theculturalconnect.com | Aaron Rosenthal

Jewish Community Center
of San Francisco

Jewish Community Center of San Francisco

Connections – that's what our lives seem to boil down to. Connections with cultures, family, friends, business partners, governments, and nations. Aaron Rosenthal of the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco doesn't just know the importance of connections – as Communications Manager, his job IS connecting. These connections enhance living, construct Jewish identity, encourage the expansion of significant links within communities, and aid associations with Israel and Jews globally. With Rosenthal's contribution to this non-profit organization, the Center becomes a Jewish doorway into the community at large. Connections with all are received in this warm and loving environment. Find out how this esteemed organization sees the beauty in bonding hearts together. Connect with the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco in this week's Non-Profit Spotlight.

Non-Profit

Jewish Community Center of San Francisco

Founded

1877

Website

www.jccsf.org

Name

Aaron Rosenthal, Communications Manager, 33

Hometown

St. Louis

Current residence

Oakland, California

Education

MBA, University of Florida, 1998

Past companies

Applied Communications; Manning, Selvage & Lee

Ethnicity

Jewish

About the Non-profit

The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco is the oldest Jewish center on the West Coast, providing educational, social, cultural and fitness programs to the community since 1877. Open to all, with the mission of building and preserving Jewish Identity, its programs and services include:

Jewish education classes and workshops
Social and singles events
Literary events
Programs for interfaith couples and families
Three outstanding preschools
After-school enrichment for grades K-5
Club 18 teen center and special programs for teens
Summer and vacation camps for children of all ages
Youth sports classes and leagues
Dance, music, ceramics and art classes
Special programs for older adults

Most notable achievements

In January of 2004 the JCCSF opened a new, 135,000-square foot building. This wonderful new home allows us to provide more programs for the community than ever before. We launched a performing arts program that showcases a diverse set of artists and genres. We have more classroom space for both the preschool and after-school programs. Jewish and secular education for adults is thriving, thanks to the great quality of programs and the space available to conduct so many classes. And our fitness center, with more than 8,500 adult members, supports the health and wellness of San Francisco.

What's the niche?

This may sound funny, but I think our niche is the breadth of quality programs offered here. That really supports our goal of building community, both within the Jewish community and for all of San Francisco.

What's the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge is avoiding "mission creep." After just two years in this new building, we're still learning which programs are sustainable and which truly contribute to our mission. Getting better at identifying programs that are both sustainable over the long-term and valuable to the community Is the essential challenge.

What's in store for the future?

Our strategic direction is to grow as a leading community institution for Jewish life in San Francisco as well as for the entire community.

Who would you like to be contacted by?

All who are interested in participating in our programs. And anyone interested in partnering with us to create new programs.

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Guiding principle of the organization

Pluralism / Inclusiveness Within the Jewish Community: We seek to make all Jews feel comfortable at the Center, regardless of their perspectives.

We will meet people where they are Jewishly; we invite each person to become involved at his or her level of interest.
We strive for inclusiveness even as we acknowledge the challenge of accommodating all differences.
We aim for engagement, involvement and enrichment, not a uniform belief or practice.
We believe that individuals will choose diverse ways of linking themselves to the Jewish people, but it is BELONGING to that people that make us all Jews.

Multiculturalism: We welcome the rich diversity of the community both within and outside the Jewish community.

We create opportunities for bringing multicultural perspectives to program offerings.
We bring Jews together with other religious and/or ethnic groups to foster greater understanding.
We welcome people of diverse religious, cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds to participate actively in the Center.

Family Fun Day at the JCCSF

Yardstick of success

Long-term financial health is our most measurable yardstick. On the goal of building community, we just have to constantly keep our ears and eyes open to gauge how we're doing.

Goal yet to be achieved

Long-term financial security.

Best practical advice

The combination of worthy values and dedicated professionals is destined to be successful.

Mentor

My Dad - Robert Rosenthal

What motivated the people who started the organization?

In 1877, the world was a very different place. The founders were focused on providing a place to help Jewish immigrants settle in this country. Today's JCCSF leaders are focused on building bonds within the Jewish community as well as with the diverse groups that make the Bay Area such a vibrant place.

What keeps your organization motivated today?

Making a positive difference in peopl's lives. Whenever anyone on our staff needs a boost we just have to walk the halls and see the children learning, the Russian Emigres studying English or the seniors arriving for lunch.

What do people in the organization like best about it?

The value we live out every day.

What do people in the organization like least about it?

The long hours of work it takes to make our vision a reality.

Biggest pastime outside of work for most people in your organization

I'm not sure there's one thing. We have a very diverse staff with all kinds of interests.

Person most interested in meeting that would be beneficial for your organization and wh

Maybe Jerry Brown, the Mayor of Oakland. He seems like a guy who understands how to build relationships, use influence in a positive way and stay focused on principles.

Leader in business most interested in meeting that would be beneficial and wh

Herb Kelleher -- the founder of Southwest Airlines. That guy really had sense of purpose and could get everyone to see their role in making the business thrive.

Three interesting facts about the organization

More than 50% of our members are not Jewish.
We welcome about 4,500 people through our doors every day.
Our fitness center staff washed more than 1 million towels in 2005.

Three characteristics that best describe the organization

Inclusive
Dynamic
Friendly

Favorite cause

Whatever my sister is working on -- she's a social worker in New Orleans.

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Jewish Community Center of San Francisco

Also this week

Don't forget!