Playful by Design with @Mothercould Myriam Sandler

Past Event

Children + Families

What if your home could do more than just manage chaos? What if it could support your child’s creativity, confidence, and independence?

In this parenting workshop, you’ll learn how to turn everyday moments into powerful learning experiences. Join Myriam Sandler—creator of @mothercould—and discover how to raise confident, creative kids through independent, open-ended play.

Myriam, author of Playful by Design, offers practical advice for designing playful spaces with what you already have at home. She’ll share tips that empower children to explore, problem-solve, and express themselves—without expensive toys or complicated setups.

Joining her is journalist and fellow parent Stephanie Butnick, co-host of Unorthodox and co-author of The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia. Together, they’ll have an honest, engaging conversation about parenting in real life. You’ll leave with tools you can use right away—no matter your home’s size or your child’s age.

🎟️ Each ticket comes with a copy of Playful by Design: Your Stress-Free Guide to Raising Confident, Creative Kids through Independent Play.

📅 Don’t miss this engaging parenting workshop designed for families of all kinds.

📍 Learn more about the JCC’s Children + Families programs
🔗 Discover more tips from Mothercould on Instagram

Date:Tue, May 13, 2025

Time:6:30 PM - 7:45 PM

Location:MMJCCM

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Vote NY 2026: General Election Resources + Info

Your vote matters! 2026 is a major statewide election year, meaning New Yorkers will head to the polls in November to choose candidates for state and local offices, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Senate, and State Assembly.

Here are some resources to help you prepare for the primary election.

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

Important Dates:

October 19 | Change of address deadline.
October 24 | Last day to register to vote.
October 24 | Last day to request a mail ballot online or by mail.
October 24-November 1 | Early voting
November 2 | Last day to request a mail ballot in person.
November 3 | Election Day!

July Membership Promotion

Goals happen here. Kick off your summer and save with this limited-time offer:
Become a Health Club or Pool Member by July 31 + Save $99!*

The JCC has everything you need to achieve your fitness goals. Enjoy the use of two pools, basketball courts, a spacious fitness center, unlimited group exercise classes, pickleball, sports leagues, discounts on JCC programs, a welcoming community, and so much more!

Book a tour now and get a free trial. Have questions? Email joinjcc@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.4414.

*Restrictions apply.

Fall Children's Enrichment Classes

Looking for the best after-school activities and kids’ enrichment programs in NYC? Our brand-new lineup of Fall Children’s Enrichment Classes offers everything from hands-on STEM and creative arts to high-energy sports and dance. Designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster lifelong skills, these expert-led programs provide the perfect blend of learning and fun.

Registration is now open! Explore our fall classes below and secure your child’s spot today.

Dungeons + Dragons (9–12 Years) NEW
In our brand-new Dungeons + Dragons class (D&D), children will design and develop their own playable characters while learning the fundamentals of this classic tabletop role-playing game.

Story in Motion: A Movement + Early Literacy Class (12 Months–3 Years) NEW
Story in Motion: A Movement + Literacy Class (3–5 Years) NEW
In this storytelling and movement class, children explore basic elements of creative expression, taking inspiration from beloved children’s books.

Hebrew Club: Israeli Games, Conversation + Culture (4–8 Years) NEW
Through Israeli games, dance, art, cooking, and song, children (with some Hebrew fluency) practice conversational Hebrew in fun, interactive ways while exploring Israeli culture.

STEAM with Adam Metzger: Create + Construct (6–8 Years) NEW
Children will investigate gravity, physics, mechanics, engineering, cause and effect, and more, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

STEM with RoboFun: Lego Robotics (4–6 Years) NEW
STEM with RoboFun: Lego Robotics (7–9 Years)NEW
Students are introduced to the basics of building and simple machines through hands-on LEGO® projects in partnership with RoboFun.

Martial Arts: Little Samurais (3–5 Years)
Martial Arts: Little Samurais (4–6 Years)
Through fun, engaging activities and age-appropriate exercises, children develop basic martial arts movements; improve coordination, balance, and motor skills; and build strength and confidence.

Contemporary Pop (6–8 Years) NEW
Contemporary Pop (9–12 Years)NEW
This high-energy contemporary pop dance class introduces young dancers to movement inspired by today’s pop artists in a fun and supportive environment.

Jazz/Tap Combo (4–6 Years) NEW
Jazz/Tap Combo (7–10 Years)NEW
Students explore the basics of jazz movement, kicks, turns, and expressive choreography, alongside introductory tap skills focused on rhythm and sound-making.

Summer Children's Swim Classes

Give your little one the gift of water confidence! Our expert-led infant swim classes provide a safe, nurturing environment to bond with your baby while teaching essential water safety and foundational swimming skills. From gentle splashes to independent movement, set your child up for a lifetime of safe pool fun.

Spaces are filling up; secure your swimmer’s spot in the pool today!

Summer Bubbling Babies (6–12 months)
Introduce your little one to the joy of water! This gentle class focuses on water comfort, basic safety, and bonding through playful songs and games with a caregiver.
Register

Summer Starfish (12–18 months)
Keep your toddler moving! Designed for active older babies, this class builds confidence, breath control, and independent movement through guided water exploration.
Register

Summer Seahorses (18–30 months)
Expand your toddler’s skills! This highly interactive class helps children master fundamental safety habits, floating foundations, and paddling with caregiver support.
Register

Summer Dolphins (3–5 years)
Our structured drop-off lessons! From mastering water submersion to independent freestyle and backstroke foundations, watch your child become a real swimmer.
Register

Film | Reading Lolita in Tehran

Azar Nafisi, a former professor at Tehran University, secretly gathers seven of her most committed female students to read forbidden Western classics. As fundamentalists seize control, the women remove their veils and speak about their intimate hopes, loves, disappointments, femininity, and search for a place in an increasingly oppressive society. By reading Lolita in Tehran, they celebrate the liberating power of literature in revolutionary Iran and form their own future.

Dir. Eran Riklis

(Italy/Israel, 2024, 108 min)

Pre-Nursery Information Sessions

Are You Interested in Learning More About Toddler Playgroup and Turning 2s?
Join us for an information session to learn more about Toddler Playgroup and Turning 2s, two of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan’s phenomenal pre-nursery programs.

During the session, we will explain our educational philosophy, give an overview of our daily schedule, and allow plenty of time to answer all of your questions.

This session will focus on our fall Toddler Playgroup and winter Turning 2s sessions, and is ideal for families with children who will turn 2 between January and May of 2027.

RSVP below:
Virtual Toddler Playgroup + Turning 2s Information Session | June 23, 12:15 pm

Virtual Toddler Playgroup + Turning 2s Information Session | August 5, 12:15 pm

Walking to the JCC for after school Clubhouse.

After School Clubhouse 2026-2027

Little Maestros Music: Up on the Roof

Join Little Maestros, New York’s top-rated baby and toddler music program, for a premier music and movement experience on the Upper West Side! This high-energy, interactive class features an enthusiastic live band performing a mix of popular hits and original songs.

Mondays | 3:45-4:30 pm: Register Here
Tuesdays | 4-4:45 pm: Register Here

Designed specifically for early childhood development, each dynamic session supports your child’s growth through:

Language + Literacy: Interactive storytelling and lyric-driven play.
Creative Play: Dynamic movement activities to build motor and social skills.
Community Bonding: A joyful space for children and their grown-ups to connect through live music.

Rooftop Class: This class takes place outside on the JCC’s rooftop! In the case of inclement weather, the class will move indoors.

A young boy named Oliver, wearing a grey blazer over a graphic t-shirt, sits in a wooden director's chair outdoors. He holds a script in one hand and points forward confidently while directing. A yellow walker is visible behind his chair. In the foreground, an adult is seen from behind, listening to his direction.

Film | Kids Like Me

Meet Oliver, a 12-year-old murder-mystery enthusiast with a vivid imagination and a rare genetic condition. Inspired by his love of the genre, Oliver sets out to bring his own mystery to the big screen – with a little help from his friends. The script is written, the cast is set, and Oliver is ready to call “action” on his most ambitious venture yet. What unfolds is more than a creative project—it’s a powerful testament to friendship, resilience, and the magic that happens when a community comes together.

Dir. Cynthia Lowen and Jon Cohrs

(US, 2026, 88 min)

Presented in partnership with ReelAbilities.

Screening followed by Q+A with co-directors Cynthia Lowen and Jon Cohrs and the film subjects: Oliver Odwazny-Beebe, Willa Odwazny-Beebe, Casey Beebe, Chad Odwazny

A movie still from Night at the Museum showing five characters and a small capuchin monkey sitting side-by-side on a bus seat. They are looking straight ahead with deadpan, serious expressions against a backdrop of a rainy, fogged-up bus window.

Film | Night at the Museum

A newly recruited night security guard at the Museum of Natural History discovers that an ancient curse causes the animals and exhibits on display to come to life and wreak havoc.

Dir. Shawn Levy

(US, 2006, 108 min)

In partnership with the JCC’s Summer of Light.

A close-up film still of a young woman with a concerned, intense expression. She has brown hair pulled back with loose strands framing her face, light blue eyes, and a small smudge of blood or dirt on her left cheek. She wears a camouflage military shirt open over a light grey top, with a brown canvas strap slung across her chest. She stands in a gritty, warm-toned outdoor setting with textured stone walls in the background. Part of another person in military gear and equipment is visible out of focus behind her on the left.

Film | Jerusalem ‘67

The first-ever narrative feature about the Six Day War, this gripping historical drama follows Sarah (Yael Grobglas), a young mother living in Jerusalem, who chooses action over safety when war reaches her doorstep. With her husband called up to serve in the Jerusalem Brigade and paratroopers fighting a decisive battle they never trained for, Sarah forces her way onto the frontlines of history – where her courage and determination are put to the ultimate test.

Screening followed by Q+A with producer Joseph Schick.

Dir. Oded Raz

(Israel/US, 2026, 109 min)

A wide film still showing an older, light-skinned man with swept-back white hair—resembling actor Jon Voight—smiling broadly as he is helped into a green military tactical vest. He wears a light, striped dress shirt, khaki trousers, and a dark blazer underneath the vest. He is surrounded by four younger men dressed in olive-green military uniforms. To his left, a man with dark curly hair and a beard assists him. To his right, another soldier with sunglasses watches on. In the background, an Israeli flag flies against a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds, and elements of a military outpost or checkpoint are visible. The overall color grading has a distinct warm, greenish-yellow tint.

Film | Monument

In 1999, renowned Israeli architect Yacov Rechter is commissioned to design a monument honoring fallen soldiers of the Christian South Lebanon Army. His idealistic son and apprentice, Amnon, challenges him to build something radically different: a memorial for all victims of the war — Christian and Muslim alike. As father and son clash over loyalty, complicity, and art, their creative journey mirrors that of a nation divided.

Dir. Bryan Singer

(USA | 2026 | 113 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with actor Joe Mazzello and producer Jason Taylor.

An overhead, close-up shot of two women lying down side-by-side on a patch of green moss and earth, their heads positioned close together. The woman on the left has dark brown, wavy hair framing her face. She has light-colored eyes, a reflective or somber expression, and a visible tear on her right cheek. She is wearing a purple-trimmed white mesh top under a dark olive green jacket, accessorized with a layered silver necklace featuring a star pendant. The woman on the right has auburn-brown hair with bangs. She is looking slightly upward and away from the camera with a serene expression. She wears bright, dramatic blue winged eyeliner and a black jacket. The lighting is soft and natural, emphasizing the texture of the mossy ground beneath them.

Film | The Floaters July 14-16

THE FLOATERS follows struggling musician Nomi, who accepts a last-resort job from her overachieving best friend Mara: mentoring misfit campers, the “Floaters,” at their childhood Jewish summer camp.

Part of the JCC’s Summer of Light.

Dir. Rachel Israel

(Narrative | USA | 2025 | 101 min)

Film | For the Love of a Woman July 6-8

Esther, an American woman (Mili Avital), travels to Jerusalem to search for a missing part of her family history. With the help of an Israeli professor (Ori Pfeffer), Esther discovers a shocking truth about herself and how it all connects to the era of early settlers in the 30’s. This surprising English-language romantic drama, uniting the past and the present, is based on the novel “The Loves of Judith” by the beloved author Meir Shalev.

Dir. Guido Chiesa

(Narrative | Italy | 2025 | 117 min)

Mon, Jul 6, 6 pm

Tue, Jul 7, 6 pm

Wed, Jul 8, 6 pm

A vintage-style, colorized photograph featuring three people gathered around a classic silver microphone. In the center, a woman with blonde hair and a pearl necklace smiles warmly. She is flanked by two young men in suits; the man on the left appears to be singing or speaking into the microphone, while the man on the right looks on. The background consists of floral-patterned curtains, evoking a mid-20th-century resort atmosphere.

Film | We Met at Grossinger’s

We Met at Grossinger’s is a joyfully nostalgic journey through the Jewish Catskills—once known as the Borscht Belt—told through the rise and fall of its most beloved resort: Grossinger’s Resort and Hotel, the real-life inspiration for Dirty Dancing.

Dir. Paula Eiselt

(US, 2026, 104 min)

Co-presented by Uptown Film Center.

Film | Footloose

Kevin Bacon stars in the definitive summer rebellion classic, a high-energy story of youth, music, and liberation.

Dir. Herbert Ross

(US, 1984, 107 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with Kevin Bacon.

This screening is co-presented by the Uptown Film Center.

A centered, symmetrical medium shot of a young girl with reddish-brown hair standing on the balcony of a lighthouse. She wears a vintage pink-and-white checkered dress with a white Peter Pan collar and holds black binoculars to her eyes, looking directly toward the camera. She is framed perfectly within the glass-paned structure of the red-capped lighthouse lantern room. The color palette is warm and nostalgic, dominated by golden yellows, soft oranges, and a muted blue sky with fluffy white clouds in the background.

Film | Moonrise Kingdom

Set in the 1960s, Wes Anderson’s tender and offbeat summer adventure, Moonrise Kingdom follows two young misfits who fall in love, run away together, and discover the thrill and vulnerability of first independence.

Dir. Wes Anderson

(US, 2012, 94 min)

This screening is co-presented by the Uptown Film Center.

Hebrew Reading Crash Course

Unlock the Language of the Prophets—In Just Six Weeks.

Stop skimming and start reading. This free Hebrew Reading Crash Course is designed for those who want to go from “Aleph” to “Fluent Reader” without the years of school. In partnership with the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP), we provide a streamlined, high-impact curriculum that works.

Fast-Track Learning: Master the entire alphabet and basic phonetics in 6 sessions.
Expert Guidance: Perfect for beginners or those needing a refresher.
Community Focused: Learn in a supportive, small-group environment.

Reserve Your Spot. Space is limited to ensure personalized instruction. Pre-registration is required.

6 Tuesdays, Jul 7-Aug 11, 5-6:30 pm

Summer of Light

Fall Children's Classes

Plan ahead for a season of growth at the JCC. Our fall children’s classes offer a dynamic mix of programs designed for every age and stage, combining creativity, movement, and skill-building in a supportive environment.

Fall Program Guide | Click Here

Expert-led classes across multiple disciplines
Programs tailored by age and developmental stage
Opportunities to build confidence, skills, and friendships
Secure your spot early for our most popular neighborhood fall programs

Registration opens

- May 12 for Members
- May 19 for the Public

Explore Programs:

Summer Adult Swim Classes

Summer is coming and it’s never too late to work on your swimming! Registration is now open for adult summer swim classes. Save your spot in the pool and choose from beginner through advanced swim clinics. For more information, contact us at jccswimschool@mmjccm.org.

Adult Beginner 1
Come learn the fundamentals of swimming and water safety in a supportive and relaxed group setting in our Adult Beginner 1 Swim Clinic. 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. This class has no prerequisites and is suitable for all beginner swimmers.
LEARN MORE

Adult Beginner 2
Continue your progress from our Beginner 1 Swim Clinic or join us if you meet the prerequisites below. In this weekly clinic 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.
LEARN MORE

Adult Intermediate
Join us in our 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.
LEARN MORE

Adult Advanced
Our advanced swim clinic is for swimmers looking to build their endurance while following a 45 minute swim workout. 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.
LEARN MORE

Don’t wait to register, spots are limited! Arthritis Water Exercise classes are already sold out.

Sunset Fun on the Roof

Join us for some summer fun on the JCC roof! Professional instructors will lead beginner-friendly lessons in Dance Your Way to Happiness, Nia Dance, Yoga, 5Rhythms® Emerging Waves, and Salsa. Enjoy mocktails and light snacks while you mingle with other participants. Bring a friend or make new ones at this fun evening out. All levels welcome. Part of Summer of Light.

Schedule
Click below to learn more and register.

May 18 | Dance Your Way to Happiness

June 22 | Yoga

July 13 | Salsa

July 27 | Nia Jam

Aug 3 | 5Rhythms® Emerging Waves

Aug 10 | Salsa

Member Mingle Events

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!

Playful by Design with @Mothercould Myriam Sandler

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