JCC

When I first moved to Ohio I was told to come visit the JCC on College Avenue. Yes, I was also pressured to move to Bexley countless times as a Jewish person with a large family. Although my family never bought into it, today we still use the same line that we just enjoy the suburbs of Columbus.
I have been to so many occasions at the JCC from professional development to cultural traditions. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs here. As well as made my first friends here to lasting memories.
The JCC serves as the Jewish community’s center of cultural activities and wellness center. In addition to the early childhood school. Growing up I really got embedded in the cultural traditions held here. Some include Israel’s Independence Day and Jewish programming. I have this center to thank for getting involved with the Young Jewish Community who holds the most awesome activities in town similar to Unilocal Elite events but more centered towards Young Jewish Professionals.
I’m extremely grateful to the JCC for the two times I got passes to check out their gym which is their way of enticing you to sign up for a full membership there. The JCC has a fully equipped gym inside with raquetball courts, yoga rooms, swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), treadmills, ellipticals, kettleballs, Rogue fitness equipment and weight machines. Outside are the tennis courts and a newly built trail which I ran a few months ago. The Diamond Family supports this gym and provides the trainers. You still have to pay for the trainers but they are so worth it. Take it from me who got a free lesson from Jason who is like the top trainer there. He whipped me into shape in half an hour and devised a workout plan for me.
If you ever get a chance to come here I would highly recommend seeing the Gallery Players. A lot of my friends are in the plays. They have done phenomenal plays such as The Newsies and they will soon be doing the famous Guys and Dolls. I also recommend checking out their events such as the upcoming Sports Spectacular going on August 26, 30 and 31. This event will honor the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame inductee Eric Schottenstein. You can find out more here.
These events help to support essential programs that the Jewish community cannot do without.
Whether you are Jewish or not all are welcome at the JCC Columbus (also known as the J to the east side). They are very open and want people to come together as a community. This is why you always see me check in on the east side during the week day because I like the feeling of being apart of an accepting community. Therefore, I highly encourage everyone to come check out the JCC of Greater Columbus.

What a great institution in the community! The JCC on College Ave. really does their best to reach out to various age groups and interests, and does their best to provide services for the betterment of the community. The gym facilities are impressive, with a weight room, large cardio area (with weights, if you don’t like to go in the weight room), racquetball, spa, basketball courts, indoor pool, outdoor pools, and fitness classes. The workout areas are always kept super clean and the sanitizer is well-​stocked, which is a biggie for me. They will even watch your kiddos while you get your workout on. They just broke ground on a big improvement to the area, so it might get a little crazy in there for a while, but they have good things to come.
You can take classes at the JCC, from sports, to swimming, to bridge. You could be a toddler, kid, tween, teen, mom, dad, senior, or anyone else and they seem to have something tailored toward you. The facility houses a theater, which is home to high-​quality musical productions from Curtain Players. The vast lobby is often lined with works of art from the community (for purchase), and used for things like book fairs.
Need a place for your son or daughter to go play and learn while you work (or have a glass of wine, lets be honest)? The early childcare center is excellent. I have seriously never heard any say anything so bad as «eh, it’s alright.» Every parent I know, picky ones included, are happy to share that their child (ren) are learning, playing, and experiencing new things in a nurturing environment.
If you are Jewish, you will find yourself immediately at home, with Jewish programming throughout the center. If you are not… please come anyways! There are tons of members who belong to other faiths who have always come to the J. It’s all about community, and the east side has it all. It is such a welcome environment, I encourage everyone to check it out!