Our Mission
To connect the community to Jewish heritage, identity, experiences and values to ensure the continuity and vibrancy of the Jewish community. We accomplish our mission by promoting the physical and mental well-being of the community and offering a rich array of stimulating and innovative social, cultural, educational, and recreational programs and services. The LFJCC is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for San Diego’s diverse Jewish community and its greater general community.
Core Values
HACHNASAT ORCHIM LIVNOT KEHILAH | הכנסת אורחים לבנות קהילהWelcoming Guests to Build Community
Hachnasat Orchim Livnot Kehillah (Welcoming Guests to Build Community) emphasizes the importance of hospitality in fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity within the community. This value goes beyond merely inviting guests into one’s home; it extends to creating a welcoming environment in all communal spaces. By prioritizing hospitality, Jewish communities cultivate a culture of warmth and acceptance, integral to building strong interpersonal relationships and cohesive community fabric.
AHAVAT LIMUD | אהבת לימודLove of Learning
Emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom as a lifelong endeavor. In the context of community, this value manifests through formal, informal, and experiential educational programs and arts and cultural events that promote intellectual growth and spiritual development. By valuing learning, our community prioritizes our capacity to learn from others at every age and stage of life. Ahavat Limud also sets the aspiration that those who choose to be a part of the JCC community would have a desire to contribute meaningfully to the community’s collective growth.
Shmirat HaGuf | שמירת הגוףGuarding the Body, Connecting Physical Well-being and Holistic Health
Shmirat HaGuf (Guarding the Body, Connecting Physical Well-being and Holistic Health) emphasizes the importance of balance and wholeness in all aspects of life. Our JCC’s holistic approach to caring for the people in and beyond our community elevates our desire to ensure that their diverse needs are met and that they feel supported and valued in all aspects of their lives.
L’dor V’dor | לדור ודורLinking Generations
L’dor V’dor (Linking Generations), underscores the importance of intergenerational connections and the transmission of traditions and values between generations. We hope that being a part of the JCC community will foster a sense of continuity and shared responsibility for each other by valuing the input of people in every generation.
Hiddur Mitzvah | הידור מצווהEnhancing Our Humanity through Creative Expression
Hiddur Mitzvah (Enhancing Our Humanity through Creative Expression) inspires the creation of a sense of shared purpose and identity among the people in our community. By collectively engaging in acts of beautification and creative expression, together we explore what is complicated in the world and can feel a sense of empowerment and ownership in building the world we desire. Hiddur mitzvah also inspires creativity and innovation within the community. It encourages people to find new and meaningful ways to express their connection to Jewish life, leading to the continuity and evolution of traditions, rituals, and practices.
I invite you to be part of our community built on our core values. These values have been woven into the fabric of our community for generations and set the intention to live every day to nurture the roots of our community with tradition, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose.
Our History
The Jewish Community Center of San Diego County was founded in 1945 in the College area by a handful of dedicated and visionary volunteers. After its "permanent" home was built in 1958 (on 54th Street), it quickly became a landmark for the community. For nearly fifty years, the original Center was the hub of Jewish life in San Diego, becoming a cultural source for all ages and providing meeting locations for thousands of projects and programs.
By the late 1970s, San Diego's Jewish community had grown and migrated north to the coastal areas of the county. As a result, in 1982 a plan was developed for a community center and public park, to be located in the University City/Golden Triangle area of La Jolla, and JCC executives signed a fifty-year lease with the City of San Diego.
In the early 1980s, jump-started by an initial $1 million gift from M. Larry Lawrence, more than $6 million was raised for the building of the new community center, including the Friedenberg Pool and the Albert A. Hutler Tennis Center. Thanks to the generosity of Mandell Weiss, the Mandell Weiss Eastgate City Park could also be created.
An additional $1.5 million was raised for further construction of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in 1985, enabling the building to expand to provide facilities for social programs and fitness classes. The NBA-regulation Jacobs Family Gymnasium, built during this phase, also provided a space for basketball and gymnastics classes. It wasn't long, however, before the JCC once again outgrew its space.
By 1992 the Board of Directors had planned the "Get Centered" Capital Campaign, led by Joan and Irwin Jacobs, and raised funds for the expansion and renovation of the existing JCC facilities. After many years of planning and two more years of construction, the JCC building tripled in size, covering 97,000 square feet.
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We're Excited to Meet You
Please join us in building a vibrant community where you will experience connection, culture, and joy!
