________________________________________________________ Core Values The JCC provides a gateway to experience the richness of Jewish tradition and community. The JCC is a place where Jews are welcome no matter where or whether they worship, whatever their age or life style. We see value and potential in people associating with each other in a warm, supportive environment. We foster meaningful connections to the land and people of Israel and the Jewish community worldwide. We promote active collaborations to build lasting Jewish commitment and memories. Following the tradition of Abraham, we welcome individuals of all backgrounds, embracing their uniqueness and diversity under our communal tent. We maximize accessibility of services for people of all means and abilities. _____________________________________________________________ The JCC’s Jewish Values Build Community Every Day JCC Values are an expression of who we are and what we aspire to. In this fast-changing, complicated world, our values are enduring. Kavod - Respect: Kavod speaks to how we treat others and comport ourselves — with honor, respect and dignity. Chesed - Kindness: “Kindness is the overflowing of one’s self into the lives of others” --Anonymous Our sages teach that one of the three pillars upon which the world is sustained is kindness. The term gemilut chasadim, which literally means “the giving of loving-kindness,” is an act that an individual completes without the anticipation of receiving something in return. Chesed is “paying forward” in its truest sense. Tikkun Middot - Character Tikkun Middot is specific to character — our own as well as how we help build character, especially in our youngest participants. Tikkun Middot may be measured by attributes including humility, courage, peace in the home, guarding one’s speech and gracious hospitality. Kehillah - Community: What we build every day at the JCC. _____________________________________________________________ JCC Membership is open to everyone regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
5738 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15217-1563
United States
Phone 412-521-8010
Unique Identifier 251094514