Over the last few months, something has become eminently clear to the Jewish Akron Board: This entire community, both Jewish and non-Jewish, cares deeply about the 750 White Pond Drive campus and programs.

As representatives of the greater Akron Jewish community, we feel very fortunate to have so many caring committed friends - like our ECE and Lippman families, JCC Members, Silver Sneakers friends, and more. The agencies that serve this community feel deeply valued, and among all of us there is a strong sense of belonging and inclusivity

We value the personal and community relationships that have developed as a result of everyone’s participation on this campus, and will continue the hard, but rewarding, work of maintaining those relationships.

Knowing how much we all would like to preserve what we have, many of us have been meeting with various community partners to determine if there is a path forward via collaboration or partnership which would allow us to continue to serve the community from 750. We are also in the process of obtaining a real estate Brokers Opinion of Value (BOV), so we have a full understanding of the value we bring to the table when talking with potential partners. These conversations are ongoing and we will keep you informed.

We have also engaged an Interim COO, Lanny Levine. Lanny was born and raised in Akron and currently resides in McLean, Virginia. He has a very strong background in business as an executive and owner. He has a wealth of experience in corporate and non-profit finances, operations and transitions. I know he looks forward to meeting with, listening to, and learning from as many of you as possible to get a full understanding of what your hopes are for the future of our Jewish Community.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would also like to thank those of you who took the time to meet with us last week at our Community Meetings. We take very seriously your comments and willingness to share your thoughts with us. We are beginning to plan for another meeting which will be virtual and probably take place after Memorial Day. A public notice will be sent when we have a date and time.

Please know that we are trying our very best to preserve as much of our present as possible and yet build the necessary infrastructure for a sustainable and meaningful future. I hope you will join us in supporting our mission.

Thank you and all the best,

Judi Shapiro
Chairman
Jewish Akron

PS: All past, present and future communications will be posted at JewishAkron.org/news. Please watch for updates.

PPS: Below is the most current proposed schedule of campus operations. Please know this is subject to change.

 

PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF CAMPUS OPERATIONS

As of May 11, 2026*

 

 

*subject to change.