From Our

GOFFReD0

-

Farynni

Fall Collection
in black suede.

Rabbi Yoskowitz: Advocacy for JCC is
constant.

this generous rate," he said.
Although the membership dis-
counts went into effect four months
ago, many Jewish communal staff say
they only learned of it last week when
the JCC sent out letters.
Marianne Bloomberg, director of
development at Hillel Day School,
just bought a NordicTrack for use at
home. But she says the JCC offer is
tempting. "I'm interested in checking
it out," she said. "I wish they'd had it
a while ago ... a few years ago I would
have jumped on it."
Janet Pont, director of Shaarey
Zedek's Applebaum Parenting Center,
is also intrigued. "I'm not a member
and this would give me pause to think
about it."
According to Sorkin, over 85 per-
cent of Jewish community centers
around the country provide some sort
of discount to Jewish communal pro-
fessionals. "In many communities,
synagogue memberships are also dis-
counted for Jewish communal work-
ers," he said.
Total membership at the JCC is
9,888 families, a drop from 1995's
10,866. However, health club mem-
bership has increased from 1,814 to
2,275. And with plans in the works to
upgrade JCC facilities, Sorkin is confi-
dent he will be able to increase overall
membership over the next few years.
"Studies show that if given equal
facilities and costs [between the JCC
and other community and fitness cen-
ters], Jews prefer to join the JCC,"
said Sorkin. "We have to have a good
facility, and if we do v,re can compete."

Bloomfield Plaza • Telegraph at Maple Road • Open Mon-Sat. 10-6 p.m., Thurs. til 8 p.m.

Inside Orchard Mall • West Bloomfield, Michigan

Orchard Lake Road, North of Maple

248-626-0886

9/12

1997

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