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.
Rabbi Joanna Samuels Speaks at a Rally Supporting the State of Israel
"My name is Joanna Samuels and I am a rabbi, a feminist, an observant Jewish woman, and a proud Zionist."
— Joanna Samuels
stories from Spring 2023
From Camper to Counselor to Leader
“Letting go of your inhibitions and embracing the Settoga identity comes with a genuine happiness and freedom that leaves you feeling like a camper again.”
—Leila Clavijo
Naomi Sage Named New Director of JCC Harlem
"JCC Harlem has been a second home for my family. Developing and leading community in Harlem has been the joy of my life."
— Naomi Sage
Discourse on Supreme Court Decisions
"Pessimism leads to inaction; optimism leads to involvement."
— Eric Holder
Tackling Food Insecurity During Passover
"This work of meeting local needs is core to CSR's mission, which is to address local challenges."
— Sheryl Parker
The Impact of Jewish Women on Video Art
"It is a true honor as an artist to show my work alongside these legends…I am truly humbled to be trusted with their art to create this unique multiscreen video installation."
— Sharon Balaban
stories from Winter 2023
Celebrating Purim
"As we celebrate, may our joy and laughter echo in the walls of the JCC, and our gratitude and love be carried out with us into the rest of our worlds."
— Rabbi Yael Rapport
Returning Home as Rabbi-in-Residence
"What excites me about the community is what I have witnessed from the outside, which is a growth in self-understanding of mission, purpose, and relationship to the neighborhood."
— Rabbi Mira Rivera
A Dozen Years of JSport
"The response of all of our 20s + 30s programming has been incredibly positive and enthusiastic, and JSport is no exception."
— Michael Kalmin
Recovery through Community
"We embark on this journey of creating a more inclusive and more responsive approach to the real lives of people in our community."
— Rabbi Joanna Samuels