My family has been members of the Jewish Community Center (the J) since 1971. I’ve been a fitness club member since the 1980s.  I’ve noticed many contemporaries have decided not to renew their memberships because of other lower cost gyms.

We have supported the J, not only through dues, but through contributions to various events. We do it because we realize that monthly membership dues don’t only pay for our workouts, steam baths and whirlpools, but also support the older adult, youth and developmentally disabled programs.

In this time of rising antisemitism, it’s also a place where the gentile community can see the good our tribe does.

It’s discouraging to see that members of my generation, many who could afford it, are switching to other places. I encourage them to come to the outdoor pool one afternoon when the aforementioned groups are using it and see what their membership dues would support if they rejoined.