ABOUT
Welcome to the new and forever home for Jewish Harrisburg
A safe and nurturing space for all to learn, celebrate, and connect.
L'DOR V'DOR
Honoring the generations that came before us, and creating a legacy for the many more yet to come
The Grass Campus is a centralized hub for Jewish life in Harrisburg. Set on a lush 6.4 acre property, the six spacious buildings provide ample space for a multitude of educational, cultural, philanthropic, and wellness programs to thrive, grow, and connect.
The Campus is open and accessible to any and all members of the Harrisburg community who would benefit from the services offered, regardless of age, background, or faith.
Organizations will move in throughout the second half of 2023 and begin to serve the community from the campus. Simultaneously, building improvements, modifications, and additions will be in progress to better support the programming now and into the future.
TIMELINE
Major milestones on the way to building our future
April 2022 - Grass Campus Purchase Finalized by Federation
Purchase made possible through gift of the Alexander Grass Foundation
June 2022 - Grass Campus Dedication
Community members, lay leaders, and elected officials joined alongside Liz Grass Weese and Roger Grass to dedicate the new campus
Fall 2022 - Fitness Center + ELC + Other Construction Begins
Significant construction to the Grass Center to create state-of-the-art fitness center and in Duncan Hall which will house the Brenner Family Early Learning Center
November 2022 - Comprehensive Campaign Begins
Comprehensive Campaign and challenge to community to match $10 million gift of the Alexander Grass Foundation – funds to be used for capital needs, operations, security, and endowment
Fall 2023 - Organizations Begin Move To Grass Campus
The Silver Academy opens on campus in late August. JFGH’s administrative office will arrive in the fall, followed by Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Community Foundation later in 2023. The JCC Fitness Center and Brenner Family Early Learning Center will be ready for 2024.
2024 -2026 - Phase Two Construction Begins
Major projects include Sports Complex including basketball and pickleball courts, and swimming pool.
KEY PEOPLE
The names (and hearts) behind the Campus
The development of the Grass Campus has been a true study in partnership throughout our community.
Liz Grass Weese
President of the Alexander Grass Foundation and daughter of Alex Grass
Roger Grass
Director of the Alexander Grass Foundation and son of Alex Grass
Abby Smith
Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg and co-chair of the JFGH Comprehensive Campaign
Marty Rogoff
Vice Chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg and co-chair of the JFGH Comprehensive Campaign
Sandy Cohen
Past President, Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg and co-chair of the JFGH Comprehensive Campaign
Benedict Dubbs
President, Murray Associates Architects and lead architect for Grass Campus project
FAQ
All of your questions, answered
From parking to pickleball, get the inside scoop on the future plans for the Grass Campus.
