October 7: Shira B'tzibur/Community Sing

On October 7, at 6pm, gather with others in our community for Shira Be’Tzibor, a communal sing-along led by our Musician in Residence, Marc Luban. Because sometimes, when words are not enough, we turn to music, and to the songs we know by heart, to remember, to mourn, and to find strength in one another.

We also invite you to visit our lobby throughout the day, where we will feature Strokes of Hope, an exhibition of drawings by Israeli artist Zeev Engelmayer from his Daily Postcard project, created during the war to bring hope to the families of the hostages and the fallen, and to the people of Israel. The drawings capture something of what it has meant to live through these past years? The grief and fear, but also the humanity, resilience, and hope that have carried us forward.  Learn more here.

At 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, we invite you to stop by, spend time with the exhibition, and listen to live music in the lobby, a quiet moment in the middle of the day to remember together.

Join us as we gather as a community to celebrate and remember those members of The Wechsler Center who have passed away during the past two years. A brief reception will follow.

Go Fact Yourself comes from LAist (Southern California’s largest NPR station) and the Maximum Fun Podcast Network (producers of NPR’s Bullseye) and is recorded in front of a live audience.

Scheduled Guests: ALAN TUDYK reprises his role of Superman’s robot, Gary, in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman, Man of Tomorrow out next summer. He could also be seen, sort of, as the robot, K2SO, in the Disney+ series Andor and Star Wars, Rogue One.

He previously starred in Resident Alien from Chris Sheridan, and he wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy web series Con Man, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

Tudyk has also voiced a character in every Walt Disney Animation Studios feature for the last 15 years and was recently honored with the Disney Legends Award. Another Fabulous Guest to be announced. This event produced in collaboration with Maximum Fun and LAist.

Cory Kahaney leads a powerhouse cast of four hilarious comedian-storytellers who will have you laughing, crying, and yes, even singing about the game we all love.

Henrietta Szold is among the most influential American Jewish women who ever lived. After founding Hadassah in 1912, she became a major force in early twentieth-century Palestine, establishing its healthcare system and shaping its education system. In a crowning achievement, Szold helped organize Youth Aliyah, which successfully rescued thousands of Jewish children from Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe during the 1930s and transported them to Palestine.

Dir. Abby Ginzberg

(US, 2025, 79 min)

Screening followed by Q+A.

On Tue, Oct 27, stop by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan lobby anytime from 9 am–5 pm to take part in our Israeli Mock Election.  The Upper West Side Goes to Vote is an interactive experience invites community members to learn more about the Israeli electoral process, consider the choices facing voters, and cast a symbolic ballot. Registration is not required to participate.  Support for this event is provided by UJA Federation – New York.

Results from the mock election will be announced later that evening during a live podcast event at the JCC. More details about the election experience and podcast program will be shared soon.

In Person.  Parents League of New York and The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Center for Diverse Abilities are pleased to present an engaging in-person panel of Education Attorneys and Clinical Neuropsychologists. As a parent, you know your child best, and you know when something isn’t right. If your child isn’t meeting developmental milestones or is struggling in school, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. Join us to learn more about identifying concerns, understanding your child’s rights, navigating evaluations and special education services, and advocating for appropriate support. This session will offer practical information, helpful resources, and guidance to help families consider possible next steps.

Help ensure that unhoused students in public schools and shelters have the gear they need for winter. Donate your new and very gently used children’s coats and winter accessories.* 

WE CAN ACCEPT:

• Coats
• Gloves
• Hats
• Scarves
• Sweatpants
• Sweatshirts
• Winter boots

*All items must be in infant, toddler, children, and teen sizes. 

WE CANNOT ACCEPT: 

• Adult clothing of any kind
• Clothing in poor condition
• E-waste
• Household items
• Linens
• Shoes (sneakers, sandals, slides, etc.)
• Summer clothing for children
• Toys

Drop off at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan – 334 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023 

Learn to make challah using a newly developed, easy-to-use baking kit designed to make homemade challah more approachable. You’ll make the dough and braid your own loaf, learn tips and tricks for great results at home, and leave with a fully prepared loaf ready to pop in the oven. All ages welcome; no baking experience required.

Samantha Levy is the founder of Challah Days, a local challah baking business that grew from a pandemic-era hobby and is now expanding into at-home baking kits to make homemade challah more approachable and accessible. At the heart of Challah Days is a simple belief: everyday moments are worth celebrating and you have the power to make any day feel like a challah day.

Thu, Oct 1

6:30-9 pm

Join us for a timely conversation with MK Shelly Tal Meron, MK Gilad Kariv and Professor Yossi Shein about the upcoming Israeli elections, the issues shaping the campaign, and his party’s vision for Israel’s future. During the Q&A portion, participants will be invited to submit their questions in writing. 

On Tue, Oct 27, stop by the JCC lobby from 9 am-5 pm to take part in the Israeli Mock Election: The Upper West Side Goes to Vote, with results announced during a live podcast event.  More details to follow.  Registration is not required to vote.

These events are supported by the UJA – New York Federation.

MK Gilad Kariv 

Moderated by Amelia James, Israel Policy Forum Atid Program Coordinator

Tue, Oct 6, Noon ET – Register Here

Professor Yossi Shein – Tel Aviv University

Moderated by Amelia James, Israel Policy Forum Atid Program Coordinator

Tue, Oct 13, Noon ET – Registration Opening Soon

Mock Elections – The Upper West Side Goes to Vote

Tue, October 27, 9 am-5 pm – JCC Lobby – Learn More

On October 7, we invite you to join us in the JCC lobby for a day of remembrance, music, and community as we mark three years since the horrific attacks of October 7. Come for a few minutes or stay with us longer. Throughout the day, the lobby will be a place to see the art, hear the music, remember, sing, and simply be together.

Throughout the day, our lobby will be home to Strokes of Hope, an exhibition of drawings by Israeli artist Zeev Engelmayer from his Daily Postcard project, created during the war to bring hope to the families of the hostages and the fallen, and to the people of Israel. The drawings capture something of what it has meant to live through these past years? The grief and fear, but also the humanity, resilience, and hope that have carried us forward.

At 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, we invite you to stop by, spend time with the exhibition, and listen to live music in the lobby, a quiet moment in the middle of the day to remember together.

Then, at 6:00 PM, we will gather for Shira Be’Tzibor, a communal sing-along led by our Musician in Residence, Marc Luban. Because sometimes, when words are not enough, we turn to music, and to the songs we know by heart, to remember, to mourn, and to find strength in one another.

A haunting yet life-affirming film about trauma, resilience, and the radical power of choice. A grieving mother forms a bond with psychologist Dr. Edith Eger, a bestselling author whose therapy practice transforms pain into the possibility of freedom.

Dir. John David Coles

(US, 2026, 84 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with director John David Coles.

In a deeply polarized Israel, feminist activist Moran Zer Katzenstein becomes a leading voice for women’s rights, justice, and secular democracy. But the October 7 war shatters her worldview, forcing her to confront grief, shifting public opinion, and a movement under pressure. This urgent documentary explores the courage and cost of dissent, and what happens when deeply-held ideals collide with a rapidly changing reality.

Dir. Paula Kweskin, Carli Fogel

(US, 2026, 26 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with co-directors Paula Kweskin and Carli Fogel.

A comedy of errors ensues when empty-nester Rachel hastily sends a gift to Charlie, a former colleague, upon receiving his wedding invitation. The young couple’s wedding gets Rachel out of her perpetual state of ennui in her own marriage and brings unexpected excitement, which inadvertently causes chaos in both unions. As one domino falls after another, cracks begin to show in their respective relationships especially while Rachel’s husband Adam becomes obsessed with getting back their wedding gift: The Everything Pot.

Dir. Sherise Dorf

(US, 2024, 90 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with director Sherise Dorf.

You have seen people make pottery on social media, you know the scene from Ghost, now it’s your turn to give it a try! In this 2-hour, hands-on workshop you will learn all the steps to making ceramics on the pottery wheel. Each student will have the chance to keep one piece they make during the workshop.

For the fifth consecutive year, Tom Gold Dance returns to the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan with an original program created especially for the Goldman-Sonnenfeldt Family Auditorium.

Join the Company on Thursday, October 29, for the premiere of a new seasonally inspired work from acclaimed choreographer Tom Gold, set to music for violin and piano by celebrated composers Franz Waxman and Miklós Rózsa. Featuring live musical accompaniment, the evening brings together Gold’s distinctive choreography and evocative music for an intimate performance created for the JCC stage.

The Bridge follows these ten young Israeli survivors of the October 7th attacks as they travel from Israel to Los Angeles to attend the legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp. Bearing the weight of unimaginable trauma, they find healing and resilience through music, mentored by icons from bands like Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen, and Black Sabbath. What begins as a leap into the unknown becomes a once-in-a-lifetime journey where music is more than sound – it’s salvation. 

Produced by Kevin S. Bright, executive producer and director of the hit series Friends; and David Fishof, the founder and CEO of Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp.

Dir. Brad Allgood

(2026, 68 min)

Saturday morning, Eden Yerushalmi and her best friend, Arbel, are dancing at the Nova Festival. Hours later, Eden is taken to Gaza while her sisters listen helplessly on the phone. What begins as a desperate hope for her return becomes a journey through uncertainty, public struggle, and devastating loss. A two-year portrait of love, grief, resilience, and the impossible task of moving forward after trauma.

Dir. Yula Gidron

(Israel/USA, 2026, 81 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with director Yula Gidron and Arbel Ashkenazy, Eden’s best friend.

Parents today face endless advice, labels, and pressure when a child struggles. Join clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Katie Davis (author of Actually, You’re Fine) and award-winning NBC News correspondent Chloe Melas for a thoughtful conversation on raising resilient children with confidence.

Drawing on clinical research and personal experience, they will explore how to distinguish normal developmental variations from signs that warrant deeper evaluation. Learn when intervention is truly necessary, how to navigate school concerns, and how to advocate effectively for your child’s growth.

Key Takeaways

• Spot the Difference: Learn to distinguish typical childhood challenges from real red flags.
• Smart Advocacy: Get practical strategies to navigate school concerns and support systems.
• Build Resilience: Discover research-backed ways to foster your child’s emotional and cognitive growth.
• Filter the Noise: Gain confidence to tune out overwhelming, contradictory parenting advice.

Join us for a conversation with acclaimed food writer Linda Dangoor on her beautiful new book, From the Tigris to the Thames: Flavours of a Journey –part memoir, part cookbook, and a moving exploration of migration, memory, and identity through food.

Step beyond the museum walls and into the ever-changing landscape of New York’s contemporary art scene with curator Aya Goshen in this five-part gallery tour series. Each session offers an intimate journey through a carefully curated selection of exhibitions,  from internationally celebrated shows and critically acclaimed artists to experimental project spaces and hidden gems shaping the cultural conversation of the moment.

Together, participants will explore not only what is being exhibited across the city, but also the larger ideas, aesthetics, and social questions driving contemporary art today. Through close looking, conversation, and critical context, the course invites participants to experience galleries as living spaces of inquiry, provocation, and imagination.

Designed for both seasoned art lovers and curious newcomers, this series offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with the artists, exhibitions, and visual languages currently defining New York’s cultural pulse.

When his granddaughter Jenny comes for a visit, Farmer Brown declares the farm a tech-free zone. He takes her laptop in the cold barn with the shivering cows who use her computer to type messages requesting blankets.

“No way,” replies Farmer Brown. “No blankets!”

So the cows go on strike and the chickens join them in solidarity. No blankets? No milk! No eggs!

Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals’ demands? Will Jenny get her computer back? Find out in a hilariously moving musical about negotiation and compromise, based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin.

Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes

Following the success of our Spring program, Studio Visits: A Behind-the-Scenes Art Experience, curated and led by Aya Goshen, returns this spring.

Over five sessions, we will travel across New York City to visit artists in their private studios. Each visit offers a unique window into the artist’s world, exploring their practice, their work, and their sources of inspiration, while creating space for engaging dialogue and a glimpse into the art world.

Dates:

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Participants should be comfortable commuting to various locations throughout the city. Space is limited.

Jewish and Arab music has long been intertwined through collaboration, shared histories and centuries of cultural exchange that placed music at the center. This evening offers a musical window into the surprising and often overlooked musical threads connecting Jewish and Arab musicians across time, revealing how communities have quietly shaped one another through sound, rhythm, and improvisation.

Drawing from Jewish, Arab, Turkish, Armenian, Mizrahi, and Sephardi traditions, Baklava Express ensemble performs original and classical compositions powered by oud, ney, violin, clarinet, and percussion, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and thrillingly new.

October is looking busy at the JCC! 🍎 From thought-provoking conversations and films to wellness classes and more, there’s plenty to explore all month long. Swipe through and see what’s coming up.

• Oct 5 | From the Tigris to the Thames
• Oct 6, 14, 21, 28 | Nursery School Tours
• Oct 6 | Clutter Cleaning 101
• Oct 7 | Remembering Together
• Oct 8 | Other Israel New Perspectives Film Festival: Get Tickets!
• Oct 12 | Wechsler Center Memorial Ceremony
• Oct 13 | Dr. Katie Davis in Conversation with NBC’s Chloe Melas
• Oct 22 | Healing with Nutrition: How Healthy is Your Gut?
• Oct 28 | Candle Making Art Workshop
• Oct 28 | Divine Corners
• Oct 29 | Tom Gold Dance: World Premier of Femme Fatale

Join us for a free afternoon of pampering, inspiration, connection, and renewal for women impacted by breast and ovarian cancer.

This program has been named in loving memory of Shirley Kohn. It was created in partnership with Dr. Alison Estabrook, a nationally recognized breast cancer surgeon, and Caroline Kohles, JCC Director of Health, and is co-sponsored by SHARE, Sharsheret, and Moving for Life.

Nursery School Tour Registration is NOW OPEN! Explore and secure your tour spot today!

Visiting the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Nursery School offers a firsthand look into the heart of our early childhood community. Our guided tours provide prospective families with an in-depth understanding of our child-centered philosophy, thoughtfully designed learning environments, and nurturing, play-based approach that supports every child’s growth.

Plan ahead and view dates below:

• Tue, Sep 29, 9:30 am | Here
• Tue, Oct 6, 9:30 am | Here
• Wed, Oct 14, 9:30 am | Here
• Wed, Oct 21, 9:30 am | Here
• Wed, Oct 28, 9:30 am | Here
• Thu, Nov 5, 9:30 am | Here
• Tue, Nov 10, 9:30 am | Here
• (Virtual Tour) Tue, Nov 17, 9:30 am | Here
• Wed, Dec 2, 9:30 am | Here

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis—spaces fill quickly!

Fall in love with swimming again! Registration is now open for adult fall swim classes starting in September. Save your spot in the pool and choose from beginner through advanced swim clinics. For more information and questions about swim levels, please email jccswimschool@mmjccm.org.

Adult Beginner 1 Swim Clinic
Come learn the fundamentals of swimming and water safety in a supportive and relaxed group setting. In this weekly clinic we will introduce safe swimming foundations such as breath control and learning to float, as well as rudimentary freestyle and backstroke technique. Suitable for all beginner swimmers.
REGISTER NOW

Adult Beginner 2 Swim Clinic
Continue your progress from our Beginner 1 Swim Clinic or join us if you meet the prerequisites below. We will continue to build on our rudimentary knowledge of freestyle and backstroke as we are well on our way toward mastering those skills. This class will focus on precision and efficiency in each stroke as well as breath control, while continuing to emphasize important water safety skills. Prerequisites: Swimmers must be comfortable fully submerging and have learned the foundations for flutter kicks and pulling.
REGISTER NOW

Adult Intermediate Swim Clinic
Whether you’ve graduated from our beginner clinics or already meet our prerequisites, we’ll help you become a confident, capable, and courteous lap swimmer. Our excellent instructors will give you tips and tricks to sharpen your technique while building endurance and speed in the water. Prerequisites: Swimmers must be able to swim 50 meters of freestyle and backstroke continuously.
REGISTER NOW

Adult Advanced Swim Clinic
This clinic is for swimmers looking to build endurance during swim workouts. Work with our expert coaches on drills to develop your core strength, stroke timing, and stamina. Classes will include a mix of drills, instruction, and continuous swimming. Prerequisite: Swimmers must be able to swim 50 meters of freestyle and backstroke continuously and follow a 45-minute swim workout without pause.
REGISTER NOW

The JCC also offers private swim lessons for adults and children of all ages. LEARN MORE

Your vote matters! 2026 is a major statewide election year, meaning New Yorkers will head to the polls in November. More than 2,664 positions are up for election ranging from federal positions such as U.S. House of Representatives – New York 10th Congressional District to city offices like Auburn Associate City Court Judge.

Helpful Resources:

• Locate your Early Voting or Election Day Polling Site
• Learn about Ballot Proposals, NYC Elected Offices, and the candidates this election.
• Visit The Board of Elections in the City of New York or NYC VOTES for more information.

Important Dates:

• Oct 19 | Change of address deadline.
• Oct 24 | Last day to register to vote or update your voter registration.
• Oct 24 | Last day to request a  mail ballot online or by mail.
• Oct 24-Nov 1 | Early voting.
• Nov 2 | Last day to request a General Election mail ballot in person.
• No later than Nov 3 | Put ballot in the mail ensuring it receives a postmark no later than Nov 3.
• No later than Nov 3 at 9 pm | Drop off your ballot at your county Board of Elections Office.
• Nov 3 by 9 pm | Drop off your ballot at an election day poll site.
• Nov 3 | Election Day!

Volunteer to Get Out the Vote

We’re excited to offer the following free Member Mingle events for JCC Health Club + Pool members!

Join us for these casual gatherings where you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Connect and schmooze with fellow members
• Meet our directors from our fitness, aquatics, and membership team
• Learn more about programs and get tips on favorite classes
• Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks

SCHEDULE
Please click the dates to add to your calendar. When RSVP is available, please do so.

Wed, May 27, 3:30-5 pm | Chair Massage, light bites, and wine | RSVP HERE

Thu, Jun 11, 10-11:30 am | Celebrate our new app with coffee, pastries, and fruit | RSVP HERE

September TBD| Mingle in our Sukkah

October TBD | Morning mingle

November TBD | Pre-thanksgiving mingle

December TBD | Chanukah themed mingle

Stay tuned to this page for more information!

Security That Feels Like Belonging
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is more than a building. It is a home — a place where people gather, belong, and feel safe.

At the heart of this commitment is our role as Shomer — the Hebrew word for guardian and protector. Security here is not just about cameras or walls, but about safeguarding lives and creating a true sense of welcome.

Since 2023, our costs have risen by $700,000 as we adapt to evolving threats and best practices.

That’s why we’ve launched the Shomer Fund — to ensure safety is never static but always advancing.

Your support makes possible:

• Highly trained guards who know our members by name
• Fortified entrances and exits
• Emergency readiness through evolving protocols
• Continuous upgrades to technology, infrastructure, and training

Protect the traditions, programs, and people that make our community strong.

Every Safeguard Starts with You. Be a Shomer.

Looking for something else? Learn more about other ways to donate, or contact a member of our team at development@mmjccm.org.