When the former Jewish Community Centre closed in 2012, Edmonton's Jewish organizations adapted.

Children's programs moved between schools, synagogues, and rented halls. Dance classes found homes in borrowed studios and gyms. The Jewish Archives and Historical Society of Edmonton and Northern Alberta (JAHSENA) relocated several times as its collection continued to grow. Community groups gathered wherever space could be found.

When the Oshry | Kipnes Jewish Community Centre opens its doors, many of those organizations will once again share a common address. Some will return as tenants, while others will use the building for programming and events. Together, they see the new facility as a place where relationships can grow, new opportunities can emerge, and Jewish life can flourish.

For Mira Campbell, PJ Library programmer and longtime Edmonton resident, the Oshry 
| Kipnes JCC fills an important role beyond serving as a venue for programs.

"Having a JCC is the nucleus for our community of a social hub," Mira says. "It is also for newcomers to feel a sense of belonging and have a familiarity of knowing where to go and what community involvement is available."

Over the past five years, PJ Library programs have been held in a variety of rented spaces. Mira says having a dedicated Jewish gathering place will make it easier for families to meet, learn, and build friendships.

"It'll be an amazing thing to have our own space that we can utilize," she says. "Families can come and have coffee times, connect with each other, have a play time, and not have to look for a safe, inviting, warm community space."

Temple Beth Ora (TBO) will be one of the organizations making its home in the new JCC. For congregation president Dana Tanner-Kennedy, the move represents both a return and a new beginning.

“There's a sense of homecoming," Dana says. "TBO essentially began at the former JCC, and we've been in the (Chevra Kadisha) building for many, many years now. It's a very sweet return to move to the new JCC."

At the same time, Dana notes that not everyone in the congregation remembers the former building. TBO has been in the rented Chevra Kadisha space since 2008 and many members did not experience the synagogue in the former JCC in Rio Terrace.

"Most of our congregation are not familiar with the previous JCC, so it’s a chance to make new memories, which we're really excited about."
Rabbi Gila Caine believes the move will also strengthen awareness of the programs and services available throughout Jewish Edmonton.

"We will be at the heart of the Jewish community," Rabbi Gila says. "People can see our bulletin board. They can peek in and see what we're doing. And just drop by and say hi."

The new building will create opportunities for organizations to become more visible and accessible to the people they serve.

That possibility excites Sari Uretsky Leung, founder and Artistic Director of the Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association (AIFDA). When AIFDA was established 20 years ago, the group rehearsed at the former centre.

"We really miss it a lot," Sari says.

Today, AIFDA programming takes place in several locations across Edmonton. Sari sees the new Oshry | Kipnes JCC as a place where people can easily discover activities, organizations, and opportunities to get involved.

"When people move to the city and there's no JCC, they're not sure where to go to find information," she says. "But when I go to a city like Vancouver and I want to know anything about the Jewish community, what events are happening or what there is to do, I go to the JCC."

AIFDA Assistant Artistic Director and instructor Abby Wright agrees.

"We are a very vibrant and close-knit community. To have a central hub again is really exciting opportunity for the entire Jewish community of Edmonton."

JAHSENA will also become a tenant of the new Oshry | Kipnes JCC, something President Debby Shoctor says will help make local Jewish history more accessible.

After operating from multiple locations over the years, the archives will finally have a permanent home designed to protect and showcase its growing collection.

"We're very happy to have a permanent home for the archives and library," Debby says.

Just as importantly, she is looking forward to being part of a busy building where visitors can stop in, browse and do research in the community library, explore the rotating exhibits and discover the stories that have shaped Jewish life in Edmonton for generations.

"We hope to get a lot of foot traffic to the archives," Debby says. "We need drop-in traffic. We need to have space for visitors."

For Rabbi Gila, the significance of the new building extends beyond any single organization.

"Knowing that we have a place for all Jews to gather and be together, regardless of how they say their prayers or what kind of kashrut they keep but just being together as a Jewish community and knowing you're welcome there because you are a Jew — that's so important."

Whether they are attending a PJ Library program, dancing with Aviv, participating in Temple Beth Ora services or exploring local Jewish history through the archives and library, community members will find more than programs inside the Oshry | Kipnes JCC. They will find a welcoming place to learn, celebrate, volunteer, build relationships and connect with Jewish life. After more than a decade without a JCC, the building will once again provide a central gathering place where Edmonton's Jewish community can come together and create the next generation of memories.