Summer of Light

Journalist and author Jane Eisner places King’s life in historical and cultural context, revealing details of her humble beginnings in postwar Jewish Brooklyn, the roots of her musical genius, her four marriages, and her anguish about public life. Drawing on numerous interviews as well as historical and contemporary sources, this book brings to life King’s accomplishments, her personal challenges, and her lasting contributions to the great American songbook. Moderated by Stephanie Butnick.

Looking for the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday? Join us for Family Pool Day at Camp Settoga—a fun-filled day for families with children of all ages to enjoy our beautiful campgrounds in the great outdoors.

Families will enjoy:

• Open swim in our Olympic-sized pool

• Access to our playground, basketball courts, mini-golf, soccer, and gaga pit

• A kosher lunch, snacks, and refreshments

• Round-trip bus transportation from the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Event Time: 11 am–2 pm
Bus Departure from JCC: 10 am | Return to JCC: 3 pm
Driving yourself? Free parking is available on-site.

This event is open to all families—no prior camp enrollment required. Come experience the magic of Settoga for a day!

Pricing Note: The registration fee covers up to 2 adults and 3 children from the same household. If your family requires different accommodations, please reach out—we’re happy to help!

Questions? Contact us at camps@mmjccm.org

Hit the court this fall with our Basketball Leagues for Teens, Tweens, and Adults at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan! Whether you’re looking for friendly competition or just a fun way to stay active, we’ve got a league for you. Teens and tweens can join age-based divisions designed for all skill levels — from casual players to seasoned athletes. Adults can sign up for weekly games in a welcoming, community-driven environment. Don’t miss your shot — spots are limited!

Teen/Tween Leagues
Adult League

Turning 2s is a joyful, drop-off program that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and early independence. Rooted in the belief that every child is competent, capable, and full of potential, our child-centered curriculum encourages exploration and creativity through hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences. In our warm, welcoming classrooms, caring teachers guide children as facilitators, helping them discover, grow, and thrive.

Turning 2s is a registration-based program (no application required), offered two mornings per week — families may choose either a Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday section. Designed for children turning two between September and December, the program runs from September through June. An optional third day is available through separate registration for our Friday class, Shabbat Together.

Toddler Playgroup
A gentle introduction to separation and classroom routines through play, song, and connection.
Available on Tuesdays & Thursdays at:

• 9 AM

• 10 AM

Shabbat Together
A Friday morning class celebrating Shabbat through stories, music, movement, and community.
Learn More + Register

Turning 2s
A drop-off program that nurtures independence and creativity through hands-on exploration.

• Mon/Wed

• Tue/Thu

Fall Toddler Playgroup + Winter Turning 2s Bundle
A seamless full-year experience for children transitioning from playgroup to drop-off. Bundle your favorites and save today!
Register + Save

A love letter to the early days of cinema, Hugo follows a resourceful orphan living in the walls of a bustling Paris train station who stumbles into a magical mystery involving Georges Méliès—the real-life pioneer of cinema—and discovers the wonder, magic, and resilience of filmmaking itself. Visually rich and emotionally tender, Hugo—directed by UWS Cinema Center adviser Martin Scorsese—is a family-friendly celebration of the dreams sparked by cinema and the people who keep those dreams alive. Featuring Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, and Sacha Baron Cohen. 

Directed by Martin Scorsese

(US, 2011, 126 min)

Screening followed by Q+A. Presented as part of the new Upper West Side Cinema Center’s pop-up film series “For the Love of Cinema.”

Havurah’s semester long programs are designed to embrace Jewish culture and traditions through interactive, project-based learning. Studying Jewish holidays, Hebrew language, Torah stories, community service opportunities, and exploration of Jewish identity are significant parts of every child’s Havurah experience. Each semester culminates in an immersive Jewish family experience to showcase their projects.

For more information, please contact Rachel Kaye rkaye@mmjccm.org.

Looking for a way to ensure your child gets safely from school to their after-school activities? Want to guarantee their afternoons are filled with play, productivity, and a nurturing community? The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is your one-stop-shop for all of this and more. We’ll pick up your child from their school and make sure they’re comfortably situated at the JCC and that they have a great time in the process! We are pleased to share that we are offering pick-up service and Clubhouse on Mondays–Thursdays for children in grades PK–5 enrolled in PS 9, PS 87, PS 334, PS 199, Parkside, Success Academy Upper West, MDS and Calhoun.

If we do not offer pick-up from your school, but you are still interested in our Clubhouse program, we also offer an option to register for Drop-Off Clubhouse. The program runs Mondays-Thursdays from school dismissal until 5:30 pm, and you are welcome to register for one, two, three, or four afternoons a week.

Becoming a parent, whether it is of your first or fourth child, can feel profound, transformational, and disorienting. This six-week group offers a warm, welcoming space to connect with other new parents, share honestly, and build community in the early months of life with a baby. Each session includes conversation, support, and reflection around the themes that matter most:

Feeding ? breast, bottle, formula, and all the complexities of each choice

Postpartum mental health and self-care that’s accessible

Navigating partnership – negotiating roles and dividing labor, while trying to stay emotionally connected

Childcare and work – navigating return plans, pauses, and new possibilities

Who am I now? – The sweeping identity shift of new parenthood: physical, psychological, and existential

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, in love, in doubt, or just in need of adult conversation, this group is here to help you feel less alone. Come as you are – exhausted, joyful, messy, uncertain – and find solidarity in a room full of people who are right there with you.

The group will be led by Kate Kirschner, LMSW, PMH-C, a psychotherapist specializing in perinatal mental health and Upper West Side mother of two.

Join us for a celebration of female jazz vocalists, starring renowned Imani Rouselle and The MusicTalks Jazz Trio, and set against a beautiful sunset on the JCC rooftop.

Embark on a musical journey down memory lane as we honor the contributions of women in jazz, from Ella Fitzgerald to Billie Holiday, Darah Vaughn to Nina Simone.

Discover the untold stories of beloved jazz standards that were actually written by women, such as Lil Armstrong (the wife of Louis Armstrong) and Alice Coltrane (the wife of John Coltrane), and more!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience with MusicTalks as we celebrate the timeless film scores crafted by Jewish composers! Join us for a dazzling tribute featuring the incredible MusicTalks string ensemble, where we’ll journey through the iconic melodies of masterpieces like Psycho, Titanic, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Greatest Showman.

In Person. Join us for some summer fun on the JCC Roof! A professional instructor will lead a beginner-friendly salsa lesson – no experience needed, just come ready to move. We’ll have lively salsa beats, refreshing mocktails, and plenty of time to dance, mingle, and enjoy the rooftop vibes under the stars.

Mon, Aug 4, 7:15-8:30 pm, $15/$18

Part of Summer of Light.

Deepen your relationship with Israel by learning Hebrew with Ulpan, an Israeli method for teaching and improving all conversational Hebrew language skills—speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing.

You’ll find small, interactive day and evening classes at all levels. Summer 2025 classes will begin on Mon, Jul 7. Registration is open!

What do coral reefs have to do with your favorite pair of jeans? Is H&M really more sustainable than Chanel? And how did the clothes on our backs become part of the world’s second most polluting industry?

In this eye-opening talk, Killer Sale, we’ll follow the journey of a garment–from cotton fields to landfill–unpacking the environmental and social costs of the global fashion industry along the way. We’ll shed light on the working conditions of garment workers in the Global South, examine our own wardrobes and consumption habits, and explore alternative, conscious ways to love fashion without compromising the planet.

Perfect for fashion lovers with a conscience, and anyone curious about the hidden threads connecting style, society, and sustainability.

Art restorer and legendary spy Gabriel Allon must solve the perfect crime in the dazzling new tale of murder, greed, and corruption from #1 New York Times bestselling novelist Daniel Silva.

This conversation will be moderated by Maxwell Anderson.

In Person. Start your day with gentle movement and mindful breath as the sun rises. This slow flow yoga class awakens the body, calms the mind, and sets a peaceful tone for the rest of your day. Suitable for all levels.

2 Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 am
July 8
August 5

This event is presented in partnership with American Friends of NATAL – Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center.

Liron Weizman’s “Back from Gaza – The Unending Battle” is a powerful sequel to her acclaimed documentary that first introduced audiences to Eliran Mizrahi’s courageous battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. After sharing his story on camera, Eliran’s mental health tragically deteriorated, culminating in his devastating suicide. This poignant follow-up illuminates the lasting impact of his loss, revealing the profound pain and quiet suffering endured by his loved ones and fellow soldiers.

Will could never compete in the sport he’s always loved: racewalking. While struggling to find respect as a coach, Will’s fortunes change when he spots a burnout pitcher with the most impeccable racewalking stride he’s ever seen. Together, Will and Matt team up, face the challenges of a sport that doesn’t want them, and to try to take down the best walker in the country.

The Slamdance Unstoppable: On The Road lineup was programmed from major festivals, including Slamdance, Sundance, ReelAbilities, Superfest, and Easterseals Disability Services. Programmed exclusively by artists with visible and non-visible disabilities, the tour will expand the Slamdance Unstoppable programming into arthouse theaters across the U.S. – championing underrepresented voices and fostering accessibility and representation to new audiences across the country.

Screening co-presented by ReelAbilities.

Dir. Phil Moniz, Kevin Claydon (US, 2024, 80 min)

Raised in a Jewish household in Pittsburgh, Charles Grodin’s life embodied the concept of Tikkun Olam. The film not only celebrates Charles Grodin’s hilarious acting career, but also his remarkable, decades-long, successful fight to get wrongly convicted people—most of whom were mothers of color with young children—out of prison.  

The film includes interviews with Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Elaine May, Carol Burnett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Alan Arkin, Ellen Burstyn, Marc Maron, Lewis Black, Marlo Thomas, Richard Kind, Jon Lovitz, plus several of the women Chuck got released from prison.

Screening followed by Q+A with director James L. Freedman.

Dir. James L. Freedman (US, 2025, 93 min)

On the verge of bankruptcy and desperate for his big break, aspiring filmmaker Bobby Bowfinger concocts a crazy plan to make his ultimate dream movie. Rallying a ragtag team that includes a starry-eyed ingenue, a has-been diva and a film studio gofer, he sets out to shoot a blockbuster featuring the biggest star in Hollywood, Kit Ramsey — only without letting Ramsey know he’s in the picture. Featuring Eddie Murphy and Steve Martin.

Screening followed by Q+A with director Frank Oz. Presented as part of the new Upper West Side Cinema Center’s pop-up film series “For the Love of Cinema.”

Dir. Frank Oz (US, 1999, 97 min)

In 1987, Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award and was thrust into the spotlight at 21 years old. She seized the moment to challenge an industry unprepared for her immense talent, emerging as a trailblazer not only as a performer (The West Wing, Law & Order, CODA) but also as an author and activist. In this documentary, Matlin opens up about her personal and professional struggles – her meteoric rise to fame, the challenges of navigating a predominantly hearing industry, the pain of a tumultuous high-profile relationship, getting sober and years of being overlooked by Hollywood – alongside her many triumphs. Through interviews with both Deaf and hearing contributors, the film weaves a poignant narrative of Matlin’s legendary career, highlighting her tireless fight for inclusion and representation in an entertainment world that at first had no place for her.

Screening co-presented by ReelAbilities.

Dir. Shoshannah Stern (US, 2025, 98 min)

Multiple Screenings:

Mon, Jul 7, 5:30 + 7:30 pm

Tue, Jul 8, 5:30 + 7:30 pm

Wed, Jul 9, 5:30 + 7:30 pm

Thu, Jul 10, 5:30 + 7:30 pm

When David and his fiancée Meg gather for his family’s traditional Shabbat dinner on New York’s Upper West Side, things spiral faster than you can say “hamotzi” when an accidental death (or…murder?) derails the evening entirely. With Meg’s devoutly Catholic parents due any moment to meet David’s very Jewish family, soon Shabbat becomes a comedy of biblical proportions.

Kyra Sedgwick and Cliff “Method Man” Smith lead a hilarious ensemble cast in the award-winning comedy BAD SHABBOS, winner of the Audience Award at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.

Screening followed by Q+A with director Daniel Robbins.

Multiple Screenings:

Tue, Aug 5, 5:30 + 7:30 pm, $18

Mon, Aug 11, 5:30 + 7:30 pm, $18

Wed, Aug 13, 5:30 + 7:30 pm, $18

Thu, Aug 14, 5:30 + 7:30 pm, $18

Discover Your Favorite Fall Classes for Kids at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Fall 2025 registration is here! Get ready to enroll in your child’s favorite enrichment classes, featuring exciting new options for every age and interest.

Member Registration Opens: Wednesday, May 14 at 9 am
Public Registration Opens: Wednesday, May 21 at 9 am

Whether you’re looking for infant classes, preschool enrichment, after-school programs, or weekend activities for teens and tweens, our fall lineup has something for every family.

Plan ahead now, enjoy your summer later. Secure your spot in popular fall children’s classes before they fill up!

In a remarkably original and funny performance, Eric Jaffe tells the story of growing up in the shadow of the Holocaust, while also coming of age at a time when genuine acceptance–not only of Jews but of all people–seemed within reach. Ranging from Transylvania to Bangladesh, from Sweden to NYC, and drawing on everything from Socrates to professional wrestling, it’s a story of hope, disappointment, and the clash between youthful idealism and the realities of the Jewish experience.

City Birds is a new project in the tradition of Americana by Tamar Eisenman and Sagit Shir, two prominent musicians each in their own right, coming together to create a collection of songs which bring families together and celebrate childhood through songs that reflect inclusivity + love.

All ages are welcome. Tickets are required for everyone age 2 and up.

Join us for a soulful Lag B’Omer gathering centered around fire, light, and community connection. Through the power of song and spiritual reflection, we’ll kindle the flames of joy, resilience, and unity. Led by the inspiring voices of Cantor Shimon Smith and JCC Musician in Residence Ben Romano, this evening promises to uplift and illuminate. Sing, connect, and celebrate the sparks that bring us together.

Introduce your child to the joy of sports with Empire Baseball’s toddler baseball classes on the Upper West Side, offered at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan! These exciting, age-specific programs help toddlers and preschoolers build athletic skills through fun, engaging activities.

Baby Bats (Ages 18–24 Months)
This class is perfect for toddlers and their caregivers. It introduces them to baseball basics while developing motor skills like running, jumping, throwing, and catching. Children bond with their grown-up in a playful, supportive environment.

Little Bats (Ages 2–3 Years)
For older toddlers, this class encourages more independent movement. Children will continue developing athletic skills through creative games. Baseball-themed activities help them gain confidence, coordination, and a love for sports.

These toddler baseball classes on the Upper West Side are perfect for families seeking early childhood enrichment through movement and play. Spots are limited—register today and give your child a strong, fun start in youth sports!

We are so excited to invite you to join us on our Wechsler Center Israel Trip, from November 10–20, 2025.
This special mission is for anyone interested in volunteering and deepening their connection to Israel, including past, current, and prospective English Overseas volunteers. Partnering with Authentic Israel and the municipalities of Jerusalem and Beit She’an, we’re planning an unforgettable experience.

Trip Highlights

• Optional staff-chaperoned flights on El-Al
• 5 nights in Jerusalem at the 5-star Herbert Samuel Hotel
• 3 nights in Zichron Ya’akov, near Beit She’an, at the 5-star Elma Arts Hotel
• Authentic experiences with English Overseas students in Jerusalem, Beit She’an and possibly Givatayim
• Touring in Jerusalem and the lower Galilee/Carmel Mountain area, including Zichron Ya’akov and Beit She’an
• Shabbat in Jerusalem

Draft Itinerary

Upcoming Information Sessions:

Mon, Jul 28, 6-7:30 pm

Thu, Jul 31, 4:30-6 pm

Fri, Aug 1, 11:30 am-1 pm

Note: Authentic Israel will provide full refunds if the trip is cancelled due to security concerns.

Join us on a 90 minute tour of the nursery school to get a head start on nursery school admissions for the 2026-2027 school year.

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan offers FREE weekly open-run basketball sessions this summer for adults, teens, and tweens. Whether you’re looking to get in a casual game, improve your skills, or simply enjoy some friendly competition, our open runs are the perfect way to play and connect with others in the community. Join us for a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment—no matter your skill level!

Tween Basketball Open Run (Ages 10-13)

Join us for weekly basketball open runs designed for tweens. This is a great chance to improve skills and have fun!

Teen Basketball Open Run (Ages 14-18)

Calling all teen hoopers! Drop in for our teen basketball open runs and enjoy casual games and skill-building with friends.

Adult Basketball Open Run (Ages 18+)

Looking to get in a game? Join our adult open runs for a fun, relaxed basketball experience for all skill levels!

What if your home could do more than just manage chaos? What if it could support your child’s creativity, confidence, and independence?

In this parenting workshop, you’ll learn how to turn everyday moments into powerful learning experiences. Join Myriam Sandler—creator of @mothercould—and discover how to raise confident, creative kids through independent, open-ended play.

Myriam, author of Playful by Design, offers practical advice for designing playful spaces with what you already have at home. She’ll share tips that empower children to explore, problem-solve, and express themselves—without expensive toys or complicated setups.

Joining her is journalist and fellow parent Stephanie Butnick, co-host of Unorthodox and co-author of The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia. Together, they’ll have an honest, engaging conversation about parenting in real life. You’ll leave with tools you can use right away—no matter your home’s size or your child’s age.

🎟️ Each ticket comes with a copy of Playful by Design: Your Stress-Free Guide to Raising Confident, Creative Kids through Independent Play.

📅 Don’t miss this engaging parenting workshop designed for families of all kinds.

📍 Learn more about the JCC’s Children + Families programs
🔗 Discover more tips from Mothercould on Instagram

Gustav Klimt, one of the most revolutionary artists in recent memory, lived in tumultuous times, suspended at the turn of the century in the stylistic seam between Art Nouveau, Expressionism, and Symbolism.

This lecture – led by curator, fashion historian, and Ph.D. candidate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Yaara Keydar – will explore how his breathtaking portraits reflect the upheavals of the era and its fashions through his distinct depictions of women, nudity, sensuality, and the supernatural. Klimt’s turbulent life story is also that of his beloved Emilie Flöge, a pioneering fashion designer and predecessor of Coco Chanel, whose contributions have since been largely forgotten.

SALE EXTENDED: Join the JCC Health Club by August 31 + Receive Two Free Months! Or Join the Pool + Get a Free Month or $150 Off! $0 Enrollment Fee.*

Summer’s ending and so is this red hot deal on membership. Enjoy the use of two pools, a spacious fitness center, gymnasium with two basketball courts, unlimited group exercise classes, pickleball games, discounts on other JCC programs, and so much more!

Learn more about this limited time offer. Have questions? Email joinjcc@mmjccm.org or call 646.505.4414.

*Restrictions apply.

Using animation, a live painting performance, and readings with illustrated slides, Yossi and Yarden Vassa showcase how art and storytelling merge in a graphic novel. The touching autobiography, created with sensitivity and humor, tells a universal immigration story about the desire to belong. The Last Day to Dress Up is the prestigious Devora Omer Literature Award winner, selected for Israel’s Ministry of Education’s Book Parade and the Illustration Library at the Israel Museum.

Our exciting summer class lineup is now open to everyone! Secure your child’s place in programs designed to spark creativity, encourage movement, and build lasting friendships.

View all class options, create your ideal summer schedule, and claim your spot before sessions reach capacity!

We’re partnering with professional photographer Michelle Gevint of Teeny Panda Photography for mini family photo sessions during peak cherry blossom season.

Quick, Easy, and Stunning!

Michelle has over 10 years of experience in family portraiture. These 15-minute sessions are designed to be effortless and fun, capturing authentic moments against a breathtaking spring backdrop.

Join us for The Torah of Today, a monthly series in partnership with the world-renowned Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. In this series, we will explore Jewish texts in the context of contemporary American life.

Each session will feature dynamic Pardes-style learning and chavruta (paired study), with space for open questions and lively debates.

Unpack essential Jewish values in the context of American life with the esteemed Rabba Yaffa Epstein.

April Session: The Torah of Work: What defines us as professionals

What’s Included:

Dynamic Shiur and Chavruta study led by Yaffa Epstein.
Engaging discussions on democracy, citizenship, and more.
Optional kosher dinner before the learning (additional fee applies).
Dessert and community time to close the evening.

Together, we will examine essential themes like democracy, citizenship, community, and environmental stewardship. All levels are welcome. Come ready to engage, question, and grow!

Join us for The Torah of Today, a monthly series in partnership with the world-renowned Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. In this series, we will explore Jewish texts in the context of contemporary American life. Each session will feature dynamic Pardes-style learning and chavruta (paired study), with space for open questions and lively debates.