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Devin Curtis
Professor John Gauthier
Anthropology 1010

Exploring Community and Programs at the Jewish Community Center:

An Ethnographic Research Project

Abstract:
In my ethnographic research project, I delved into the community and programs offered at the
Jewish Community Center (JCC). While I am not coming from a Jewish background, I was
welcomed into the Jewish community to conduct participant observation. My study focuses on
various community programs, including fitness, aquatics, childcare, and special events like
basketball games, bake sales, and dinner events. During the project the JCC's commitment to
giving back to the community through scholarship programs, hospital assistance, and refugee
scholarships was also looked at. Through ethnographic research methods learned in class and
through our textbook, this project sheds light on the significance of the Jewish Community
Center in my area.

Introduction:
Beginning this ethnographic research project was both exciting and nerve-wracking. My
objective was to explore the community and programs offered at the Jewish Community Center
(JCC), a setting I was unfamiliar with as someone who does not come from a Jewish family or
background. However, I was warmly welcomed into the JCC community and granted access to
observe and participate in various activities and events. This report outlines my journey through
the four phases of the research process: preparation for the field, actual fieldwork, analysis and
writing up, and introspection and reanalysis.

Phase 1: Preparation for the Field

In preparation for my ethnographic research project at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), I
did some research to understand the significance of the JCC within the local community.
Despite not being Jewish myself, I was eager to immerse myself in this cultural setting and gain
a deeper understanding of it. While working on this project I found the importance of the JCC,
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with a wide range of programs aimed at promoting community engagement. From fitness and
aquatics to early childhood programs and summer camps, the JCC offers many opportunities for
members to connect and participate in fun activities.

One of the key aspects of my preparation involved learning about the JCC's commitment to
community outreach and social justice initiatives. I was particularly struck by the JCC's Annual
Scholarship Program, which provided financial assistance to low-income families, enabling
children to attend summer camp, preschool, and afterschool programs. Additionally, the JCC's
Hospital Assistance Program offered temporary free memberships to out-of-town families with
loved ones receiving treatment at local hospitals, demonstrating a commitment to supporting
families during challenging times. These were things that I hadn’t even considered before I
began my project to learn more about the JCC and its impact on the community locally and
even outside the local area. Also I explored the JCC's Refugee Scholarship Program, which
provides full scholarships to children from refugee backgrounds to go to summer camp and
participate in numerous different activities.

These initiatives underscored the JCC's dedication to inclusivity and diversity, values that were
meaningful to me as a researcher. With this knowledge, I felt I had an idea of what I could
expect to engage with at the JCC. My preparations set me up for a successful and enriching
fieldwork experience, allowing me to approach my research with curiosity, and a genuine desire
to learn more about the JCC community.

Phase 2: Actual Fieldwork

Entering the field at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), I was met with kindness and
hospitality from the community members. Despite my initial nervousness as an outsider, I was
quickly embraced as a welcomed participant in various activities and events. Throughout the
fieldwork phase, I actively participated in some community events that were of interest to me.

One of the highlights for me was going to some of these special events hosted by the JCC, like
a basketball game, and a bake sale. These events served as significant events for the
community, bringing together people of all ages to socialize, celebrate, and support each other.
As I observed and interacted with attendees, I was amazed by the community and shared
purpose that came with these kinds of gatherings.
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I also explored the JCC's daily activities during a tour of their facility, including fitness and
aquatics classes, early childhood programs, and youth and teen activities. Through participant
observation, I gained valuable insights into daily life at the JCC, witnessing firsthand the impact
of these programs on community members' lives. From children learning to swim in the pool to
families bonding over fitness classes, the JCC provided a space for people to come together,
grow, and thrive.

Throughout my fieldwork, I maintained some field notes, documenting my observations and

reflections. Overall, the fieldwork phase was a good experience, allowing me to understand the
JCC and its role in the community.

Phase 3: Analysis and Writing Up

After completing the fieldwork phase of my research at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), I
went over some notes that I had taken and compared my participant observation to what we
had learned about in class and through the textbook. I went back to look at discussions that
inspired me during the project.

One of the things that was emphazised in my mind was the importance of the community and
social support within the JCC. My observations and interactions with community members
showed me that the JCC was a place for social connection and belonging, giving a supportive
environment for individuals and families to come together, and participate in activities, and build
relationships.

In addition to exploring these findings, I also engaged with concepts such as social capital,
cultural identity, and community resilience. I sought to deepen my understanding of the complex
dynamics at play within the JCC community.

When I wrote up my analysis, I desired to present my research in a clear, compelling manner

that would resonate with both academic audiences and the community that I had been a small
part of. Through attention to detail and thoughtful reflection on my research process, I sought to
convey the richness and complexity of the JCC community.

Phase 4: Introspection and Reanalysis

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Completing the initial analysis and writing of my research at the Jewish Community Center
(JCC), I entered a phase of introspection and reanalysis, reflecting on my research journey and
considering the broader implications of my findings. This period of reflection allowed me to
critically examine my research process

Engaging in this ethnographic research project at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) was an
eye-opening journey. From the initial preparation to reflecting on my experiences, each phase
offered valuable insights. Despite my initial uncertainty as an outsider, I was warmly welcomed
into the JCC community, where learning about its programs deepened my understanding of its
significance. Participating in activities allowed me to witness the vibrancy of the JCC community
firsthand, providing insight into its social dynamics and program impact. Analyzing and applying
concepts from class discussions helped me contextualize my findings, while reflecting on the
research journey deepened my understanding of cultural humility and empathy in academic
inquiry.

In conclusion, this ethnographic research project sheds light on the community and programs at
the Jewish Community Center. Through participant observation and analysis, the study
underscores the JCC's role in fostering community engagement, social support networks, and
outreach initiatives. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the vital role
community centers play in promoting social and physical well-being within communities.

Reflection: Engaging in my ethnographic research project at the Jewish Community Center

(JCC) was an interesting experience. Each phase of the project offered valuable experiences
and knowledge. While I was initially uncertain as an outsider, not knowing what to expect from
the community made me nervous, despite my nervousness I was warmly welcomed into the
community and learned a lot about the JCC and the people of the community. During the
experiences I was able to apply knowledge that I had learned from our class, it was cool being
able to do research as an anthropologist.

Learning about the programs at the JCC deepened my understanding of its role serving as a
hub in the local community for people who come from all walks of life. Participating in activities
helped me understand that the JCC community is more than just a place for lifelong wellness,
but there is a true sense of community amongst the people. Observation provided insight into its
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social dynamics and program impact. Analyzing and applying the concepts I learned in class
helped me to contextualize my findings in our online and in class discussions. Reflecting on the
research journey deepened my understanding of cultural humility.