JCC stories
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is actively shaping 21st-century Jewish life. The stories in this section, which also appear in our seasonal program guides, serve as an introduction to some of the people and programs that represent that change, that make us so much more than a community center. We hope they inspire as well as inform.
Several of the stories that appear here have short video companions. To watch these videos, click the link in the sidebar of each story. To watch all of the videos now, click here.
Story Editor: Sherri Lerner
stories from Fall 2020
For Jewish Journeys Students, Plan B Was the Great Outdoors
When the seventh graders enrolled in the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan’s Jewish Journeys B-Mitzvah class began their final year in the program in September 2019, they, like everyone else, had no idea the turns 2020 would take.
Virtual Journeys Give Connections Members a Passport to the World
When opportunities to travel locally closed up this year for participants in the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan's Connections group, they didn’t let it slow them down. Instead, they embarked on a global adventure.
stories from Summer 2020
A Community that Cares
For some, it was finding food for Passover. For others, it was finding a way to obtain needed medications. For some, it was the desire to find a substitute for their weekly bridge game. And for many, it was just the need to know that they had not been forgotten in isolation. Times are uncertain. Community is not.
Remembering Judy Fettman
Adaptations, a group for those in their 20s and 30s that was one of the earliest innovations out of The Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Special Needs, played a key role in enhancing the life of Judy Fettman over the past 12 years. All those who know her would agree that she did the same for Adaptations.
JCC Harlem’s Meg Sullivan Honored for Her Commitment to Strengthening Reflective Community
Written by Cynthia Ceilan
"The fellowship of women from around the world who are making truly impactful change is not to be underestimated," says Meg Sullivan, director of JCC Harlem. "For someone like me, who is still in the early stages of my career, it's a particular honor to be among such giants."
stories from Spring 2020
Bridging the Tween and Gender Divide
Empowering children to be their strongest, most confident selves is undeniably important. Just as crucial is the role families and other adults play in that endeavor. But as kids—especially girls—reach school-age and beyond, providing that support becomes more challenging.
Spa Day Cares for Those Who Need It Most
For women living with breast or ovarian cancer, the JCC’s Shirley Kohn Spa Day--now in its 13th year--serves as a much-needed respite from the daily stress and worry that having a devastating illness can bring. But they aren’t the only ones who benefit.
Ms. Magazine, the JCC, and Feminism’s New Waves
Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Joanne Edgar, and Ellen Sweet are former editors of Ms. magazine, the publication that symbolized the “second wave” of feminism in the 1970s and 80s; they’re also members of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan community.
stories from Winter / Spring 2020
At Settoga, the Magic is in the Connections
Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown requires a little, well, comfort.
Three Fresh Faces at the JCC
This year, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan has been fortunate to welcome several new staff members. Now, with our newest center and department heads comfortably settled in at the JCC, we'd like to make a few introductions.