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.

stories from Winter 2023

A Book Festival to Inspire Book Lovers

"My hope for the whole festival is to help people feel more connected to books. I want people to be inspired to read more. It’s as simple as that."

— Udi Urman

Celebrating Chanukah with Community at the JCC

“Chanukah is all about increasing light and all that light brings to our world—warmth, visibility, and illumination.”

— Jacqueline Marks

White Hot Saturday Night Returns

“It’s a beautiful way to get together with old and new friends and show how much we love and appreciate the JCC.”

— Natalie Batalion

JCC Art Studios Reopen After Nearly Three-Year Pause

"I believe that our ceramics studio is a beautiful showcase of what our community is all about. It's about the heart."

— Udi Urman

16th Annual Other Israel Film Festival Opens at the JCC

"We are excited to re-engage with our audiences and host these timely conversations, with hopes of activating people and changing perceptions."

After a 2-Year Delay, Chef’s Table Makes Its Cafe Debut

"The emphasis will be on fresh, healthy, wholesome food…that's really what I do."

— Bruce Soffer

These Upper West Siders Call the JCC Home

In the 21 years they’ve been coming to the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Lenore and Steve Sherman have enjoyed a range of classes and programs together, from Zumba, Board30, and Pilates to jewelry-making, films, and conversations. They’re also regulars at the fitness center. “I’ll try any class the gym has to offer,” says Steve.

Shomer Collective to Keep “What Matters” Flame Burning Bright

From the time it was introduced at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan in 2015, What Matters: Caring Conversations About End of Life has helped countless people record and communicate their end of life wishes to family, friends, and healthcare professionals.

Dogs Lend a Paw in Kids’ Literacy Skills

When 10-year-old Leo logs on to his weekly Zoom call with Brooke Helburn, he doesn’t waste time on small talk. After an enthusiastic “Hi!” he cracks open his copy of Beverly Cleary’s classic Ribsy and, once Helburn reminds him where they left off the previous week, starts reading. “He’s all business,” she says, laughing.

BBYO Leaders Take Skills to New Levels

As members of Empire AZA and L’Dor Vador BBG, the two chapters of BBYO Manhattan based at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Zachary Traum, 17, and Daniela Koplin, 16, have proven themselves to be capable and innovative leaders.