Mandel Foundation Commits $13.5 Million to Centennial Initiative project at the Mandel Jewish Community Center

NEWS RELEASE
 
Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland
For Immediate Release


 


Cleveland – The Centennial Initiative of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland and the Mandel Jewish Community Center have received a $13.5 million commitment that will transform the campus of the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beachwood. The Mandel Foundation grant will fulfill the agency’s vision of becoming a 21st Century Neighborhood – one where members of Cleveland’s diverse Jewish community can come together in pursuit of common interests and activities in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
 
Historically, the JCC has been, and will continue to be a unique meeting place where the Jewish community can connect and participate in a broad offering of programs and services that enrich each person’s quality of life. Additionally, the JCC has always played a vital role in building and maintaining a strong and cohesive Jewish community in Cleveland. In order to continue on this path,, expansion and renovation of the Mandel JCC will take place to ensure that its facilities can support programming that responds to the needs and interests of the Jewish community. 
 
The goal of the Mandel JCC is to be a central gathering place where Jewish families and individuals connect with Jewish life for social and recreational activities, Jewish learning, and enrichment and education through Jewish arts and culture for all age groups, in a dynamic and welcoming environment – one that reflects the multiplicity of the Cleveland Jewish community and encourages full participation in Jewish life.
 
With the community’s needs in mind, the renovation plan will provide a Jewish ambience and warm welcoming atmosphere that is scheduled to include the following:

• Additional pre-school classroom and children’s activity space  
• Additional or enhanced meeting and socialization space for adult activities
• Enhanced indoor and outdoor play areas for family recreation
• Renovation and/or enhancement of ancillary health and fitness facilities
• Enhancement of indoor and outdoor physical fitness and exercise facilities
• Development of  youth performing arts facilities
• Enhanced security and improvements to building mechanical systems

 
The Mandel Foundation was established by Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel, of Cleveland, Ohio in 1953. Its primary mission is to help provide outstanding leadership for the nonprofit world, but places great importance on Jewish education and continuity–evidenced by the creation of The Mandel Center for Jewish Education of the JCC Association of North America.  The Center strives to elevate the level of Jewish programming, experience, learning and living in Jewish Community Centers across the country.
 
“The tapestry of Jewish life in Cleveland is richer, more relevant and interwoven by the Jewish Community Center’s presence,” said Jack Mandel. “That is why we are so excited to enhance this important Jewish institution that serves as a gathering place for the entire Cleveland Jewish population. Mort, Joe and I are thankful for the opportunity to make this gift to the community.”
 
The Mandel Foundation has been a consistent supporter and major funder of projects that strengthen the Jewish and Greater Cleveland communities. This grant ensures that Cleveland continues to be a flourishing Jewish community, able to respond to needs well into the future.
 
“The community is indebted to the Mandel family for their unwavering support and encouragement. An enhanced facility is an essential ingredient to the growth and development of a thriving, engaged and committed Jewish community,” said Darrell Young, Board Chair of the Mandel Jewish Community Center. “The Mandel Foundation has made a very special commitment to us and to this community.”
 
“Jack, Joe and Mort Mandel embody the sacred obligation of tikkun olam – making the world a better place,” said Morry Weiss, co-chair of the Centennial Initiative for Jewish Cleveland.. “Their commitments and involvement in the Jewish and Greater Cleveland communities and the world wide Jewish community set an example that encourages us all to live and give generously and wisely.  This grant is a gift that will enable the Mandel JCC and the Centennial Initiative to strengthen and improve community facilities, ensuring a strong Jewish future. We thank the Mandel Foundation for putting their heart, spirit and trust into our community.”
 
For additional information about the Centennial Initiative for Jewish Cleveland, please contact Debra S. Yasinow at the Jewish Community Federation at (216) 566-9200, ext 259.