Storytelling + Art from Ethiopia to Israel

Unleash your creativity with JCC studio arts classes, where skilled instructors lead inspiring sessions in pottery, oil painting, watercolor, drawing, sewing, and more!

Honorable Mr. Morgenthau is a documentary about U.S. immigration policy during the Holocaust — as told through the lens of one American’s extraordinary experience. Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr. was moved to act in the face of mounting horror and challenge the government’s refusal to admit European Jews. This policy was rooted in a variety of political concerns, as well as frequently transparent anti-Semitism. This poignant story explores the moral courage of one man against the backdrop of a world on the brink of destruction, drawing parallels to contemporary debates on immigration and bigotry.

Screening followed by Q+A with director Hilan Warshaw

Join the MusicTalks jazz ensemble for a special concert honoring Nina Simone’s life, activism, and music. They will perform her iconic songs like “Feeling Good” and “Ain’t Got No,” while highlighting her impactful role in the civil rights movement. The event will also pay tribute to her collaboration with Carlebach, the singing rabbi, during the 70s.

A special Haaretz event at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, in partnership with JStreet and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), will bring together voices from Israel and the U.S. to explore the challenges and responsibilities facing liberal democratic societies today, and to examine the intensity of the threat to Israel’s present and future as a liberal democracy.

• Conceived + Directed by Charlotte Cohn
• Music + Lyrics by Christian Douglas
• Book by Charlotte Cohn + Jason Odell Williams
• Music Direction by Ben Covello

Based on true events, The Sound is an uplifting musical, set in 1943 and today, that tells the story of one Jewish family as they race to escape from Nazi occupied Denmark to Sweden – and freedom – across The Sound. A story about courage, hope, and never forgetting our past.

The cast includes Broadway veterans Melody A. Betts (The Wiz, Waitress), Christain Douglas (currently starring in Moulin Rouge), Mia Gerachis (Sweeney Todd), and Stuart Zagnit (Harmony, Little Shop of Horrors).

• Curators: Tamar Lamdan & Carmit Shine
• Dates: September–December, 2025
• Opening Reception: Thu, Sep 4, 6:30 pm | Learn More
• Communal Picnic: Join us for a cozy indoor picnic experience in our gallery!
  • Sun, Nov 23, 11 am-1 pm | Learn More

In the weeks after the 2020 election, Leah, a progressive woman stuck in pandemic isolation, meets a man she finally connects with—until she finds out he voted for Trump. Aghast but intrigued, their awkward courtship stumbles forward. She tries to influence his views and see if she can get past them. Not easy—but their chemistry keeps her trying.

Dir.: Erik Bork, US, 2024, 91 mins.

Screening followed by Q+A with director and writer Erik Bork.

Explore joyful, meaningful, and age-appropriate ways for children to connect with Jewish life, language, and values. Whether your child is just beginning their Jewish journey or preparing for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, our programs are built to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection at every stage.

Havurah (Grades Pre-K-2)
Our signature experiential program for Pre-K–Grade 3 brings Jewish holidays, values, and stories to life through art, music, and hands-on activities. Fridays have never felt so joyful!

Hebrew Homepage (Grades K-7)
Learn Hebrew your way. This online, private one-on-one tutoring program for Grades K–7 offers flexible scheduling and four personalized tracks—from Aleph Bet basics to full B-Mitzvah prep.

Off the Bimah – Bar/Bat/B Mitzvah Prep Program (Grades 6-7)
This is a fresh take on B-Mitzvah learning. With small groups and big conversations, this experience empowers tweens to explore what becoming B-Mitzvah really means to them, beyond the ceremony.

Journalist and author Jane Eisner places King’s life in historical and cultural context, revealing details of her humble beginnings in postwar Jewish Brooklyn, the roots of her musical genius, her four marriages, and her anguish about public life. Drawing on numerous interviews as well as historical and contemporary sources, this book brings to life King’s accomplishments, her personal challenges, and her lasting contributions to the great American songbook. Moderated by Stephanie Butnick.

Hit the court this fall with our Basketball Leagues for Teens, Tweens, and Adults at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan! Whether you’re looking for friendly competition or just a fun way to stay active, we’ve got a league for you. Teens and tweens can join age-based divisions designed for all skill levels — from casual players to seasoned athletes. Adults can sign up for weekly games in a welcoming, community-driven environment. Don’t miss your shot — spots are limited!

Teen/Tween Leagues
Adult League

Turning 2s is a joyful, drop-off program that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and early independence. Rooted in the belief that every child is competent, capable, and full of potential, our child-centered curriculum encourages exploration and creativity through hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences. In our warm, welcoming classrooms, caring teachers guide children as facilitators, helping them discover, grow, and thrive.

Turning 2s is a registration-based program (no application required), offered two mornings per week — families may choose either a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday section. Designed for children turning two between September and December, the program runs from September through June. An optional third day is available through separate registration for our Friday class, Shabbat Together.

Toddler Playgroup
A gentle introduction to separation and classroom routines through play, song, and connection.
Available on Tuesdays & Thursdays at:

• 9 AM

• 10 AM

Shabbat Together
A Friday morning class celebrating Shabbat through stories, music, movement, and community.
Learn More + Register

Turning 2s
A drop-off program that nurtures independence and creativity through hands-on exploration.

• Mon/Wed

• Tue/Thu

Fall Toddler Playgroup + Winter Turning 2s Bundle
A seamless full-year experience for children transitioning from playgroup to drop-off. Bundle your favorites and save today!
Register + Save

A love letter to the early days of cinema, Hugo follows a resourceful orphan living in the walls of a bustling Paris train station who stumbles into a magical mystery involving Georges Méliès—the real-life pioneer of cinema—and discovers the wonder, magic, and resilience of filmmaking itself. Visually rich and emotionally tender, Hugo—directed by UWS Cinema Center adviser Martin Scorsese—is a family-friendly celebration of the dreams sparked by cinema and the people who keep those dreams alive. Featuring Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, and Sacha Baron Cohen. 

Directed by Martin Scorsese

(US, 2011, 126 min)

Screening followed by Q+A. Presented as part of the new Upper West Side Cinema Center’s pop-up film series “For the Love of Cinema.”

Havurah’s semester long programs are designed to embrace Jewish culture and traditions through interactive, project-based learning. Studying Jewish holidays, Hebrew language, Torah stories, community service opportunities, and exploration of Jewish identity are significant parts of every child’s Havurah experience. Each semester culminates in an immersive Jewish family experience to showcase their projects.

For more information, please contact Rachel Kaye rkaye@mmjccm.org.

Looking for a way to ensure your child gets safely from school to their after-school activities? Want to guarantee their afternoons are filled with play, productivity, and a nurturing community? The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is your one-stop-shop for all of this and more. We’ll pick up your child from their school and make sure they’re comfortably situated at the JCC and that they have a great time in the process! We are pleased to share that we are offering pick-up service and Clubhouse on Mondays–Thursdays for children in grades PK–5 enrolled in PS 9, PS 87, PS 334, PS 199, Parkside, Success Academy Upper West, MDS and Calhoun.

If we do not offer pick-up from your school, but you are still interested in our Clubhouse program, we also offer an option to register for Drop-Off Clubhouse. The program runs Mondays-Thursdays from school dismissal until 5:30 pm, and you are welcome to register for one, two, three, or four afternoons a week.

Becoming a parent, whether it is of your first or fourth child, can feel profound, transformational, and disorienting. This six-week group offers a warm, welcoming space to connect with other new parents, share honestly, and build community in the early months of life with a baby. Each session includes conversation, support, and reflection around the themes that matter most:

Feeding ? breast, bottle, formula, and all the complexities of each choice

Postpartum mental health and self-care that’s accessible

Navigating partnership – negotiating roles and dividing labor, while trying to stay emotionally connected

Childcare and work – navigating return plans, pauses, and new possibilities

Who am I now? – The sweeping identity shift of new parenthood: physical, psychological, and existential

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, in love, in doubt, or just in need of adult conversation, this group is here to help you feel less alone. Come as you are – exhausted, joyful, messy, uncertain – and find solidarity in a room full of people who are right there with you.

The group will be led by Kate Kirschner, LMSW, PMH-C, a psychotherapist specializing in perinatal mental health and Upper West Side mother of two.

 

 

 

Deepen your relationship with Israel by learning Hebrew with Ulpan, an Israeli method for teaching and improving all conversational Hebrew language skills—speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing.

You’ll find small, interactive day and evening classes at all levels. Fall 2025 classes will begin the week of September 15. Registration is open!

Interested but not sure what to expect? Try out our Taste of Hebrew on Sun, Sep 7.

 

When David and his fiancée Meg gather for his family’s traditional Shabbat dinner on New York’s Upper West Side, things spiral faster than you can say “hamotzi” when an accidental death (or…murder?) derails the evening entirely. With Meg’s devoutly Catholic parents due any moment to meet David’s very Jewish family, soon Shabbat becomes a comedy of biblical proportions.

Kyra Sedgwick and Cliff “Method Man” Smith lead a hilarious ensemble cast in the award-winning comedy BAD SHABBOS, winner of the Audience Award at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.

Screening followed by Q+A with director Daniel Robbins.

Multiple Screenings:

Tue, Aug 5, 5:30 + 7:30 pm, $18

Mon, Aug 11, 5:30 + 7:30 pm, $18

Wed, Aug 13, 5:30 + 7:30 pm, $18

Thu, Aug 14, 5:30 + 7:30 pm, $18

Discover Your Favorite Fall Classes for Kids at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Fall 2025 registration is here! Get ready to enroll in your child’s favorite enrichment classes, featuring exciting new options for every age and interest.

Member Registration Opens: Wednesday, May 14 at 9 am
Public Registration Opens: Wednesday, May 21 at 9 am

Whether you’re looking for infant classes, preschool enrichment, after-school programs, or weekend activities for teens and tweens, our fall lineup has something for every family.

Plan ahead now, enjoy your summer later. Secure your spot in popular fall children’s classes before they fill up!

Introduce your child to the joy of sports with Empire Baseball’s toddler baseball classes on the Upper West Side, offered at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan! These exciting, age-specific programs help toddlers and preschoolers build athletic skills through fun, engaging activities.

Baby Bats (Ages 18–24 Months)
This class is perfect for toddlers and their caregivers. It introduces them to baseball basics while developing motor skills like running, jumping, throwing, and catching. Children bond with their grown-up in a playful, supportive environment.

Little Bats (Ages 2–3 Years)
For older toddlers, this class encourages more independent movement. Children will continue developing athletic skills through creative games. Baseball-themed activities help them gain confidence, coordination, and a love for sports.

These toddler baseball classes on the Upper West Side are perfect for families seeking early childhood enrichment through movement and play. Spots are limited—register today and give your child a strong, fun start in youth sports!

We are so excited to invite you to join us on our Wechsler Center Israel Trip, from November 10–20, 2025.
This special mission is for anyone interested in volunteering and deepening their connection to Israel, including past, current, and prospective English Overseas volunteers. Partnering with Authentic Israel and the municipalities of Jerusalem and Beit She’an, we’re planning an unforgettable experience.

Trip Highlights

• Optional staff-chaperoned flights on El-Al
• 5 nights in Jerusalem at the 5-star Herbert Samuel Hotel
• 3 nights in Zichron Ya’akov, near Beit She’an, at the 5-star Elma Arts Hotel
• Authentic experiences with English Overseas students in Jerusalem, Beit She’an and possibly Givatayim
• Touring in Jerusalem and the lower Galilee/Carmel Mountain area, including Zichron Ya’akov and Beit She’an
• Shabbat in Jerusalem

Draft Itinerary

Upcoming Information Sessions:

Mon, Jul 28, 6-7:30 pm

Thu, Jul 31, 4:30-6 pm

Fri, Aug 1, 11:30 am-1 pm

Note: Authentic Israel will provide full refunds if the trip is cancelled due to security concerns.

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan offers FREE weekly open-run basketball sessions this summer for adults, teens, and tweens. Whether you’re looking to get in a casual game, improve your skills, or simply enjoy some friendly competition, our open runs are the perfect way to play and connect with others in the community. Join us for a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment—no matter your skill level!

Tween Basketball Open Run (Ages 10-13)

Join us for weekly basketball open runs designed for tweens. This is a great chance to improve skills and have fun!

Teen Basketball Open Run (Ages 14-18)

Calling all teen hoopers! Drop in for our teen basketball open runs and enjoy casual games and skill-building with friends.

Adult Basketball Open Run (Ages 18+)

Looking to get in a game? Join our adult open runs for a fun, relaxed basketball experience for all skill levels!

SALE EXTENDED: Join the JCC Health Club by August 31 + Receive Two Free Months! Or Join the Pool + Get a Free Month or $150 Off! $0 Enrollment Fee.*

Summer’s ending and so is this red hot deal on membership. Enjoy the use of two pools, a spacious fitness center, gymnasium with two basketball courts, unlimited group exercise classes, pickleball games, discounts on other JCC programs, and so much more!

Learn more about this limited time offer. Have questions? Email joinjcc@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.4414.

*Restrictions apply.