The Torah of Work: What Defines Us As Professionals?

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!

For over 25 consecutive years, the Upper West Side community has gathered to read names of those among the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. We come together this year for the 26th anniversary of our ritual, to read the names on Thursday April 24, beginning at 10 pm at West Side Institutional Synagogue at 120 West 76th St, until 7 am, and then continuing at 9 am at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave.

No registration needed to attend in person. Upon registration, the livestream link will be in your confirmation email.

Note: if you would like to read names during the day, including those you bring with you, you can do so at the JCC. No need to register. You will be able to read when you are here. To read names overnight, please contact your synagogue.

Yom HaZikaron is Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Join us on Apr 29 + 30 for music, art, and more in remembrance and reflection.

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

Celebrate Passover with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan! We have programs, celebrations, and events for all ages before, during, and after Passover.

Passover begins sundown, Apr 12.

Settoga 365: Family Passover + Shabbat Experience at the JCC
Fri, Apr 4, 5–5:45 pm

Cooking Social, Passover Edition: Chocolate-Covered Matzah
Sun, Apr 6, 6–7:30 pm

Breathe, Sing, Exhale: A Spiritual Journey of the Omer
Wednesdays, Apr 9–May 28 (+ Jun 1), 7–9:30 pm

Passover in the Town Square
Thu, Apr 10, 2:30–4:30 pm

20s + 30s Matzah Pizza Party
Thu, Apr 17, 7–9:30 pm

Upper West Side Mimouna Celebration
Mon, Apr 21, 7:30–8:45 pm

Looking for a seder? Check out UJA-Federation’s find-a-seder!

In Person. Learn how to take charge of your health with the latest advancements in genetic testing. Whether you’re concerned about cancer prevention, planning for the future, or simply staying informed, learn how genetic screening has changed.

We will touch on the history of Jewish genetic screening so that if you are Jewish, you will understand the hereditary risks that may impact you and how modern genetic testing can guide you in making proactive health decisions. jscreen provides access to genetic testing and telehealth genetic counseling, empowering you to make informed decisions that shape healthier futures.

Testing kits will be available for purchase at the event.

In partnership with jscreen. jscreen’s mission is to ensure all U.S. adults have access to preventive genetic testing and counseling for reproductive choices and hereditary cancer risk. Through awareness and education, the jscreen platform offers consumer-initiated, medical-grade testing, empowering informed health decisions to strive to make a lasting impact.

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.

Celebrate the vibrant conclusion of Passover at the Upper West Side Moroccan Mimouna! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, food, and tradition, featuring the enchanting sounds of Layali El Andalus. Indulge in a rich and colorful Mimouna table, overflowing with handmade sweets, traditional mufletas, and refreshing Moroccan mint tea.

Layali El Andalus breathes new life into the musical traditions of Morocco, Andalusia, North Africa, and the Middle East. Founded by Moroccan-born musician Rachid Halihal (singer, oud, violin), the ensemble, joined by Daphna Mor and other world-class musicians, is committed to preserving this rare and captivating repertoire. Layali El Andalus has graced prestigious music festivals and concert stages across the United States and abroad, with notable performances at MoMA and Lincoln Center.

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!

In Person. Looking for something to do during extended school vacations and holidays? Your child can enjoy a fun-filled “stay-cation” at the Marlene Meyerson JCC!

We’re offering minicamps during week-long public school breaks for children ages 3.5-9. Each day will be packed with camp programming, including sports, arts, STEM, cooking, swim (pending pool availability), and more!

Registration for minicamps closes on April 4th.

Full Dates: Apr 15-18, 8:30 AM-4 PM

For more information, please contact Mary Gipe (mgipe@mmjccm.org).

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.