Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 11/27/2023
SPRINGFIELD — On Nov. 18, 2022, a fire started in the women’s locker room at the Springfield Jewish Community Center. One year and two days later, JCC staff, city officials and community members gathered in the exact spot to reflect and begin restoring and constructing what was lost, with the addition of a new space.
JCC Rabbi Alana Wasserman said, “For the Springfield JCC, it was a particularly difficult year due to the fire. While this was a sad and difficult situation, there were some silver linings. In particular, watching our JCC community come together and witnessing our Lower [Pioneer] Valley community rally around us.”
Through the help of other organizations, the JCC members were able to exercise and swim at other facilities and students of the early learning center were able to continue their classes.
“Throughout this period of uncertainty and transition, our staff and membership stayed positive,” Wasserman said.
As a result, she shared that the early learning is back in the building, the pool has reopened and so has the gym.
On top of that, Wasserman said the JCC continued to provide “meaningful, creative and inspiring programs.”
JCC Board of Directors Co-President Jonathan Goldsmith said it could have been worse if it were not for the quick response of the Springfield Fire Department. “Their amazing group of men and women — true professionals,” he said. Goldsmith recognized Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi for attending the event, as well as he and his team’s assistance one year ago.
Mayor Domenic Sarno, also a member of the JCC, said now it is time to rebuild “bigger, better and stronger.”
JCC CEO Samantha Dubrinsky said the improvements can be visibly seen as you walk through the building, with more to come.
She described the events of Nov. 18, 2022 — the loss and challenges faced — as “unparalleled,” yet throughout the past year, she said it has demonstrated “remarkable strength and resilience of the community.”
Dubrinsky extended her gratitude to the people in the room, community leaders, volunteers and staff.
“One year later, construction is beginning on the path to rebuilding our beloved JCC,” she said.
She continued, “Our women’s locker room and family locker room will be completely renovated.”
Dubrinsky noted that they are also taking this opportunity to create a multipurpose and functional fitness space out of two of the damaged racquetball courts.
She shared that the construction would bring a new set of challenges such as supply chain issues but remains certain that they will overcome and make a “stronger,” “more vibrant” JCC than ever.
“Our center is so much more than a building. It is a symbol of our culture, education and the bonds that connect all of us,” Dubrinsky said. “We are facing the future with so much hope and optimism, knowing that together we can achieve greatness.”
She thanked the community partners in attendance including Springfield YMCA CEO Dexter Johnson and Educare Executive Director Nikki Burnett.
Dubrinsky explained that Johnson opened his doors for the JCC members, while Burnett opened her doors to provide uninterrupted childcare for all the JCC preschool families for almost three and a half months.
Dubrinsky gave them a token of appreciation for their assistance — the mezuzah. She explained that a mezuzah is a small case with a scroll inside — something Jewish people hang on the right side of their doorways — and is a symbol that connects, protects and units.
Dubrinsky also thanked the JCC Board of Directors and volunteers. She said it has “not been an easy time” for the Board of Directors, as they were first impacted by COVID-19 and then the fire.
She thanked Liz Rappaport for guiding the agency through the construction process, along with the staff, including Facilities Manager Tom Hanifan.
JCC Board of Directors Co-President Sally Schneider said many people were thanked, but Dubrinsky was not one. Schneider recognized and thanked Dubrinsky for her continued efforts.
“We’ve literally risen from the ashes and so we will continue,” Schneider said.
She shared that they would continue to share updates throughout the process.
Following the remarks, JCC staff and other officials took turns swinging a sledgehammer against the wall to kick off the construction.
The Springfield JCC is a nonprofit organization that creates community and enhances lives in Western Massachusetts. It offers a variety of programs and activities for all ages, including an early childcare program, a fitness center, sensory motor gym and arts and culture programs, to name a few.