Shaken Not Deterred: A Young Onset Parkinson's Gathering

In this talk, Wharton economist and JCC health club member Judd Kessler discusses his new book, “Lucky by Design.”

Judd pulls back the curtain on the hidden markets that determine who gets what in everyday life. Unlike familiar markets, where what we get depends on how much we’re willing to pay, hidden markets do not rely on prices: you can’t buy your way into a better position. Instead, what you receive hinges on the rules by which the market operates, and the choices you make in them.

Judd has spent a career studying and designing these very markets. Now, he reveals insights about how they work, how to maneuver in them, and how to tip the scales in your favor.

In Person + Virtual. Join us for an insightful day designed specifically for the Young Onset Parkinson’s community – in person or online! Brought to you by the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (JCC), and the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

The event day will include three panel discussions: Keeping Your Balance – Work, Life & Finance, Doctor’s Orders: Treatment Options Through the Eyes of Health Professionals with PD, and Hindsight is 20/20 – Wisdom From Those Who’ve Been There. Exercise breaks, networking opportunities and open discussions will be included. A light lunch will be served.

Sunday, Oct 26 10 am – 4 pm FREE

To Register, visit Shaken Not Deterred Registration

If you need assistance or have questions, please email ShakenNotDeterred@parkinson.org or call Nancy Nealon at (585) 743-1266.

In Person. Gather with other people with Parkinson’s to network, share information and learn from each other. This peer-to-peer group meets to encourage, support, and inspire each other.

13 Thursdays, Sep 11 – Dec 18 (except Oct 2, Nov 27) 6:30-7:30 pm FREE

For more information or to join, contact Whitney Chapman, Program Coordinator at wchapman@mmjccm.org or 646.505.4383.

In Person.  Were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s 5 or more years ago? Do you have questions about what lies ahead and how should you prepare? This guided 8-week program is for people with PD and care partners who are in mid-stage PD and will cover topics such as: Healthcare,  Planning for the What Ifs, Safety, Environment + Exercise, Impact of Parkinson’s on Daily Coping + Relationships, Maintaining Hope in the Path Forward and more. Find support and connection in navigating life with PD.

8 Wed Oct 22 – Dec 18 (except Nov 26) 4:30 – 6 pm FREE

For more information or to register/join: Contact Judy Margolis, MSW at jmargolis@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.4398.

Program size is limited to 12 participants and it is requested that you plan to attend all 8 sessions.

A Partnership with American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA)

In Person. Care Partner Connection Program is a multi-week Care Partner support series. This series offers the opportunity to connect with other care partners for emotional support and sharing and provides education about planning for the future and practical resources. This was designed for care partners who are looking for a space to share their feelings and learn more about PD caregiving considerations. Classes will consist of interactive sessions; discussions and brainstorming to help you take the tools and resources you learn about and put them into action in your life. Topics may include Caregiving, Preparing for the Future, PD as a Family Disease, Coping with Changing Conditions and Strengths + Supports.

8 Mon Oct 20 – Dec 15 (except Nov 10) 5:30- 7:30 / FREE

In Person.  Parkinson’s Roadmap for Education and Support Services (PRESS) is an eight-week in person support series with tailored content to address the psychosocial needs of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the last five years. Each PRESS support group is facilitated by a trained healthcare professional who will provide a structured platform for participants to share their experiences, feelings, and strategies for coping with PD. PD-focused topics covered in this program include What‘s Next After Diagnosis, Medication Management, Importance of Exercise, Caring for Others, Caring for Yourself, Building Your Healthcare Team and more.

8  Tues, Oct 21 – Dec 9, 4:30 – 6 pm, FREE

For more information or to register/join:

Contact Judy Margolis, MSW at jmargolis@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.4398.

Program size is limited to 12 participants and it is requested that you plan to attend all 8 sessions. 

Step beyond the gallery walls and into the beating heart of contemporary art with Studio Visits, a behind-the-scenes journey led by visionary curator Aya Goshen. Over the course of five immersive sessions (each about 90 minutes), we will venture into a different artist’s studio each week, exploring intimate creative spaces where ideas spark and masterpieces are born.

Thursdays, Oct 16 + 30, Nov 13, Dec 4 + 18, 11 am

Photo: Work in progress by Avital Burg

In the days leading up to his execution, Texas death row prisoner John Henry Ramirez seeks redemption from his victim’s son; an elegy about the death penalty where a prisoner seeks forgiveness.

Screening followed by Q+A with film subject Aaron Castro, moderated by Sheila Nevins. Presented as part of the Forgive Me Film-a-Thon, an alternative way to honor Yom Kippur by using film as a means of reflection.

Dir. Smriti Mundhra

(US, 2024, 37 min)

The epic series returns this Fall to Wonder Project, a new subscription offering on Prime Video. Season 2 will follow the aftermath of the battle between David and Goliath and David’s rise to the throne. Catch an exclusive sneak preview of Season 2 only at JCC Manhattan.

Created by Jon Erwin

(US, 2025, 53 min)

Doug (Aristotle Athari) and Valerie (Catherine Cohen) have made a mistake. Their hate-fueled obsession with the jerks downstairs—who always seem to be singing karaoke in a brownstone, who even does that?—recently led them to flee the city for Doug’s parents’ place upstate, giving up a great deal on a rent-stabilized apartment in the process. Their friends are horrified, and regret is setting in. They start plotting their revenge and before they know it, they’re staging an off-Broadway play starring their nemesis. 

Starring Cat Cohen, Aristotle Athari, Chloe Cherry, Ruby McCollister, Jon Rudnitsky, Larry Owens, and more.

Dir. Rachel Wolther


(US, 2025, 93 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with director Rachel Wolther.

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.

Nursery School Tour Registration Opens Aug 25. See Dates Below:

• Tue, Sep 30, 9:30 am | Here
• Mon, Oct 6, 9:30 am | Here
• Thu Oct 16,  9:30 am | Here
• Wed Oct 22, 9:30 am | Here
• Wed Oct 29, 9:30 am | Here
• Wed, Nov 5, 9:30 am | Here
• Wed, Nov 12, 9:30 am | Here
• Tue, Nov 16, 9:30 am | Here
• Wed, Dec 3, 9:30 am | Here

Join us on Sun, Sep 7 from 10 am-3:30 pm for a free day of fitness and wellness. Sample classes and workshops to kick off your healthiest fall yet!

Schedule:
Click the classes below to register. For help registering, email boxoffice@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.5708.

10-10:30 am
Doors Open, Mix and Mingle Coffee/Tea Hour
Say hello and sample nutritious snacks, and speak to our on-site nutritionist and personal trainer. 

10:30–10:55 am
Strength Made Simple: A Circuit Workout with Nancy Burke (In-person + Virtual)

11–11:25 am
Tap into Well-Being Tap your troubles away with Linda Rose Iennaco (In-person + Virtual)

11:30–11:55 am
Walk Active Method Presented by Joanna Hall (Live-streamed from London)

Noon–12:25 pm
Fall Stop… Move Strong Presented by Celeste Carlucci (In-person + Virtual)

12:30–12:55 pm
Nia Dance Jam: Fitness and Fun Presented by Caroline Kohles (In-person + Virtual)

1–1:25 pm
Yoga for Back Health with Jessica Metz (In-person + Virtual)

1:30–1:55 pm
Cultivating Balance with Tai Chi with Fran Snyder (In-person + Virtual)

2–2:25 pm
Intro to the Alexander Technique with Melissa Brown

2:30–2:55 pm
Clutter Clearing: Declutter Your Clothes with Marilyn Mars (Live-Streamed from New Mexico)

3–3:30 pm
Plant-Powered Cooking Demo + Mocktails Mix and Mingle—Network with Others (In-person + Virtual)

Enjoy special promotions on personal training, massage, and membership. Don’t want to wait? Check out our current membership promotions now!

Fall registration for fitness and wellness classes is open. Sign up today.

The film follows an artist and art teacher, played by Caleb Ruminer, who has lost his creative spark, his job, and his father. Just as he’s questioning everything, a mysterious stranger—played by Eric Roberts—appears and delivers a life-altering message: he only has three days left to live. As he grapples with this shocking news, he unexpectedly meets someone who might be the love he’s been searching for, portrayed by Anna Grace Barlow. Caught between dreams from the past and the ticking clock of an uncertain future, he’s forced to confront the one truth we all must face.

Dir. Peter Ney

(US, 2025, 100 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with director Peter Ney.

Combining magical realism and evocative hand-drawn animation with revelatory interviews and vérité footage, Among Neighbors examines the story of a small rural town where Jews and Polish Catholics lived side by side for centuries before World War II. The film brings the Polish response to the Holocaust to life through the last living eyewitnesses, revealing both love and betrayal as it zeroes in on the only living Holocaust Survivor from the town, and an aging eyewitness who saw Jews murdered there—not by Nazis but by her own Polish neighbors. 

Dir. Yoav Potash

(Poland/US, 2025, 100 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with director Yoav Potash.

This cinematic return of the global phenomenon follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.

Dir. Simon Curtis

(UK/US, 2025, 123 min)

Eighty years after his liberation from Buchenwald, we seek to understand the man behind Elie Wiesel’s searing and widely-read memoir Night. Told largely through his own words and eloquent voice, Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire seeks to penetrate to the heart of the known and unknown Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) – his passions, his conflicts and his legacy as one of the most public survivors of the trauma of the Holocaust. With unique access to personal archives, original interviews, and employing hand-painted animation, the film illuminates Wiesel’s biography as a survivor, writer, teacher, and public figure.

Dir. Oren Rudavsky

(US, 2024, 87 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with Elisha Wiesel.

This film is being released on September 5 at the IFC Center.

Twisted Fate is a documentary film about a Jewish family who escapes certain death as they navigate from Poland through Lithuania, Latvia, and Sweden, saving their lives during the Holocaust, but unfortunately leaving behind other family members who met a tragic fate.

Dir. Michael Horelick, Jon Carnoy

(US, 2025, 44 min)

Screening followed by Q+A with narrator Martin Carnoy.

The JCC is thrilled to be partnering with Dance for PD to offer The Mark Morris Dance Group’s award-winning Dance for PD® classes which invite people with Parkinson’s and their partners to explore movement and music in ways that are enjoyable, stimulating, and creative.

Dance for PD® PRO includes a progressive all-standing warm-up, standing barre work, and traveling steps. Each class integrates elements of diverse dance styles to help people with Parkinson’s build and master specific skills through a focused, intensive approach. Expert teachers guide participants through accelerated physical and cognitive training, technique, improvisation, and a focus on structural alignment in an intimate, friendly, personalized workshop environment.

Registration is handled by Dance for PD. Advance registration and photo ID is required for all attendees including care partners. For more information, contact us at registration@danceforpd.org.

To register click here  or  call (718) 218-3373 and leave your name, phone number, email address and the name of the class you wish to attend. Program staff will get back to you to confirm your registration.

13 Thursdays, Sep 11 – Dec 18 (except Oct 2, Nov 27) 5:15-6:15 pm FREE

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), Stuart Zagnit (Harmony, Little Shop of Horrors), Lori Wilner (Pictures from Home, Fiddler on the Roof), Adam Grupper (Guys and Dolls, The Adams Family), Danny Kornfeld (Harmony), Mia Gerachis (Sweeney Todd), Jack Cahill-Lemme (Moulin Rouge!), Karl Kenzler (Mary Poppins), as well as Jennifer Apple (The Band’s Visit – Nat’l Tour), Ellie Schwartz (Fiddler on the Roof at The Muny) Judy Jerome (Church & State), and Imogen Williams (Courage to Act: Rescue In Denmark). 

• 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

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 Tweens (10-14 yrs), and Teens (14-18 yrs), 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.

Teen/Tween Leagues

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

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.

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.

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.