Welcome to the SJCC online newsroom, your source for the latest SJCC news and information, featuring recent announcements, coverage, testimonials, and other content.
Media Contacts:
John Shaffer, Director, Marketing + Strategic Communications | email | 206-232-7117
Sara Schweid, Communications Manager | email | 206-388-0833
“The SJCC is the ‘heart’ of the community. No matter how Jewish your family is or isn’t, there is a warm welcoming place for you here. My hope is for the J to be a welcoming center for everyone, and a state-of-the-art facility for all families.” – Iantha Sidell
Latest News:
- Supporting One Another in Trying Times (10/16/2023)
- SJCC Traffic Update (8/8/2023)
- Advancing Mental Health at Summer J Camp (6/1/2023)
- Impact of MI Water Shortage at SJCC (4/20/2023)
- What’s New in Development (3/2/2023)
- An Evening to Remember (2/14/2023)
- Pancakes + Pajamas (1/20/2023)
- Happy New Year from the SJCC (12/30/2022)
- SJCC Open Regular Hours Dec. 24 (12/23/2022)
- SJCC Open Regular Hours Dec. 22 (12/21/2022)
Media Resources
Media Inquiries
Inquiries / Credential requests
The SJCC welcomes visits from the media with prior permission from our Media Contacts (see above).
Media credentials for SJCC programming and events are issued to accredited media members covering cultural arts/community events for legitimate publications, news sites and radio/television stations. Credentials are valid only for the date of issue and are nontransferable.
Photography & Video Guidelines
Requests to photograph or videotape any SJCC event are reviewed on a case by case basis. Media should avoid using flash or lights when taping or photographing entertainers or audience.
SJCC In the News
2023
- SJCC will take next steps in proposed revitalization project – Mercer Island Reporter
- J Camp receives funding to advance mental health – Mercer Island Reporter
- This year’s Seattle Jewish Film Festival is a ‘cinemanna’ of film, food, and music – UW Daily
- SJCC will host Seattle Jewish Film Festival screenings – Mercer Island Reporter
- Seattle Jewish Film Festival – New Day Northwest
2022
- SJCC shifts focus to group swim lessons only in 2023 – Mercer Island Reporter
- Stroum JCC brings ‘Hands-on Hanukkah’ to neighborhoods across western Washington – King 5
- A splash of friendship at JCC’s Aqua Fit class – Mercer Island Reporter
2021
- President Biden responds to letters local kindergartners penned to him – Mercer Island Reporter
2020
- ‘The human connection piece, that hasn’t changed one bit’ – Mercer Island Reporter
2019
- SJCC students help repair the world – Mercer Island Reporter
- Eastside organizations receive Get Active Stay Active Grant – Mercer Island Reporter
- Combating bigotry | Windows and Mirrors: Author and journalist Jonathan Weisman visited the Stroum Jewish Community Center to as part of the center’s “Words to the Wise” series – Redmond Reporter
- Comedian Ophira Eisenberg – KUOW’s The Record
2018
- Mercer Island banker’s push for stiffer hate-crime penalties clears U.S. Senate – Seattle Times
- Threat to Mercer Island Jewish community center leads to new hate crime bill – King 5
- Stroum Jewish Community Center Launches Philanthropy Program – Mercer Island Reporter
2017
- Mercer Island Participates in Peace Pole Project – Mercer Island Reporter
- CEO Amy Lavin Honored by Seattle Reign FC & Avanade Legends Campaign – Seattle Reign FC
- Heart songwriter Sue Ennis and film composer Hummie Mann discuss their years of collaboration – KOMO News Radio
- Author David Kertzer interviewed about his Pulitzer-winning book, “The Pope and Mussolini” – KOMO News Radio
- Seattle Jewish Film Festival to feature ‘Zookeeper’s Wife,’ other soul-reaching fare – Seattle Times
2016
- Obamacare Expert: “This couldn’t be a more Republican policy” – Seattle Times
- Coming Together to Celebrate Hanukkah – Seattle Times
- Creating Family Traditions at Hanukkah – New Day Northwest
- SJCC leader announces intent to retire within next year – Mercer Island Reporter
- Comedian Gary Gulman to Perform at Stroum Jewish Community Center, 2/18 – BroadwayWorld.com
- Judy Gold Plays Stroum Jewish Community Center in September– BroadwayWorld.com
- Mercer Island’s SJCC presents chef Einant Admony Sunday – Mercer Island Reporter
- SJCC and Hot Stove Society brings top chefs to Seattle – Mercer Island Reporter
Fall 2015
- Fall pop & rock 2015: A$AP, Rocky, The Who, Neil Young – The Seattle Times
- J announces next cultural arts season – Mercer Island Reporter
- SJCC Announces 2015-16 Cultural Arts Season – My Mercer Island
- SJCC to unveil new meditation space, cafe, and other facility updates – My Mercer Island
- Fall Books 2015 – Seattle Times
- SJCC launches new fitness class for teen athletes – Mercer Island Reporter
- SJCC introduces new Strength and Conditioning program for Teens – My Mercer Island
- Islanders get moving – Mercer Island Reporter
Summer 2015
- Art meets history at the SJCC – Mercer Island Reporter
- Swing, sip and screen at the J – Mercer Island Reporter
- Discount on SJCC summer camps – Mercer Island Reporter
- SJCC to host donation drive Friday – Mercer Island Reporter
Spring 2015
- Dad-ventures: Where to Have a Blast on Father’s Day Around Puget Sound – ParentMap
- Ready…Set…Jump! Best Swim Lessons to Kick-start Pool Season – Red Tricycle Seattle
- Kids explore and learn at SJCC Truck Day – Mercer Island Reporter
- Ester Rada to perform at SJCC – Mercer Island Reporter
- Jewish Film Festival wraps up on Island – Mercer Island Reporter
- Seattle Jewish Film Festival to feature films on Marvin Hamlisch, David Steinberg, kids in Cuba – The Seattle Times
- Seattle Jewish Film Festival turns 20 – Queen Anne and Magnolia News
- A Documentary Sampler From the Seattle Jewish Film Festival – Seattle Weekly
Winter 2014-15
- Time for ‘Tween Fitness’ at the J – Mercer Island Reporter
- Building community since 1959, it’s time for SJCC Summer Camp – Mercer Island Reporter
- Sephardic songstress carries her tune to Seattle – JTNews
- Sephardic singer to perform on Island – Mercer Island Reporter
- Holiday Festivals 2014: 69 ways to enjoy lights, trees, more – The Seattle Times
- My MI Guide: Holiday Events on Mercer Island – My Mercer Island
- Best Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah in Seattle – CBS News
- Connect by ‘unplugging’ at SJCC – Mercer Island Reporter
2014
- The ‘J’ embarks on a new road to sustainability – JTNews
- Madison Park family named Outstanding Philanthropists – Madison Park Times
- SJCC to begin new chapter on Island – Mercer Island Reporter
- A Unique Musical Blend: Pablo Menendez and Mezcla, Direct From Cuba – KPLU
- Eastside news: Stroum Center cultural arts lineup – The Seattle Times
- Island kids raise funds for summer camp – Mercer Island Reporter
- Everything is gone – JTNews
- Weiner honored by SJCC for service – Mercer Island Reporter
- It’s Truck Day – Mercer Island Reporter
- Black-Jewish history, lived through music – JTNews
- Milking the carnival fun – The Seattle Times
- The J’s first phase of renovation opens with a song and a dance – JTNews
- New performance hall at SJCC offers both art, opportunity – Mercer Island Reporter
- Music, dance and drama to open SJCC new auditorium on Feb. 8 – Mercer Island Reporter
Testimonials + Awards
“The SJCC has been such a great place for us, for our community, for our kids. Their best friends are still the ones they made at the J. The Seeds of Empathy program was such a great and unique opportunity for Zachary. It made me feel more enthusiastic about the programs the J chooses to help instill the values that I think are important.” – Rachel Hyman
“We’ve been members of the J since we moved to the Island eleven years ago. Our kids both grew up at ECS, Kidstown and Summer Camp, and we love being at the J for social, fitness and cultural experiences. I believe the J is the most accessible, and neutral place for Jewish families to connect, regardless of affiliation, age, and means. The J has been a huge part of my family’s life and I want to ensure it thrives and continues to be a big part of our lives going forward.” – Liz Friedman
“There are a lot of health clubs in the area. I come to the J to be part of the great community. That’s not something you can get anywhere.”– Fred Tobis
“I’ve been to many J’s all over the country, and the Stroum JCC is truly one of the best. We were – and continue to be – amazed by the warmth of the staff, quality of the programming, and the sense of community and belonging that helped us create a new life, a new Jewish life, in a city where we knew virtually no one when we first moved.” – Larry Kalman
“The J has truly sculpted our kids. Their lives have been enriched, and ours have too, as a result. We’ve learned how to be Jewish parents, and how to have a Jewish home. More than that is the sense of community we’ve gotten. There’s an inherent sense of belonging at the J. We’ve felt so embraced and unconditionally loved by everyone. And we are forever grateful for what the J has given us.” – Sheri and Paul Druckman
Aquatics
- 2014 ParentMap Golden Teddy Award Winner for Best Swimming Lessons
- 2014 ParentMap Golden Teddy Award Finalist in Water Parks & Pools
- 2012 ParentMap Golden Teddy Award Winner for Best Swimming Lessons
- 2011 ParentMap Golden Teddy Award Winner for Best Swimming Lessons
Summer Camp
- 2013 ParentMap Golden Teddy Award Winner for Best Sports Camp
- 2012 ParentMap Golden Teddy Award Winner for Best Sports Camp
Drop-In Babysitting
