As Kenny Mandel prepares to take the helm at the Jewish Center, he can be found attending to ostensibly minor issues, while simultaneously mapping out a plan to focus on the larger picture. Mandel now adds executive director to the many hats he has worn over the years: JCC director, case manager, basketball coach, shul treasurer. In his new role with the Jewish Center of Teaneck, his goal is “to develop it into a Jewish community center atmosphere, to modernize the building and to bring more people in to utilize the facility.”
The Jewish Center, which boasts a modern gym, a full-size basketball court, an Olympic-size pool and a grand ballroom, has many programs running throughout the building, while simultaneously accommodating a full schedule of minyanim and, of course, the burgeoning Heichal HaTorah high school.
“You have to remember,” Mandel says, “that the Jewish Center, at one time, was the largest synagogue in the area, with over 1,400 member families. The building is huge. We are looking to make it once again a more central address for the Teaneck Jewish community, to offer different types of programming and to listen to any ideas people might have that would offer something to the community.”
With over 25 years’ experience in the Jewish community center field, Mandel combines a wide array of skill sets—logistics, development, management and scheduling—that make him the ideal fit for the Jewish Center of Teaneck.
In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Mandel’s first priority is to begin the process of modernizing the facility. With such a large building, upkeep is always a challenge. “We are looking to upgrade the building,” he said. “We are scrutinizing all our contracts with outside vendors—cleaners, pest control, plumbing, security—to raise the standards and get better results. We want the building in tip-top shape.”
Besides the yeshiva and the shul, the Jewish Center building houses numerous programs, including Yachad NCSY, Sinai high school, Shalom Yeladim preschool, a mommy and me program and various exercise and athletic groups that utilize the gym and pool. Recently, one of the local yeshiva middle schools ran a swim-and-gym for its graduating class. Nevertheless, there remain manifold opportunities for renting out the facilities.
“We do want to make the ballroom more available to everyone and to bring in more people to utilize the facility for simchas,” Mandel said.
As the father of four grown children and the treasurer of the JEC Elmora Avenue Shul, Mandel knows the importance of running institutions on a budget.
“The building needs to grow and be profitable,” Mandel maintained, “but also play a role in the development of the Teaneck community. We want to engage the community in a conversation as to how to best utilize the building.”
As one of the newest members of the Heichal family, Mandel couldn’t be more positive about the future. “I love coming to work every day,” he says. “I see a lot of good days ahead and a tremendous opportunity to be a part of something special here.”
Kenny Mandel can be reached at 201-335-0633, ext. 1040, and [email protected].
