The Jewish Urban Meeting Place, or JUMP, officially opened its doors in October of 2007. This not-for-profit organization offers an open and welcoming atmosphere to students and young professionals, between the ages of 22 and 34, who wish to discover their Jewish identity through innovative and exciting opportunities. JUMP’s mission is to grow as a community, encourage participation and strengthen the bond between the Jewish people through experience and knowledge while giving back to the community.

The JUMP centre is located in Thornhill Village, at the south-east corner of Yonge St. and Centre St. Their address is 7751 Yonge St., Thornhill, Ontario. JUMP leases this location from Mr. Claude Bitton, a real estate developer and property manager. Mr. Claude Bitton is known for his involvement and contribution to the Jewish community. JUMP’s promise to give back to the Jewish community was probably one reason why Mr. Claude Bitton decided to rent his property to JUMP. His generosity and willingness to help bring young Jewish people closer to the Jewish religion are probably two other reasons that led Mr. Claude Bitton to lease his property at 7751 Yonge St., Thornhill, Ontario to JUMP.

The elaborate design of the JUMP centre was made possible because of the spacious dimensions of the property being leased from Mr. Claude Bitton. The physical set-up of the JUMP centre was designed with the idea of the centre being multifunctional and allowing its users creative flexibility. The centre features a large, luxurious lounge, five workstations with free wireless internet and printing, an oversized boardroom a library with multiple configurations, a fully equipped kitchen and 150 square feet of modular stage. This set-up allows people to book meeting in the boardroom, meet over lunch or after work and socialize with old friends as well as new ones.

The design of the centre also allows JUMP to offer various programs and events at the location. Some of these include Hebrew classes, dinner and discussion, Shabbat dinners, a speakers series and a book club. JUMP offers off-site programs too including field trips, weekend getaways and organized trips to Israel and New York.

JUMP celebrated its first year anniversary in January of 2009. JUMP currently has about 1700 members, and its emails and marketing materials reach approximately 6000 recipients in the Toronto area.