JCC: Celebrating 80 Years of Growing Community Together

By Barrett Holman Leak

LA JOLLA, California — We walked through a tunnel of billowing white clouds that opened onto a beautiful field decorated like a dream of sparkling starry lights.  There was great music and hundreds of people of all ages. They came together to celebrate the octogenarian birthday of the Jewish Community Center in San Diego–starting with a facility at 54th Street and later moving to the Jacobs Family Campus here in La Jolla.

The milestone event honors eight decades of vibrant Jewish life, inclusive community programming, and cultural enrichment throughout the San Diego region. The scenery was not the most beautiful aspect about the evening; it was the memories and connections to this landmark institution in San Diego’s Jewish community.

“My daughters are 43 and 40 now. They grew up learning to swim here and being a part of J Company performances,” said former San Diego City Councilwoman Barbara Bry. “It is all about belonging to a community.”

“I remember the pool parties!” said Rebecca Hiner. “And my daughter went to the preschool”.

“My best memory? Definitely J Company” recalled Ben Caspi.

Guests embarked on a delectable journey as Sherry Carpinsky of Culinary Concepts orchestrated four distinct food stations. From the rich flavors of a scrumptious salmon station to the vibrant notes of an Asian fusion plate, a zesty Mediterranean taco plate, and a comforting pasta station, there was a dish to delight every palate.

Beyond the culinary delights, the evening was a heartfelt homage to the JCC’s rich history. Engaging speeches and a captivating visual presentation chronicled the JCC’s evolution, tracing its roots from the 54th Street location in San Diego’s Rolando area to its vibrant present-day home in La Jolla. The success of the event was a testament to the dedication of its leaders, including event chairs, Adam and Amy Jacob, who addressed the gala guests, and Kira Finkenberg, who also spoke

The evening also featured a bustling silent auction showcasing an array of enticing items, culminating in a beautiful and meaningful Havdalah celebration.

Executive Director Betzy Weinblatt Lynch, who has steered the JCC for the past seven years, delivered a powerful and heartwarming speech. Her spiritually moving words uplifted everyone higher, and she ended by playfully inviting various members of the JCC family to the dance floor—from dedicated swimmers and J Company performers to past board members, committee volunteers, and event attendees.

Following the Havdalah service, the dance floor ignited with energy as Lynch encouraged everyone to move to the infectious tunes of the Republic of Music.

This memorable gathering was just the beginning—a vibrant kickoff to the 2025 Celebration Series. This upcoming series of events will honor the JCC’s journey since its founding in 1945, celebrate its present-day achievements, and cast an exciting vision for its future. Over the remainder of the year, the series will continue with a variety of events designed to acknowledge and celebrate the full scope of the JCC’s legacy and future.

–June 18 – JCC Annual Meeting – Honoring past accomplishments and sharing the vision for the future.

–August 7 – Family Fun Night – A festive, family-centered evening by the pool.

–September 11 – Shabbat Market & Concert – Featuring acclaimed Israeli violinist Asi Matathias.

–December 14- Festival of Lights 5K/Fun Run & Shalom Baby Brunch – Celebrating 25 years of Shalom Baby with a focus on tradition and wellness.

Founded in 1945, the JCC has long served as a cornerstone of Jewish identity and a welcoming hub for people of all backgrounds, uniting the community through learning, wellness, celebration, and service. From award-winning arts and education to preschool, camps, fitness, aquatics, and community-building initiatives, the LF JCC continues to grow as a vital institution in San Diego’s cultural and civic landscape.

Located on the Jacobs Family Campus in La Jolla, the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center serves thousands of individuals of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds through programs in arts and culture, early childhood education, senior wellness, fitness, Jewish learning, and more.

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center’s mission is to connect the community to Jewish heritage, identity, experiences. and values to ensure the continuity and vibrancy of the Jewish community. The LFJCC accomplishes its mission by promoting the physical and mental well-being of the community and offering a rich array of stimulating and innovative social, cultural, educational, and recreational programs and services. The LFJCC is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for San Diego’s diverse Jewish community and its greater general community.

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Barrett Holman Leak is a freelance writer based in San Diego.