The Gordon Jewish Community Center Celebrates the Decades with Big Night Out

In 1902, 20 young men gathered at the Gay Street synagogue for the first meeting of what eventually became the Gordon Jewish Community Center. Then known as the Young Men’s Hebrew Association, the group secured a meeting space on Cherry Street that offered a library and reading rooms, a recreation parlor “with all sorts of harmless games,” a gymnasium, a swimming pool, public lectures and a literary and debate club. The marketing brochure also promised an advantage to membership: “a club life of the cleaner and better sort.”

Today, one of the most lively, community-focused nights of the year is the same organization’s Big Night Out. Each year, members come together to raise funds for the center, and a signature theme sets the tone for the evening. This year, co-chairs Rachel Bernstein, Leslye Lapidus and Tara Mittelberg chose Jukebox Journey: Dancing Through the Decades — and guests embraced it. As attendees arrived and checked seating assignments displayed on a wall of records, many wore looks inspired by the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Glitter and gold lamé abounded as guests chatted excitedly about the fun of the evening.

During the reception, guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres by Goldie Shepard while browsing a wide array of silent auction items. Goldie’s famous meatballs ranked among the most popular dishes of the evening. Auction lots included a signature Hydrafacial and premium skincare products from Gold Skin Care Center, diamond studs from Genesis Diamonds, two nights at the Wynn Las Vegas and — one of the most sought-after items — an exclusive annual Gordon JCC parking spot.

Guests laughed, dined and bid throughout the night. Organizers also created a Spotify playlist as a parting gift, ensuring the fun continued even after the evening ended.