The Center of It All
Washington’s new Jewish Community Center provided activities for youth, adults, and the elderly.
In 1911, a group of Jewish men in their early twenties formed the Young Men’s Hebrew Association (YMHA). The Young Women’s Hebrew Association (YWHA) followed in 1913. The organizations hosted musicales, dances, picnics, and athletic events for the hundreds of Jewish youth in the city. Together, the YMHA and YWHA also served the thousands of Jewish servicemen posted in Washington during World War I.
After the war, the need for a larger community center in the capital city was evident. A five-year campaign led to the opening of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) at 16th and Q Streets, NW, in 1926. The JCC also served as the meeting place for many Jewish organizations.
This edifice…is a fine example for other communities. It speaks a purpose to uphold an ancient and noble philosophy and to assure that such philosophy shall always be adapted to the requirements of changing times.
President Calvin Coolidge, May 3, 1925
1914: The first anniversary dance of the Young Women’s Hebrew Association takes place.
JHSGW Collections. Gift of Janet Kirshner. 1981.03
1918: The Young Men’s Hebrew Association (YMHA) moved to this building at 11th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. During World War I, the YMHA expanded its programs to accommodate Jewish servicemen in the American and Allied armed forces.
JHSGW Collections. Gift of Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. 2002.11
The national Jewish Welfare Board provided an initial $50,000 for the Center. Developer Morris Cafritz and local Jewish leader Joseph Wilner led the $500,000 building campaign.
JHSGW Collections. Gift of Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. 2002.11
1925: President Calvin Coolidge spoke during the cornerstone laying ceremony of the 16th and Q Street building on May 3, 1925.
JHSGW Collections. Gift of Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. 2002.11
1920s: Berte and Sylvia Luber enjoy the view from the roof of the new JCC.
JHSGW Collections. Gift of Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. 2002.11
1930s: Aspiring ballerinas take a bow after a dance recital at the JCC.
JHSGW Collections. Gift of Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. 2002.11
1932: Sports activities drew many young people to the JCC. The basketball team shown here played in the city’s athletic leagues. Coach Irving Tash stands in the back row on the left.
JHSGW Collections. Gift of Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. 2002.11
1937: Children run down the front steps of the JCC en route to a two-week trip to the JCC-sponsored Center Camp in Prince William County, Virginia.
JHSGW Collections. Gift of Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. 2002.11
