Designing a 21st century Jewish town square from the ground up is a transformative opportunity. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create an environment that will promote and enhance South Peninsula Jewish community life for generations to come.

Countless members of our community are contributing their time, imagination, energy and resources to make this dream a reality. Below are some of their thoughts, wishes and reflections, as well as comments from others who have been part of the planning process. To add your voice to this important Jewish community dialogue, please email info@taubekoretcampus.org. Members of the Palo Alto community at large are also welcome to send thoughts or questions about the project to info@taubekoretcampus.org.

"I just read the sensational news in J Magazine regarding the Campus for Jewish Life. It's all so exciting. You're making history and creating a future. Thank you for working so tirelessly for our community." Gloria Goldblatt

“I have long been a supporter of the extraordinary works of the Jewish Community Center in Palo Alto, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the opening of its new, permanent home at the Campus. The Jewish Community Center is a highly regarded provider of social, educational and recreational services for people of all age groups. The combination of the Jewish Community Center with urgently needed housing for seniors at the Campus will be a benefit to our entire community. I appreciate your efforts and those of all who are working to make this project a reality.” Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, 14th Congressional District of California

"I see a great need for a Jewish center - a place for all to participate and be a part of - a central place. The JCC provides programming and services for all Jews, no matter the denomination. The Campus provides a space for an intermingled Jewish community to meet, exercise and commune. In addition, there is not enough affordable housing in this area. To the extent that the Jewish Home makes it possible for families to stay together in the Bay Area is a real mechayeh." Rabbi Ari Cartun, Congregation Etz Chayim

“Since inception, the Federation has been a strong partner in obtaining the land and building a home for the organized Jewish community in the South Peninsula. The Campus will be a central address for people of all ages to meet, receive services, learn and live an enriched life. The Jewish Community Federation will, of course, be moving its office to the Campus as well. The Federation is proud to work hand in hand with the JCC and the Jewish Home to make this dream a reality.” Phyllis Cook, Interim CEO/Executive Director of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund

“We are looking forward to the huge benefits the Campus will bring to our community. I believe the Campus will bring a sense of cohesiveness that has been missing since the JCC lost its lease at the Terman Middle School site, especially since the community is quite scattered geographically. The Campus brings a central address where all will be able to meet, interact and celebrate together. In addition, the Campus will benefit the greater community by providing services and programming so greatly needed.” Karen Stiller, Peninsula Director, Jewish Community Relations Council

“The Jewish community of Palo Alto is desperately seeking a central community – a central place people can go to that offers a real sense of hope and a place that feels Jewish. The JSN has found a growing demand for people to learn about Judaism. The JSN is looking forward to using the Campus space to further educate the Jewish community. There is tremendous opportunity for synergy between the JSN and the Campus in that the Campus offers structure that the JSN can fill with content.” Rabbi Joey Felsen, Executive Director of the Jewish Study Network

“In 1976, when my family moved to Palo Alto, we found a ‘sea of assimilation.’ Very few Silicon Valley Jews were engaged in lives of learning and community involvement. In our first week in Palo Alto, we found the JCC, for our pre-school kids...we found the heart of the emerging Jewish community...offering the Jewish programming and community we craved. It is only natural that today, we provide our support to the Campus that houses the JCC and Jewish Home. Linda and I share the community vision for the Campus in creating a ‘town square’ for our Jewish community. It is my sincere belief that the hard work that is done today to lay the foundation for this amazing community resource, will be repaid in an outpouring of community involvement and support in the years ahead.” Neill Brownstein, Finance Committee Chair

"Please put me on your mailing list. I am a former member who will be returning to the JCC. I used the fitness facilities most of the time. I am so excited and happy to hear about the new center. Can't wait for it to be ready for us to come utilize the services and community." Abi Eisenberg

"I'm very excited to see development of facilities that will allow an in-gathering of the Jewish community in one physical place." John Schwabacher, JCC Board member and chair of the JCC Real Estate Development Committee

"I'm looking forward to celebrating my son Daniel's bar mitzvah at the Campus on January 15, 2011!" Elaine Moise, past president of Keddem Congregation

"The Jewish Home has an established reputation for research and education in geriatric care. Bringing that to the south Peninsula is a wonderful part of the vision for the Campus." Dr. Jim Davis, past-president of the Jewish Home

"The one word that really describes the JCC is 'life!' In fact, you might say the JCC stands for life itself." State Assemblyman Joe Simitian, 21st District, guest auctioneer at the "Jasmine and Chai" benefit auction at Spago, to support the JCC

"Everyone would like to see the new JCC bring the community together as a whole, with space, services and programming that make 901 San Antonio Road the address for the Jewish community." Vivian Distler, JCC Board member and chair of the JCC's Community Space and Services Committee

"When I understood that our JCC was in peril due to losing its lease, I realized that I would not want to live in a community that does not have a JCC. I knew it was time to give the JCC my support." Honey Meir-Levi, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House

"The Campus is in a perfect spot. It provides convenient access to people who live in Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Atherton." Barry Cheskin, past president of the JCF South Peninsula Council

"There's not a lot of good news in the world right now, which is why it's especially wonderful to see this happening in our own community. It's very renewing and I want to know how I can help!" Sue Dinwiddie, early childhood education consultant

"JCCs connect people on a people-to-people basis. Your new JCC will be a place where any time during the day, there will be people sitting around talking and the 'program' is conversation." Leonard Rubin, Sr. Vice President for Program Services, JCC Association

"What defines the modern Jewish situation is that today, Jews have a choice about whether to be Jews. Being Jewish is a voluntary act." Professor Arnold Eisen, Stanford University

"It's not about the building--it's about community. My message is to love each other, build trust and create a place where people can come together." Helen Frumin, JCC Board Member