Israel Programs

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Tel Aviv

As the one-year anniversary approaches, please join us on and around October 7 for moments of reflection, remembrance, and togetherness.

In addition, a special issue of TAMUZ on healing and courage is out.

Echoes of October 7: Voices from a Year Passed
This solemn anniversary event will feature insights from journalists, foreign affairs experts, and families who have lived through these challenging times.
Mon, Sep 30, 7–8:30 pm

Havdalah for the Hostages: October 7 Commemoration
Join JCC CEO Rabbi Joanna Samuels and musician Cantor Shimon Smith for a song circle and Havdalah service honoring the October 7 anniversary and to pray for the release of the hostages.
Sat, Oct 5, 7:30–8:30 pm

October Shadows: A Space of Anguish, Loss, Anger, Memory + Sorrow
The video art exhibition curates work by artists whose creative activity reflects the atrocious times Israeli society has been facing since October 7. 
Mon, Oct 7 (JCC Lobby)

Harmony of Remembrance: Music for the Fallen
Join us in the JCC lobby for profoundly moving music sessions. Through the universal language of music, we’ll embark on a journey of reflection, respect, and remembrance.
Mon, Oct 7, noon, 2 pm + 5 pm

October 7: Remembrance Through Purpose (For Teens)
Commemorate the memory of those lost on October 7 by coming together in song, community, prayer and meaningful conversation. This event will feature a storytelling activity, followed by the opportunity to share personal reflections and engage in a meaningful song session to honor innocent lives lost.
Tue, Oct 8 6:30–8 pm
Email Naomi Skop-Richter to register.

Sharim Zikaron (In Hebrew)
Take part in an evening of song and remembrance in memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and civilians from October 7.
Thu, Oct 10, 7 pm

Positive Psychology Hour—A Year in Review: How Hope Can Help Us Now
Join us for an insightful session with Oded Adomi Leshem as he explores what hope research reveals one year after October 7. 
Tue, Oct 15, noon–1 pm

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The JCC does not have tickets for the UJA October 7 Community-Wide Commemoration in Central Park.

You may request tickets for an indoor livestream of the event taking place at Temple Emanu-El. 

Mon, Oct 7, Doors open at 4:30 pm

Find a full listing of community events outside of Manhattan here.

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Keeping Our Community Safe

The JCC remains vigilant about safety. We are taking proactive steps that are both visible and not visible to community members out of an abundance of caution. This includes increasing the number of security guards (all of whom are former law enforcement officers) and liaising closely with our partners at NYPD. In addition, our Senior Director of Security, Sean O'Connor, is in close touch with federal, state, and local law enforcement at all levels. We are thankful to our community members for complying with our safety procedures.

Give to the JCC's David H. Sonabend Center for Israel, supporting Israeli children, families, artists, and educational experiences. Your donations allow the JCC to:

  • Hold educational forums on antisemitism.
  • Provide resources to teens and their families.
  • Gather the community for solace and connection.
  • Offer programming in Hebrew.
  • Provide vital support groups for Israeli families.

From Our CEO

Friday, March 15, 2024

Dear JCC Community,
 
This Shabbat, Jewish communities worldwide will read the closing chapters of the Book of Exodus, which describe the completion of the building of the Mishkan. The Mishkan, a portable sanctuary created during the children of Israel's journey in the wilderness, was an enthusiastically communal DIY undertaking. As the Torah describes in great detail, artisans of all types contributed their talents: skilled community members spun yarn, embroidered linens, cut wood, and carved stones. Serving as a spiritual center for the whole community, the Mishkan led the people through uncertainty and travail. Its presence reminded them of God's presence.

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I thought about the Mishkan while visiting the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv last week during my trip to Israel with a wonderful group from the JCC. Hostages Square has become the central gathering point for supporting the 134 Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza and their bereft, grieving families.
 
It, too, has been a communal DIY enterprise. There are tents set up where hostage families can receive visits of support. There is a kiosk with paper and markers where one can write notes of comfort and prayer. There is a portable synagogue and, dramatically, a recreation of a tunnel in Gaza that visitors can walk through. At the center sits the Shabbat Table, a beautifully set dining table with a place setting for each person being held hostage. In seeking to support a community through the unbearable pain of this crisis, Hostages Square has also become a wellspring of human creativity and lovingkindness.
 
Hostages Square, like the Mishkan, was built lovingly by the community. And like the Mishkan, the presence of the Holy indeed dwells there.
 
Thousands of miles away, we will continue to connect ourselves to the sacred work of longing and prayer. Please join me this Saturday night at 7:30 pm in the JCC lobby to sing and pray at our weekly Havdalah for the Hostages.
 
Shabbat Shalom,

Joanna Samuels Signature

Rabbi Joanna Samuels
Chief Executive Officer

Ways to Connect

Events are updated daily

Take 1 minute a day to support the release of hostages.
oneminaday.com was created to generate significant pressure on US elected officials to demand the release of the hostages in Gaza. The website simplifies the process of contacting your elected representative simply by entering your zip code.

Community is more important than ever.
You belong here; join the JCC today for $180/year (regularly $245). Community Members enjoy year-round benefits, including discounts on JCC programs, fitness, and neighborhood businesses, special event invitations, and priority registration.


JCC Positive Psychology Hour: Hope Amidst Conflict + Violence (Video Replay)
Caroline Kohles, JCC Senior Director of Health + Wellness, spoke with Oded Adomi Leshem, Ph.D. of Hope Amidst Conflict & Violence about what is going on in Israel through the lens of hope and positive psychology.

PHOTOS

UWS Jewish Community gathers in prayer and solidarity at Congregation Ansche Chesed
UWS Jewish Community gathers in prayer and solidarity at Congregation Ansche Chesed
UWS Jewish Community gathers in prayer and solidarity at Congregation Ansche Chesed
UWS Jewish Community gathers in prayer and solidarity at Congregation Ansche Chesed
UWS Jewish Community gathers in prayer and solidarity at Congregation Ansche Chesed
UWS Jewish Community gathers in prayer and solidarity at Congregation Ansche Chesed
UWS Jewish Community gathers in prayer and solidarity at Congregation Ansche Chesed
UWS Jewish Community gathers in prayer and solidarity at Congregation Ansche Chesed
Flags are raised at the 'Stand with Israel' rally in New York City on October 10, 2023
Flags are waved at the 'Stand with Israel' vigil and rally in New York City on October 10, 2023
JCC CEO Rabbi Joanna Samuels on stage at 'Stand with Israel' rally in New York City on October 10, 2023
JCC CEO Rabbi Joanna Samuels on stage at 'Stand with Israel' rally in New York City on October 10, 2023
Participant holds a sign at 'Stand with Israel' rally in New York City on October 10, 2023
Participant holds a sign at 'Stand with Israel' rally in New York City on October 10, 2023
The lobby of the JCC opened to the community to gather for coffee and conversations
The lobby of the JCC opened to the community to gather for coffee and conversations
The lobby of the JCC opened to the community to gather for coffee and conversations
The lobby of the JCC opened to the community to gather for coffee and conversations
The lobby of the JCC opened to the community to gather for coffee and conversations
The lobby of the JCC opened to the community to gather for coffee and conversations
The lobby of the JCC opened to the community to gather for coffee and activities for children
The lobby of the JCC opened to the community to gather for coffee and activities for children
Cellist Tamar Sagiv + fadolínist/composer Ljova playing music in the JCC Lobby Thursday, October 19
50 Years Later: Israel At War, a discussion with Chuck Freilich, Shiri Goren, and Yitzhak Loria; Thu, Oct 19
1,400 flowers were given anonymously to the JCC, in memory of Israeli lives lost
1,400 flowers were given anonymously to the JCC, in memory of Israeli lives lost
Passing along the 1,400 donated flowers to the local community
Passing along the 1,400 donated flowers to the local community
Passing along the 1,400 donated flowers to the local community
Passing along the 1,400 donated flowers to the local community
Passing along the 1,400 donated flowers to the local community
Passing along the 1,400 donated flowers to the local community
30 Days Later: UWS Congregations Come Together in Heartbreak, Song + Solidarity; at Rodeph Sholom. Photo: Omer Kaplan.
30 Days Later: UWS Congregations Come Together in Heartbreak, Song + Solidarity; at Rodeph Sholom. Photo: Omer Kaplan.
30 Days Later: UWS Congregations Come Together in Heartbreak, Song + Solidarity; at Rodeph Sholom. Photo: Omer Kaplan.
The JCC joined Israeli and Jewish women's groups to stand in solidarity with Israeli women who were sexually assaulted by Hamas (December 4)
The JCC joined Israeli and Jewish women's groups to stand in solidarity with Israeli women who were sexually assaulted by Hamas (December 4)

Resources

For Children + Families

How to talk to your children about this situation:
Our Chief Children + Family Officer, Jacqueline Marks, shares suggestions for conversations with children about tragic and difficult news, which have been adapted from Dr. Becky Kennedy's Guide for When Bad Things Happen. There is no one "right" way to navigate through this time. Please use this guide as a resource and trust your instincts—you know your family best.

National Association of School Psychologists:
Helping Children Cope with Frightening News
Helping Children Cope - Tips for Families and Educators

Kveller:
How to Talk to Kids About What's Happening in Israel Right Now

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has also developed resources to help children and their families navigate what they are seeing and feeling, notably coping after mass violence.

Combatting Antisemitism

We've gathered some useful online conversation guides, tactics, and additional resources that may help you combat antisemitism and discuss the current conflict in Israel.

Discussing the Conflict

News Outlets

Israeli News Outlets

Resources in Hebrew

Ways to Help

UJA-Federation of New York has launched an Israel Emergency Fund to offer the crucial support that will be needed in the days and weeks to come.

OLAM and SID-Israel have vetted this updated list of Israeli organizations to support.

Jewish Funders Network is updating this list of trusted agencies and nonprofits supported by their members in Israel and the US

Magen David Adom is Israel's medical first response and emergency services and representative to the International Red Cross.

Jgive is a national emergency fund to aid the war victims.

The Fund for Victims of Terrorism of The Jewish Agency, together with the Spirit of Israel and partners around the world, has been mobilized to help the victims through emergency grants and immediate assistance.

Nourish Israel by Jewish Food Society. Asif: Culinary Institute of Israel has mobilized several initiatives to cook and send meals to hospitals, displaced families, and those in need in Israel.

Send a letter to an IDF soldier

Visit oneminaday.com to easily contact your elected officials to support the release of the hostages in Gaza. 

Second Line is accepting applications for mental health professionals to volunteer, directly or remotely, with patients in Israel.


Please contact israel@mmjccm.org with any questions.

The David H. Sonabend Center for Israel fosters deeper understanding and connections between the diverse Jewish community in New York and the people of Israel. Our work is to promote broader and more civil dialogue among the diverse New York Jewish community, including expat Israelis, about Israel and our relationship with it; to create a more informed New York Jewish community; to foster and promote broader understanding and dialogue with native Israelis, both in New York and Israel; to broaden and deepen the connection and commitment to Israel by the New York Jewish Community as a whole; and to educate targeted populations among the people of Israel about American Jewry.

Through classes, lectures, panel discussions, film, fine and performing arts, our seasonal magazine TAMUZ, and other cultural offerings, the JCC is a respected home of Israeli content and a place to explore and grow.

For additional information and to stay up-to-date on Israel current events, issues, and topics, please visit any of the resources below: 

Fig Tree at JCC Harlem
Fig Tree at JCC Harlem

In Person at JCC Harlem. JCC Harlem is teaming up with Fig Tree, an independent Jewish education program for children ages 5–12, to bring new and enriching Jewish learning opportunities to our community.

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1,750.00
Members
1,750.00
Public
Fig Tree at JCC Harlem
Fig Tree at JCC Harlem

In Person at JCC Harlem. JCC Harlem is teaming up with Fig Tree, an independent Jewish education program for children ages 5–12, to bring new and enriching Jewish learning opportunities to our community.

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-
1,775.00
Members
1,775.00
Public
Honors Hebrew (weekly with Rachel)
Honors Hebrew (weekly with Rachel)

Virtual. A link to your Zoom classroom will be in your confirmation email and emailed to you 30 minutes before each class.
We use the Israeli Ulpan method and materials to teach and improve Hebrew
language skills-speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing. You'll find

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-
528.00
Members
600.00
Public
Hebrew Newspapers (weekly with Orly)
Hebrew Newspapers (weekly with Orly)

Virtual. A link to your Zoom classroom will be in your confirmation email and emailed to you 30 minutes before each class.
We use the Israeli Ulpan method and materials to teach and improve Hebrew
language skills-speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing. You'll find

-
-
528.00
Members
600.00
Public
Honors Hebrew (weekly with Rachel)
Honors Hebrew (weekly with Rachel)

 Virtual. A link to your Zoom classroom will be in your confirmation email and emailed to you 30 minutes before each class.
We use the Israeli Ulpan method and materials to teach and improve Hebrew
language skills-speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing. You'll find

-
-
528.00
Members
600.00
Public
Havurah Pickup: PS 87 + PS 199 (Judaism Through Cooking and Food, 5-8 Years)
Havurah Pickup: PS 87 + PS 199 (Judaism Through Cooking and Food, 5-8 Years)

In Person. Want to extend your child’s Friday? Our Jewish Enrichment program after school on Fridays offers pickup from PS 87 and PS 199 and a walk with a counselor back to the JCC. Children will enjoy a snack, Jewish stories, and educational short films there before beginning the program at 3:15 pm.

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95.00
Members
125.00
Public
Making Sense of the Bible
Making Sense of the Bible

In Person. How are we to understand a document thousands of years old? Is it fact or fiction? Law or morality? We will start at the beginning and examine the original text in detail to see if it is relevant today. No knowledge of Hebrew necessary.

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165.00
Members
185.00
Public
Havurah Pickup: PS 87 + PS 199 (Judaism Through Tikkun Olam and Community Service, 5-8 Years)
Havurah Pickup: PS 87 + PS 199 (Judaism Through Tikkun Olam and Community Service, 5-8 Years)

In Person. Want to extend your child’s Friday? Our Jewish Enrichment program after school on Fridays offers pickup from PS 87 and PS 199 and a walk with a counselor back to the JCC. Children will enjoy a snack, Jewish stories, and educational short films there before beginning the program at 3:15 pm.

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-
95.00
Members
125.00
Public
Modern Jewish Baby
Modern Jewish Baby

In Person + Virtual. Modern Jewish Baby is a wonderful way for parents with babies and toddlers to connect with each other and with experts in early childhood and Judaism.

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50.00
Members
50.00
Public
R + R Teen Volunteers
R + R Teen Volunteers

In Person.Teens ages 12-15 are invited to become R + R Volunteer Helpers. R + R is a special Shabbat experience for our community members of all ages, with workshops in art, yoga, meditation, food, art projects, play, and more.

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0.00
Members
0.00
Public
Tu B’Shevat Seder
Tu B’Shevat Seder

Rabbi Brian Fink

In Person. Come together as a community and learn more about the Tu B’Shevat holiday, a festive celebration of nature. Sample delicious fruits and nuts and taste your choice of wine or grape juice.

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15.00
Members
20.00
Public
Havurah Pickup: PS 87 + PS 199 (Judaism Through Storytelling and Book Making, 5-8 Years)
Havurah Pickup: PS 87 + PS 199 (Judaism Through Storytelling and Book Making, 5-8 Years)

In Person. Want to extend your child’s Friday? Our Jewish Enrichment program after school on Fridays offers pickup from PS 87 and PS 199 and a walk with a counselor back to the JCC. Children will enjoy a snack, Jewish stories, and educational short films there before beginning the program at 3:15 pm.

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-
95.00
Members
125.00
Public
Settoga 365: Passover Immersive Experience + Kiddush at The JCC (2-8 Years)
Settoga 365: Passover Immersive Experience + Kiddush at The JCC (2-8 Years)

In Person. Prepare for Passover with an immersive family experience at the JCC! Designed for families with children 10 and under, this program will explore key themes of the holiday through interactive activities, offering a fun and educational way to connect with the Passover story.

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15.00
Members
18.00
Public
Havurah Pickup: PS 87 + PS 199 (Shabbat Show, A Jewish Theatrical Adventure, 5-8 Years)
Havurah Pickup: PS 87 + PS 199 (Shabbat Show, A Jewish Theatrical Adventure, 5-8 Years)

In Person. Want to extend your child’s Friday? Our Jewish Enrichment program after school on Fridays offers pickup from PS 87 and PS 199 and a walk with a counselor back to the JCC. Children will enjoy a snack, Jewish stories, and educational short films there before beginning the program at 3:15 pm.

-
-
95.00
Members
125.00
Public
Settoga 365: Pizza and Planting at Camp Settoga (0-12 Years)
Settoga 365: Pizza and Planting at Camp Settoga (0-12 Years)

In Person. Let’s get Camp Settoga ready for summer! This Shavuot celebration will cover our campgrounds in flowers, as Mount Sinai was decorated on the day the Jewish people received the Torah. Camp sports, including mini golf and pickleball, will also be open, as well as a Shavuot project in the art center.

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36.00
Members
36.00
Public

Help us continue to ensure accessible programming for everyone. Please support Israel programs at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.