What is J-Ticket?

The J-Ticket program is designed to maintain and grow Jewish Akron families’ engagement in the community. Think of it as a "bundle of services" at Akron's Jewish institutions. The J-Ticket will significantly reduce the cost of the Mandel Early Childhood Education program at The Shaw JCC or The Lippman School tuition, and the Shaw JCC traditional Jewish day camp or the Mandel ECE Summer Playhouse. It also includes membership at a participating synagogue. How does this work? Read Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for the 2019-2020 School Year for more information.

How do I qualify?

To qualify for the J-Ticket programs, one member of the household must be Jewish by having a Jewish parent or have completed the conversion process by an ordained rabbi.

If no one in the household is currently Jewish, but one or more members is undergoing the conversion process, the J-Ticket or other programs may be available upon completion of their conversion.  

Enrollment in the J-Ticket does not assure synagogue membership. Each family must also complete a membership application for the synagogue of their choice and must be approved by that congregation in addition to completing the J-Ticket application. 

Any extenuating or unusual circumstances will be referred to clergy for guidance.

What is the Program Voucher?

Each J-Ticket also includes a $250 program voucher gift card to be used for fees for any program/event/activity in the Akron Jewish community— held by any participating Jewish organization/agency/synagogue in Akron. 

How does the J-Ticket work?

A Jewish family pays the annual fee for the desired J-Ticket, then the participating agencies and synagogues involved are paid a predetermined amount per J-Ticket by the JCBA. The Lippman School and Mandel ECE J-Ticket benefits are for the respective school year. (Enrollment during the year may be prorated.)

How can I buy a J-Ticket?

The J-Ticket is open to all Jewish families, regardless of financial need. J-Tickets can be purchased by the participants themselves or by family members, such as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Payments may be made in full to Jewish Community Board of Akron (JCBA) or payments can be arranged through the Lippman School or the Mandel ECE respectively depending on the ticket purchased. 

Can I purchase more than one J-Ticket?

Families with one child in The Lippman School and one child in the Mandel ECE may purchase one J-Ticket in each program for a total of two J-Tickets. No family may have two J-Tickets in the same program. An application is needed for each child.

JCBA Annual Campaign Requirement

JCBA’s Annual Campaign supports Jewish education in Akron, builds bridges to Israel, provides care for our community’s seniors, cultivates young Jewish leaders and nurtures and supports community connections – globally and right here at home. A minimum commitment of $180 to the JCBA Annual Campaign is required for all J-Ticket purchasers. Give today or call 330-869-2424.

J-Ticket Program: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for the 2019-2020 School Year

Mandel ECE J-Ticket

• Nine months of tuition for one child from September–May

• Shaw JCC family membership

• Shaw JCC Mandel ECE Summer Playhouse for two weeks

• $250 program voucher for use toward fees for any programs in the Akron Jewish community

• Annual dues at one participating synagogue

$5,975 • Value in excess of $10,000

Limit one Mandel ECE J-Ticket per family.
Submit applications and questions to Debbie Zelin, The Lippman School admissions & marketing coordinator.

Lippman J-Ticket

• One school-year of tuition for one child

• Shaw JCC family membership

• Shaw JCC traditional Jewish summer day camp for two weeks

• $250 program voucher for use toward fees for any programs in the Akron Jewish community

• Annual dues at one participating synagogue

$3,975 • Value in excess of $12,000

Limit one Lippman J-Ticket per family. Additional children are at full tuition but may apply for financial aid and, if enrolled in the Jewish Studies Program at The Lippman School, may also apply for the JCBA Scholarship.

Submit applications and questions to Debbie Zelin, The Lippman School admissions & marketing coordinator.

Akron J-Ticket

• Shaw JCC family membership for September–August
• $250 program voucher for use toward fees for any programs in the Akron Jewish community
• Annual dues at one participating synagogue

$1,175* • Value in excess of $2,000

Purchase of this ticket is available to people under the age of 40

*If you currently have a membership at a participating synagogue, the cost for the Akron J-Ticket is only $500, and the benefits are a Shaw JCC family membership and $250 for use toward fees for any programs in the Akron Jewish community.

Submit applications and questions to Debbie Zelin, The Lippman School admissions & marketing coordinator.