Jewish Center's Virtual Programs A Hit Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

SAN DIEGO, CA — Although the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center temporarily closed its doors nearly two months ago due to the coronavirus pandemic, the La Jolla-based Jacobs Family Campus continues to offer — and recently expanded — its virtual programming.

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center — also known as JCC, or simply, The J — closed its facility March 21 in the wake of COVID-19 social distancing requirements in San Diego County. That's when the organization also launched "The JVirtual Experience," which JCC says has proved to be a hit amid the pandemic.

"This programming is brand new to us, and something that we might not have considered had we not been forced to," said Ryan Isaac, director of cultural arts at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. "As a community center — and, specifically, a department that was presenting upwards of five live events per month — we needed a way to stay connected with our members and patrons. We had a terrific response almost right away."

The virtual programs are open to JCC's members and the greater community. The programs include arts and cultural productions, fitness workouts, family tips and resources, as well as volunteer and giveback opportunities.

The programs have been a hit, according to JCC. In fact, in early April, the organization presented a virtual concert. Two hundred concertgoers tuned in online.

"I was floored by the support and the willingness for so many people to try something new," Isaac said. "Almost half of those in attendance were first-timers as virtual audience members."

Highlights of the ongoing programming include "Toddler Story Time," with teachers from the organization's Nierman Preschool. Story time takes place at noon daily on Facebook Live.

JCompany Youth Theatre performances are available for free on JCC's website.

Quick Fit fitness lessons, from yoga to barre classes, are available on JCC's YouTube page.

Initial offerings have been so well-received that the not-for-profit has extended its digital athletic and fitness, as well as arts and cultural, programming.

Group fitness classes are offered for free online, from athletic training to Zumba. Fee-based virtual personal training and Pilates are open to both members and the public for member rates. Dry-land swim training is also available to help swimmers stay in shape until they can jump back in the pool.

"The most exciting part for me of virtual programming is the global reach it allows," Isaac said. "Whereas we recently wondered how to attract people from downtown San Diego or North County to our facility, now we consider the start times of our events so we can accommodate new friends on the East Coast. We've had people join our events from Australia, the Caribbean, and all over the U.S., including Alaska. The state of our virtual community is strong."

It took the J a few weeks to "appreciate the cycles of creating and executing a virtual event," Isaac noted.

Although event participants log on from their homes, the overall process of planning a virtual program isn't any easier than planning a live performance, Isaac said. In some ways, it's more difficult.

"There's troubleshooting in uncharted territories," Isaac said. "Virtual platforms like Zoom weren't created with the cultural arts in mind. There were real growing pains, and I'm exceptionally proud of how nimble and creative our staff has been in adjusting quickly."

After offering online-only programming for several weeks, the organization is now hitting its stride, he added.

"The way the department is approaching future events has evolved, and we are positioned to launch some new concepts that should keep audiences engaged," Isaac said.

On Sunday, JCC is hosting a beer appreciation event with beer and spirits journalist Joshua M. Bernstein. Bernstein is based in New York City, and JCC has been involved with breweries in both San Diego and NYC.

"Again, it's really great when we can impact multiple cities and communities," Isaac said.

Event organizers hope to drive participants to local businesses — in this case, Burgeon Beer Company in Carlsbad and Wild East Brewing in Brooklyn.

"Plus, if we all have the same beers at home, we can strengthen the virtual bonds over a shared experience," Isaac added. "It's a great chance for everyone to learn a little and have some fun together — and with people they've never met before."

On May 31, JCC will be joined by Renaissance man Yogi Roth. Roth played college football, coached at the University of Southern California under Pete Carroll, and now works as an analyst at the PAC-12 Network.

Roth has produced and directed several documentaries, including "Life in a Walk," which follows Roth and his father on a pilgrimage through Portugal and Spain. He also created and hosted the documentary series "We All Speak Ball," chronicling football in Israel.

"Yogi never stops moving, and I can't wait for him to share what he's been doing over the past few months," Isaac said.

A full lineup of JCC's virtual programs is available at lfjcc.org/virtual.