About
The Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (the J) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a strong and vibrant Jewish community through meaningful opportunities to engage in Jewish life. The J welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, ethnicities, faiths, and backgrounds. Our activities span five counties and touch more than 15,000 individuals each year through cultural, educational, wellness programs and Israel celebrations. We build Jewish connection, community, and peoplehood with the 121,000+ Jews who call Northern Virginia their home.
Vision
Guided by Jewish values, the Pozez JCC will spark, foster, and build Jewish Connection, Community, and Peoplehood throughout Northern Virginia by creating outstanding opportunities for every individual to explore the boundless potential of Jewish life. Understanding that our community is widely scattered, we will meet people where they are both within and beyond the walls of the J.
Mission
To build Jewish connection, community, and peoplehood through meaningful opportunities for every individual to explore the boundless potential of Jewish life.
History
It all began in the fall of 1969 when 14 Northern Virginians met to discuss the idea of a Jewish Community Center in Northern Virginia. Originally served by outreach programs based at the JCC of Greater Washington in Rockville, the growth of the Jewish population in Northern Virginia indicated a need for a home base on the other side of the Nation’s Capital. By the late 1970s, interest increased and residents reached consensus. The time had come for a Northern Virginia Jewish Community Center.
On May 9, 1980, the J officially began operation, receiving a certificate of incorporation from the State Corporation Commission. Later that fall, the Center’s Board of Directors moved to purchase a temporary building on Little River Turnpike, now affectionately known as “The White House,” to serve as an interim facility until funds could be raised for a permanent structure. For 10 years, the temporary building housed the Jewish Social Service Agency, the Council for the Aging, and Senior Adult Services.
In 1985, the Jewish Community Foundation identified the construction of a permanent Pozez JCC building as a major component of the “Capital Campaign of the 80s.” With the support of the Greater Washington Jewish community, construction began on the building we still call home in the spring of 1989. In December 1990, the Henry S. Reich building celebrated its grand opening, a community-wide event including a dedication by then-Governor Douglas Wilder.
The Pozez JCC quickly became a vibrant hub of activity which continues to this day. The connection people feel to the Center has been, in large part, due to the Pozez JCC’s dedication to offering quality programs, activities, and services that emphasize Jewish culture, identity, and values to people of all ages and backgrounds. Just to name a few of our award-winning programs: Going Places! social clubs for individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and related disorders, early childhood and school-age enrichment programs, senior adult activities including our annual Positive Aging Fair, summer camp, the Northern Virginia Jewish film and book festivals, and the Pozez JCC Dance Academy. Additionally, emphasizing health and wellness, the Sports, Fitness and Aquatics department has a plethora of group exercise classes, certified personal trainers, classes that explore weight management, swim lessons, swim teams, sports leagues and more.
Membership dues and generous support from agencies and corporations help the Pozez JCC to provide ongoing programs like those named above, as well as to introduce a myriad of new classes and programs that keep the Center vital and relevant. To make a donation, click here.
In 1969, a Northern Virginia JCC was just a dream. Today, it is a reality, a true center of Judaism, education, wellness, and good spirit.
