Shuk It Up: Israeli Food Workshop

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure as Chen and Alon Koren, founders of “Box from Jerusalem,” bring the flavors of Israel’s iconic Machne Yehuda Market (aka the Shuk) to NYC!

Known for their participation in the Israeli version of Bake Off, the Korens will host the biggest live workshop of Israeli cooking in NYC at the JCC. Adults and families alike are invited to roll up their sleeves and create Israeli classics like Malabi, stuffed grape leaves, and more. Plus, enjoy a taste of the Shuk with vibrant flavors and stories that will transport you straight to Jerusalem.

We start Shabbat Shabbang with rituals + appetizers, creating a connected community. Then, we move to our program rooms for a dairy meal, delightful wines, and engaging conversations. We wrap up with desserts + coffee. Your weekend kicks off…with a shabbang! Presented in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day.

DINNER OPTIONS

• Yoav Perez and Dani Borisover: Israel’s Mentalists
• Klezmer, Yemeni Dance, or Prayer: Israeli Music
• Shatnez to Upcycling: Israeli Sustainable Fashion
• Diplomacy in Real Time: An Emissary’s Tale*

*Programs with an asterisk are technology-free and suitable for those who are traditionally observant.

Unleash your creativity with JCC art and writing classes, where skilled instructors lead inspiring sessions in a variety of art forms and mediums. Spring class options include:

• Abstract Painting
• Watercolor Painting
• Impressionist Expressions: Oil Painting
• Beaded Jewelry
• Beginner + Advanced Sewing
• Contemporary Landscape Painting
• Still Life in Collage
• …and more!

Join us for an exclusive launch event celebrating Sesame: Global Recipes + Stories of an Ancient Seed, the highly anticipated debut cookbook from Rachel Simons, co-founder of Seed + Mill at New York City’s iconic Chelsea Market. This beautifully crafted book is a vibrant and approachable guide to the world of sesame, one of the most versatile and culturally significant ingredients in global cuisine. From halva and tahini to togarashi and furikake, Sesame features 100 vegetarian-forward recipes that highlight the ingredient’s nutty flavor, nutritional richness, and culinary history.

Discover how to incorporate sesame in both traditional and modern dishes, including sweet and salty sesame challah, radicchio tahini Caesar, gomasio-crusted salmon skewers, and tahini-swirled pavlova. Rachel will be in conversation with New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Carolina Gelen.

Ticket includes a signed copy of the book and a gift bag of Seed + Mill treats.

Help ensure that families in transitional housing get the clothing they need for the spring and summer seasons. Donate new and gently used children’s clothing in our lobby, May 4-11. All items must be in infant, toddler, or children’s sizes.

Accepted items:

• Shorts
• Pants (lightweight only)
• Short-sleeve shirts
• Dresses
• Socks (new only)
• Underwear (new only)
• Pajamas
• Outerwear (lightweight only)
• Shoes

We cannot accept:

• Fall or winter clothing in any size
• Used undergarments in any size
• Adult clothing
• Any items that are torn or stained
• Household items
• Toys, games, or stuffed animals

Want to volunteer? Sign up for a shift to help sort clothes for distribution during our free pop-up shop for families with limited resources.

Give new life to old possessions at our Community Recycling Day. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Stations will be set up on the sidewalk outside of the JCC where you can recycle:

• E-waste with 3×3; (for a list of acceptable items, click here).
• Gently used spring and summer clothing for distribution to families in transitional housing.
• Unusable and out-of-season clothing and textiles with Green Tree Textile Recycling.

Big Reuse will have a table to talk about composting, alternatives to using plastic, and other solid waste management practices to help mitigate climate change.

Cosponsored by the Office of New York City Council Member Gale A. Brewer.

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

Our exciting summer class lineup is now open to everyone! Secure your child’s place in programs designed to spark creativity, encourage movement, and build lasting friendships.

View all class options, create your ideal summer schedule, and claim your spot before sessions reach capacity!

One of the most meaningful days of the year at the JCC is Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, when we hold a series of events and observances that exemplify our essential role as a convenor and honor our commitment to remembering the Shoah and all of those that perished. The JCC is committed to exemplifying and teaching our constituents of all ages, particularly the next generation, that we will never forget.

Film | The World Will Tremble
Wed, Apr 23, 7 pm

Reading of the Names
Overnight, Wed, Apr 23, 10 pm–7 am | West Side Institutional Synagogue
Thu, Apr 24, 9 am–5 pm | JCC

Women, Theater, and the Holocaust
Thu, Apr 24, 7–9 pm

Film | For the Living
Thu, Apr 24, 7 pm

Witness Theater
Wed, May 7, 7 pm

Yom HaZikaron is Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Join us for music, art, and more in remembrance and reflection.

Healing Begins When the 59 Hostages Return Home
Mon, Apr 28, 7:30 pm

Sharim Zikaron
Tue, Apr 29, 7 pm

Longing: Honoring Fallen Israeli Soldiers + Civilian Victims
Wed, Apr 30, 9–11 am + 3–5 pm

Tears: Lobby Art Installation
Wed, Apr 30, 10 am–5 pm

Matkon Zikaron: Taste of Memories
Wed, Apr 30, 10–11 am + 12:30–1:30 pm

Harmony of Remembrance: Music for the Fallen
Wed, Apr 30, 11 am, 2 pm + 4 pm

Walking is one of the best ways to improve your health: but are you walking the right way? This 6-week virtual program combines expert movement coaching with cutting-edge health tracking to help you walk smarter and feel better.

Led by:
Joanna Hall: Exercise physiologist & founder of The WalkActive Method
Dr. Michael Ghalchi: NYC cardiologist & founder of Apollo 360

About Dr. Michael Ghalchi
Dr. Michael Ghalchi is a board-certified cardiologist with over 20 years of experience. He earned his medical degree from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and completed his cardiology fellowship at Winthrop U

This is a doctor-supervised program. You will need to pre-qualify with the medical practice Apollo360 to participate.

What You’ll Get:
Weekly live coaching + tutorials with Joanna Hall
Wearable device integration to monitor key health metrics
Remote health tracking with Dr. Ghalchi

Program Schedule:
Friday, April 25: Program starts
Monday, April 28: Virtual check-in meeting
Monday, May 5: Virtual check-in meeting
Monday, May 12: Virtual check-in meeting
Monday, May 19: Virtual check-in meeting
Tuesday, May 27: Virtual check-in meeting
Wednesday, June 4: Virtual check-in meeting
Friday, June 6 Program ends

Join the JCC Health Club Now to Save $150 + Get the Rest of April Free! Or Join the Pool + Get a Free Month or $100 Off! $0 Enrollment Fee.*

Step into Spring stronger and save. 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.

Looking for the perfect kids’ birthday party venue on the Upper West Side? The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is bringing back birthday celebrations—bigger and better than ever! Whether your child loves games, themed activities, or a fun-filled gathering with friends, we offer customizable party packages, delicious kosher food, and a dedicated party team to handle every detail. Book your stress-free birthday party in NYC today and create lasting memories!

Give your child(ren) the ultimate country day camp experience at Camp Settoga in Pomona, NY! There’s never been a better time to join, with convenient transportation, exciting specialty camps, and extended schedules at lower rates. Every day is packed with fun and friendship, from swimming and sports to arts and outdoor exploration.

Spots are filling fast—register today!

 

Celebrate Israel’s 77th birthday with JCC 20s + 30s! We will open with a ceremony and then celebrate with music and dance; an open bar; a photo booth; and Israeli drinks, apps, and snacks.

Join Celeste Carlucci, Founder of FALL STOP…MOVE STRONG, fitness and fall prevention expert, as she gives tips and tricks for navigating the busy streets of NYC. Celeste will discuss sidewalk safety, crossing the streets, uneven sidewalks, managing public transportation, and more!

Join us for our third annual Wellness Fair, specifically designed for the 60+ community, cosponsored with our partners at Mount Sinai, featuring programs and events specially curated for Modern Agers.

Join us for The Torah of Today, a monthly series in partnership with the world-renowned Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. In this series, we will explore Jewish texts in the context of contemporary American life. Each session will feature dynamic Pardes-style learning and chavruta (paired study), with space for open questions and lively debates.