Albany JCC

Overview

• Sidney Albert Albany Jewish Community Center (SAAJCC) is a vibrant Jewish community center offering a wide range of wellness, educational, recreational, and cultural programs for all ages, rather than a dedicated sauna or spa facility. It emphasizes fitness, aquatics, youth camps, senior services, and Jewish cultural enrichment in a welcoming, family-oriented environment.
• Overall atmosphere and experience: Inclusive, community-focused hub fostering Jewish identity, health, and social connections. Programs promote fun, learning, and wellness in a safe, kosher-compliant space with indoor/outdoor facilities, though the indoor pool is temporarily closed.

Features & Amenities

• Fitness & Gym: George Kasselman Fitness Center and Al Sloman Gymnasium open extended hours for workouts.
• Aquatics: Sporborg Outdoor Pool (weather-dependent, 12pm-6pm Mon-Thu/Sat-Sun); Rosenthal Outdoor Kiddie Pool (seasonal); Betty Clark Indoor Pool (temporarily closed).
• Youth Areas: Dedicated spaces for camps, preschool, afterschool, and teen programs; Ropes Adventure Course.
• Senior Center: Massry Senior Center with lounge, games, crafts, and congregate meals.
• Multi-purpose Spaces: Auditorium/social hall, classrooms for Mifgash Jewish high school program, early childhood center.
• Outdoor Areas: Pavilions for lunches, fields for sports/games, walking/running paths (e.g., 15K Walk/Run course).
• Other: Kosher kitchens (planned upgrades), welcome center (future additions), parking, health screening stations.

Services

• Youth Programs: Camp Shalom (ages 1st-5th grade, June-Aug, swim lessons, arts, sports, ropes); Preschool/Pre-K (3-4 year olds, year-round, includes swim); Afterschool, Teen Camp, Specialty Camps, Mifgash (grades 8-12 Jewish studies).
• Adult & Senior Services: Fitness classes, personal training, exercise workshops, cards/games/crafts, cultural/art trips, senior meals (kosher, $3 suggested donation), Older Adult Resource Expo.
• Aquatics: Swim lessons, swim team, lifeguard training (when pools operational).
• Cultural/Educational: Jewish holidays, Israel programs, classes like “Jews and the News,” Judaic art, Hot Topics discussions.
• Events: Walk/Run 15K, Pillar Awards, Wellness Showcase, family Oneg Shabbat.
• Support Services: Special needs paperwork (e.g., IHCP, medication consent), DSS subsidies, sibling discounts for members.

Pricing

• Limited details available; most programs require membership (rates not specified).
• Camp Shalom: Weekly fees TBD (member/non-member, EFT/credit card with 2.35% fee); $10 insurance per camper; $5/min late fee; 10% sibling discount for members.
• Senior Lunches: $3 suggested contribution (60+, spouses free; under 60: $15); reservations required.
• General: Credit card fees apply; refunds/changes by early June for camps.

Location & Hours

• Location: 340 Whitehall Road, Albany, NY 12208; near Albany School of Humanities; ample parking; accessible entrances.
• Operating Hours (Member Services):
  • Mon-Thu: 6am-8pm
  • Fri: 6am-5pm
  • Sat-Sun: 7am-6pm
• Fitness/Gym: Similar, Sat-Sun until 3pm.
• Outdoor Pool: Mon-Thu 12pm-6pm, Fri 12pm-5pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-6pm (weather-dependent).
• Holidays: Reduced/variable (e.g., New Year’s: 8am-12pm; Jewish holidays closed).

Notes

• What makes this special: Community-driven Jewish center with kosher, nut-free environments, emphasis on inclusivity (all Jewish backgrounds welcome), health/safety protocols (e.g., Covid policies, daily disinfection), future expansions (new fitness, kitchens, youth/senior centers). Strong focus on youth development, senior support, and cultural ties to Israel/Jewish life. No dedicated saunas or spas noted, but wellness via pools/fitness. Contact: 518-438-6651 or specific emails (e.g., camps@albanyjcc.org).