Better Together at the Rosen JCC Learn how the Rosen JCC is adopting a form of a town square concept.
By Author/Writer
By Alexis George
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ounded in 1994, the Jack & Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center (Rosen JCC) began as a satellite branch of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando. But after becoming incorporated as an independent organization in 2015 and with donations provided by Harris Rosen and The Harris Rosen Foundation in 2009 and 2016 respectively, the organization has expanded to include a state-of-the-art community center, a school, fitness center, multipurpose theater and more in Southwest Orlando. With a strong and well-earned reputation to uphold, the leadership at the Rosen JCC continues to work daily to fulfill the organizations mission of building community, strengthening family life, and promoting Jewish values.
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Central Florida Lifestyle | August 2022
Dr. Reuben Romirowsky, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) says it is important to note that one does not have to be of Jewish faith to call the Rosen JCC home. The Rosen JCC takes pride in its diverse local community and embraces and welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. “It is not just a Jewish institution. We affirm our faith tradition, but our motto is ‘Better Together’ because we share more together than we have differences and if we celebrate what we have in common we are all going to be happier and successful,” says Dr. Romirowsky. “It’s a simple motto but to be better together you have to believe that you’re not better alone.” So, in an intentional effort to rebrand, the Rosen JCC has initiated a Town Square Concept. As such, the organization is looking to be a con-
vener for the community, providing a space for families to access programs and services that add value to every stage of the lifecycle. This vision is a radical pivot away from what is traditionally known as a Jewish Community Center. Historically, the Rosen JCC’s business model was founded on the relationships built with families and their little ones from 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) to 6 years old (the accredited early childhood program). As the organization continues to grow, Dr. Romirowsky says there is a growing need to cater to the diverse lifecycle needs of families living in Orlando so that connections built with community members do not cease to exist once the youth move on to primary school. An example of this would be the
