Every dream that becomes a reality must be based on a mission and this mission must fill a need to become a success.

In 1935, a small group of Jewish men and women, led by I.C. Gellman, had a dream. They dreamed of creating a Jewish Community Center wehre adults and youth could congregate. The three fold mission of the Tri-City Jewish Center, as stated in the early records, was a religious, cultural and social center for all who wished to join.

At that time, the Jewish community consisted of small enclaves of strong and vibrant groups on both sides of the Mississippi River. There was a Reform temple and three Orthodox synagogues, but there was no common meeting ground for the entire community. With this purpose in mind, committees were appointed to raise funds for a new Jewish Center.

The committees went to work and their efforts raised $30,000 from 159 families. With this money, the Tri-City Jewish Center came into existence.