Israel Programs

Rally participants hold up Israel flags Tuesday Oct 10, 2023 in the UN Plaza in NYC
Israeli Flag
Tel Aviv

Keeping Our Community Safe

In light of the attacks in Israel, we want to share with our JCC community that we remain 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:

  • Welcome Israeli children into our school.
  • Host the Jerusalem Biennale in our gallery.
  • 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

Pray for the hostages at a weekly Havdalah.
Join Rabbi Joanna Samuels to end Shabbat as a community each Saturday. Holding in our hearts the unbearable plight of the hostages in Gaza, we will join in solidarity and hope for their release. Free and open to all. Registration is not required but requested.

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.


Havdalah to Pray for the Hostages
In Person. Join us for Havdalah to pray for the release of the hostages held in Gaza since October 7. For more information, click the link.
Saturdays, times vary, free | Canceled Mar 23

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 @ JCC Harlem
Fig Tree @ JCC Harlem

In Person.  JCC Harlem is teaming up with Fig Tree, an independent Jewish education program for children ages 3–13, to bring new and enriching Jewish learning opportunities to our community.

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-
675.00
Members
675.00
Public
Havurah (4-7 Years)
Havurah (4-7 Years)

In Person. Havurah is a fun and meaningful way for children to develop their Jewish identities and build Jewish community. Through explorations of Jewish values, rituals, stories, and culture, the Havurah experience sparks wonder and joy, builds confidence, and inspires creativity.

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-
1,825.00
Members
1,825.00
Public
JCC Teen Volunteer Corps (14-18 Years)
JCC Teen Volunteer Corps (14-18 Years)

In Person. Join the Jewish Teen Volunteer Corps and engage in acts of kindness and community service to heal the world, starting in our UWS community. This volunteer-centered program offers teens a platform to impact the lives of others and themselves while connecting with Jewish values.

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150.00
Members
150.00
Public
Meditative Drum Circle
Meditative Drum Circle

In Person. Release your stress and uplift your spirit by playing hand-drums and percussion in our rhythm-making circle! Trust the science of entrainment and connect to the delicious collective beat and song.

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18.00
Members
18.00
Public
Who are you really, Investigator X?
Who are you really, Investigator X?

In Person. This stirring lecture will open a portal into the complex world of Shin Bet investigators. Compelling stories from the field, including dilemmas, challenges, and moments of struggle between an investigator and terrorist, will captivate the audience.

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20.00
Members
20.00
Public
Sharim Zikaron
Sharim Zikaron
In Person. Take part in an evening of songs and remembrance for Yom Hazikaron in memory of Israel's fallen soldiers and civilian victims of terrorism.
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0.00
Members
0.00
Public
Longing: Honoring Fallen Israeli Soldiers + Civilian Victims- Afternoon
Longing: Honoring Fallen Israeli Soldiers + Civilian Victims- Afternoon
In Person. Join us at "Longing," where we honor the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes. Read the names of friends, family, and others who sacrificed their lives for Israel. Let their names be heard, their spirits felt, and ensure their bravery is remembered for generations to come.
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0.00
Members
0.00
Public
Memorial Tree Dedication
Memorial Tree Dedication

In Person. Join us as we unveil a Tree of Life in the JCC Rooftop Garden to celebrate those members of the Wechsler Center who are no longer with us. A brief reception will follow.

Rain Date: Mon, May 20

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0.00
Members
0.00
Public
Connections Summer Retreat
Connections Summer Retreat

Join us on a summer getaway July 22-24, for three days of adventure at Lake George! Highlights include visiting Six Flags amusement park and  water parks, explore the town of Lake George, and dance the night away while listening to live music!

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1,200.00
Members
1,200.00
Public

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