CULTURAL ARTS
THE MIAMI BEACH JCC IS YOUR PLACE TO FIND UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
Dear Members, Friends and Supporters,
Welcome to an exciting new season of Art, Culture & Ideas at the Miami Beach JCC –your place to find your people and feel at home!
We are delighted to present this year’s vibrant program, which highlights a diverse array of events and classes designed to inspire and engage. This year, we are embracing a special theme: “Unity in the Community.” This theme has been at the forefront of our planning, guiding us as we curate a season filled with opportunities to strengthen connections, overcome our differences, and celebrate our shared experiences. Our programming reflects this commitment to unity, featuring thought-provoking lectures, captivating performances, interactive workshops, celebrated films, and artistic exhibitions that bring people together. We believe that fostering a sense of togetherness is essential, and we are excited to offer experiences that encourage collaboration and mutual understanding.
Whether you are a long-time member or new in town, we warmly invite you to join us in this journey toward greater unity. We look forward to a season of creativity, learning, and a deepened sense of community.
Warm regards,
Holly Levy, Linda Schechter, and Mytyl Simancas-Bister CHAIRS, ART | CULTURE | IDEAS
Miami Beach JCC is a proud Cultural Anchor of the city of Miami Beach with the support of the City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council, and the Miami Beach Mayor and City Commissioners.
Want to learn more about what’s happening? Check out the full schedule, speakers, and events!
Visit us online mbjcc.ticketleap.com/ or scan the QR code now!
The Miami Beach Jewish Community Center (MBJCC) is committed to creating a welcoming environment grounded in Jewish values, where we embrace and celebrate diversity in ethnicity, religion, race, age, gender, and abilities.
NOVEMBER
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 | 9:15
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 |
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
JANUARY 22 | 12:30 PM
and Learn: Beth Levin, The Closet Queen
MONDAY, JANUARY 27 | 11:00 AM
the Holocaust through Film, Literature, and Testimony
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 |12:30 PM Lunch and Learn: Lazlo Selly, My Story of Survival 10 FEBRUARY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 | 12:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 | 7:30 PM
Special Author Event: Larry Tye “ The Jazzman” 3 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 | 11:00 AM Theater Class with John Dalton and Director of “Appropriate” 12
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 | 7:30 PM Israeli Film Series: “The Three of Us”
FEBRUARY 13 | 7:30 PM
FEBRUARY 16 | 2:00 PM
FEBRUARY 20 | 7:30 PM
FEBRUARY 24 | 11:00 AM
Identity, and Antisemitism: A Conversation with Zoe Buckman and Zibby Owens moderated by Mindy
MARCH 6 | 7:30
APRIL 7 | 7:30 PM
|12:30 PM
SPECIAL EVENTS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21 | 7:30 PM
Sukkot Sip and Savor
Under the Stars with Miami Arak
$25 | Members: $18
Please join us for a Sukkot Celebration at the Miami Beach JCC – Experience the Miami Influenced Flavors of Miami Arak with unique food pairings.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 | 7:30 PM
Lee Yaron, Author of 10/7100 Human Stories
Free and Open to the Community
A masterful work of investigative journalism by acclaimed Haaretz reporter Lee Yaron, 10/7 chronicles the massacre that ignited a war through the stories of more than 100 civilians from all walks of life and the political spectrum. These stories are the products of extensive interviews with survivors, the bereaved, and first responders in Israel and beyond.
Lee Yaron has been a journalist with Haaretz, Israel’s oldest and most awardwinning newspaper, for nearly a decade. Born in Tel Aviv, Yaron splits her time between her native city and New York.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | 11:00 AM
Pink Day with Sharsheret
Suggested Donation: $18
Co-sponsored with Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute and Sharsheret, the Jewish Breast and Ovarian Cancer Community, in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
You’re invited to a Lunch & Learn event, “A Look at Healing through Expressive Arts.” Join us to honor breast cancer survivors and discover how music, visual arts, literature, and dance contribute to healing and well-being. We will watch a documentary by Alina Ko, hear from one of the film’s artists, and learn from a music therapist at Miami Cancer Institute. Panelists include Mali Schwartz, Breast Cancer Survivor and Sharsheret Ambassador, and Alexa Marsellos, Music Therapist at Miami Cancer Institute.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 | 7:30 PM
Voices of History, Lessons for Today: Why Holocaust Issues Matter for U.S. Foreign Policy with Stacy Bernard Davis Free and Open to the Community
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 | 10:00 AM
Limmud Miami/ Global Day of Jewish Learning
$36 | Early Bird: $25 At the Door: $54
Organized in Partnership with Limmud Miami and Limmud North America Please join us for a fresh, innovative kind of Jewish learning program bringing to you a variety of experiential Jewish learning experiences!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 | 11:00 AM
Canasta Tournament with Coach Elyse Kremins
$50 | Members: $36
Experience an exciting day of Canasta with levels for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Whether you come with a partner or on your own, we’ll pair you up for a great game. Enjoy expert insights from Coach Elyse Kremins, known as the #1 Canasta Coach in the country, and a delicious lunch while you play. Don’t miss out on this fun and positive event. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams and/or players at the end of the tournament.
Proceeds to benefit Arts & Culture and Adult Programs at the MBJCC.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 | 7:30 PM
Janna Brooke Wallack, Naked Girl
Free and Open to the Community
A stunning debut novel by Janna Brooke Wallack, of two siblings, growing up in 1980s Miami Beach, living off the land as they navigate the landscape created by their charismatic cult leader father.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 | 7:30 PM
Noche FlamencoA Night of Flamenco!
$25 | Members: $18 | Patrons: Free
Join us for a vital discussion with Deputy Envoy for Holocaust Issues at the U.S. Department of State. She will address the significance of Holocaust education and remembrance in shaping U.S. foreign policy, highlighting efforts to combat antisemitism and support restitution for survivors. This event will explore the ongoing challenges of Holocaust denial and distortion, emphasizing the importance of learning from history to promote tolerance and justice today.
Join us, as Miami’s very own Ballet Flamenco La Rosa presents a night of wonderful dance performances.
Based in Miami and made up of dancers and musicians from Spain, Latin America, and the U.S., Ballet Flamenco La Rosa presents flamenco dance at its best, beyond traditional boundaries, surprising and enlightening students and the public with the beauty and magic of this theatrical dance form.
SPECIAL EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 | 7:30 PM
Larry Tye The Jazzman
How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America
Free and Open to the Community
The Jazzmen looks mainly at these three maestros’ lives off the bandstand, and how they wrote the soundtrack for the civil rights revolution. It also explores the Black-Jewish alliance of old— one where each of these African-American bandleaders had a Jewish manager and bandmates —and how that might offer a model for today. Special Jazz performance by Young Musicians Unite. Moderated by Zach Larmer, Young Musicians Unite. Zach is an internationally acclaimed jazz musician and educator. As a performer and composer, Zach has received three GRAMMY awards and embarked on numerous world tours.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 | 7:30 PM
Cooking Demo with Ruhama:
Discover the Flavors of Israeli and Middle Eastern Cuisine
$108 | Members: $90
Each ticket includes a tasting, recipe booklet, meet & greet, and a gift. Ruhama Shitrit is a social media influencer and food blogger known for her popular Instagram page, Ruhamas Food, which boasts over 500K followers. Passionate about sharing simple yet delicious recipes, she draws inspiration from Israeli cuisine and Middle Eastern flavors. Born and raised in Israel, Ruhama is a mother of four and now resides with her family in Boston, Massachusetts. Her vibrant posts and engaging content celebrate her culinary heritage while offering accessible and flavorful recipes to her dedicated audience.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 | 11:00 AM
Art, Identity, and Antisemitism:
A Conversation with Zoe Buckman and Zibby Owens
Free and Open to the Community
Join us for an enlightening and emotional discussion featuring artist and advocate Zoe Buckman and author Zibby Owens, who has just released her powerful new book On Being Jewish Now. This poignant collection of essays explores the modern Jewish experience, particularly in the wake of the tragic events of October 7th, 2023. Through heartfelt and thought-provoking contributions from various authors and advocates, the book delves into the complexities of Jewish identity in today’s world.
In this conversation, Zibby and Zoe will discuss the rise of antisemitism in the arts and creative communities, sharing their personal experiences and reflections on how these challenges are impacting cultural spaces. Moderated by Mindy Solomon, this event will provide a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, identity, and activism during a time of increasing societal division.
We invite you to join this important dialogue on how the arts can respond to rising hate and what role creative communities can play in fostering inclusivity and solidarity.
TUESDAY, MARCH 4 | 7:30 PM
Adam Nimoy
The Most Human Free and Open to the Community
The Most Human by Adam Nimoy is a memoir that explores his life as the son of iconic Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy. The book contrasts Leonard’s public persona with their strained family life, reflecting on Adam’s own struggles with addiction, career changes, and his efforts to overcome the emotional distance that marked his upbringing. Through personal anecdotes and Jewish themes, Adam examines the complexities of parent-child relationships, revealing the challenges of reconciling with a famous parent and striving to break generational patterns.
MONDAY, MARCH 17 | 7:30 PM
International Women’s Month
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Vardit Ravitsky
Free and Open to the Community
The MBJCC community comes together for Women’s History Month on March 17 to celebrate women’s achievements, successes, and leadership. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Vardit Ravitsky, President and CEO of The Hastings Center, a leading independent and nonpartisan bioethics research institute. Dr. Ravitsky is also a Full Professor at the Bioethics Program, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, and a Senior Lecturer on Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. As the Past President of the International Association of Bioethics, her research delves into the ethics of genomics and reproduction, as well as the role of AI in biomedical research. Dr. Ravitsky has published over 200 articles and commentaries on bioethical issues and has delivered more than 300 talks worldwide, along with over 400 media interviews.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25 | 7:30 PM
Songs of Paradise, Musical Free and Open to the Community
This contemporary musical, by Miriam Hoffman and Rena Berkowicz Borow, blends the Old Testament with the comedic style of Saturday Night Live, offering a fun and accessible take on the Book of Genesis. With lyrics by Itzik Manger and music by Rosalie Gerut, it features musical styles ranging from operetta to jazz, rock, rap, and swing. The show presents humorous twists on biblical stories, including Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Abraham’s family drama, and Joseph’s dreams. Compared to Godspell, it was first produced in 1989 by Joseph Papp and has been performed internationally, including in the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and Israel, with its English world premiere in Boca Raton, FL.
THURSDAY, APRIL 3 | 7:30 PM
Celebrate Mimouna: A Night of Tradition and Flavor
This special event honors the cherished Moroccan Jewish tradition marking the return to eating chametz after Passover. Experience a hands-on bread-making workshop, enjoy live music, and indulge in a delicious Mimouna feast, featuring culinary creations from chefs Ariel Pollock Star and Berry Ben Shimon, both from our sister city, Yerucham, Israel.
Moderated by Mindy Solomon
Moderated by Stephanie Rosen
THE BARBARA EISENBERG LITERARY SERIES 2024-2025
Enjoy a fabulous lunch while hearing from top authors and their newest novels, including Q & A and book signing. Prior reading is not required. Books available for purchase in advance with RSVP or at the event.
$40 | Members: $25
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
12:30 PM
Samantha Greene Woodruff, The Trade Off
In roaring ’20s Manhattan, Bea Abramovitz is a young Jewish woman with a talent for math and an uncanny understanding of the stock market. Bea becomes a stockbroker in the ladies department of a brokerage firm. She sees the looming crash as the 20s draw to a close. Sam’s debut novel, The Lobotomist’s Wife, was a #1 Amazon bestseller and First Reads pick. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, Writer’s Digest, Female First, Read 650 and more.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
12:30 PM
Alyson Richman, The Time Keepers
The Time Keepers interweaves the journeys of a Vietnamese refugee and Vietnam veteran, that will grip, fill, and break your heart. “A powerful and emotional saga, woven with themes of love and compassion. The Time Keepers poignantly explores the bonds of friendship and the universal need to have a place to call home. This novel will make your heart soar.” —Sofia Lundberg, international bestselling author of The Red Address Book.
Alyson Richman is an accomplished painter and her novels combine her deep love of art, history, and travel. Alyson’s novels have been published in 25 languages and have reached the bestseller lists domestically and abroad.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15
12:30 PM
Lisa Barr,
TWO AUTHORS
The Goddess of Warsaw
Lauren Grodstein, We Must Not Think of Ourselves
The Goddess of Warsaw depicts Bina Blonski and her husband, Jakub in the Warsaw Ghetto. Bina works for the resistance, survives the war to become a famous actress and, who late in life participates in one last mission to thwart a Nazi plot. We Must Not Think of Ourselves is based on the story of Emanuel Ringelblum, who began a secret project at the Warsaw Ghetto in 1941 to record what was happening to the Jews so it wouldn’t be forgotten. Lisa Barr is The New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire, The Unbreakables, and the award-winning Fugitive Colors Lauren Grodstein is the author of Our Short History, The Washington Post Book of the Year The Explanation for Everything, and The New York Times bestselling A Friend of the Family, among other works.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
12:30 PM
Rachel Beanland, The House Is On Fire
On the night after Christmas, Richmond, Virginia, 1811, the city’s only theater goes up in flames in the middle of a performance. Sally, Cecily, Jack, and Gilbert make a series of split-second decisions that will not only affect their own lives but those of countless others.
Rachel Beanland is the author of the novel Florence Adler Swims Forever. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and earned her MFA in creative writing from Virginia Commonwealth University. She lives with her husband and three children in Richmond, Virginia.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
12:30 PM
Julie Satow, When Women Ran Fifth Avenue
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue, chronicles the rise of the department store through dazzling portraits of three visionary women who took great risks, forging new paths for the women who followed in their footsteps.
“American history at its best.” —Laurence Leamer, New York Times bestselling author of Capote’s Women.
Julie Satow is an award-winning journalist and the author of The Plaza, a New York Times Editor’s Choice and NPR Favorite Book of 2019. She is a regular contributor to The New York Times
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
12:30 PM
Margalit Fox, The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum
Fredericka Mandelbaum, went from penniless immigrant to heading her own crime syndicate in New York City from the 1870s onward. She enter tained a varied crowd at her dining table: politicians and police, upper-class business leaders and their fashionable wives.
“Fox succeeds in rescuing a once-notorious public figure from historical obscurity. . . . An engrossing portrait of an unlikely criminal mastermind.”—Kirkus Reviews
Margalit Fox is a senior writer in The New York Times’s Obituary News Department, she wrote the front-page public sendoffs of some of the leading cultural figures of our age. Winner of the William Saroyan Prize for Literature and author of four previous books, The Confidence Men, Conan Doyle for the Defense, The Riddle of the Labyrinth, and Talking Hands.
ISRAELI FILM SERIES
The Israeli Film Series is presented in partnership with The Miami Jewish Film Festival and generously sponsored by South Pointe Tavern.
My Daughter My Love
NOVEMBER 18 DECEMBER 16
MARCH 10
FEBRUARY 10
APRIL 7
Florida JCC’s Virtual Book Festival
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JEWISH BOOK COUNCIL AND SOUTH FLORIDA JCCs
Join us for a fantastic array of speakers at the Florida JCCs Virtual Book Festival, in partnership with the Jewish Book Council! Experience engaging discussions with renowned authors and discover new perspectives on a variety of topics. Don’t miss out on this enriching literary celebration!
OCTOBER 7
Saying No To Hate; Overcoming Antisemitism in America
Barry Schwartz presents Norman H Finkelstein
DECEMBER 9
On Her Own: A Novel
Lihi Lapid
JANUARY 13
Final Verdict; The Holocaust on Trial in the 21st Century
Tobias Buck
MARCH 24
Israel/Palestine in World Religions: Whose Promised Land?
Ilan Troen
MAY 12
The Art of Diplomacy
Stuart Eizenstat
OCTOBER 28
The Einstein Effect Benyamin Cohen
DECEMBER 16
Matchmaker, Matchmaker; Find me a Love That Lasts Aleeza Ben Shalom
FEBRUARY 10
Target Tehran Ilan Evyatar
APRIL 7
Prescription for Pain; How a Once Promising Doctor Became a “Pill Mill Killer” Philip Eil
Want to learn more about what’s happening? Check out the full schedule, speakers, and events!
Visit us online mbjcc.ticketleap.com/ or scan the QR code now!
NOVEMBER 18
Bernadine’s Shanghai Salon; The Story of the Doyenne of Old China
Susan Blumberg-Kason
JANUARY 6
Unstuff Your Life! Kick the Clutter Habit and Completely Organize Your Life For Good
Andrew Mellen
MARCH 17
For Such a Time as This; On Being Jewish Today
Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove
APRIL 21
The Joy of Costco; A Treasure Hunt From A-Z
Susan and David Schwartz
Laugh your tuchus off at the JCC!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 | 7:30 PM
COMEDY FOR PEACE
$36 | VIP: $54
Comedy for Peace, founded by comedian/producer Dotan Malah, is a project that aims to unite Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities through humor and mutual understanding. The project brings together the best Muslim, Jewish, and Christian stand-up comedians for an inspiring, funny, unforgettable evening.
The four comedians performing are Steve Marshall, with 30 years of experience touring regularly throughout the U.S. Gibran Saleem, Muslim American and a finalist on Stand-Up NBC and NBC Late Night. Erik Angel, Israeli Jewish Comedian and a founder of Comedy for Peace. Ashley Morris, a regular at New York’s Gotham Comedy Club.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 | 7:30 PM
STAND UP WITH ARIEL ELIAS FROM JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE
$36 | VIP: $54
Ariel Elias is a comedian living in New York City. Growing up, this Kentucky Jew made everyone laugh at her bat mitzvah, and the rest is history. She first came to national attention when a beer can was thrown at her during a performance. Today, her comedy is a fun mesh of unique, personal stories mixed with witty and wry observations.
Described as “a sly young comic from Kentucky” by the New York Times, Ariel has also been featured in Rolling Stone, the Washington Post, and on Good Morning America. She was named a “New Face” at the 2021 Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, as well as Paste Magazine’s Best Comedians of 2022.
THURSDAY, MARCH 6 | 7:30 PM
AN EVENING WITH ELYSE DELUCCI
$36 | VIP: $54
Elyse DeLucci is a NYC-based stand-up comedian, podcaster, writer, author, ex-Wall Street professional, mother, sister, friend, neighbor, and the best friend you didn’t know you needed— just not necessarily in that order. Known for her sharp wit and distinct accent, her comedy touches on marriage, divorce, Italian-American family life, and motherhood. With over 330,000 social media followers and 60 million views on TikTok and Instagram, she has a dedicated fanbase.
Elyse hosts the popular podcast New York Tawk, featuring candid commentary on current events, and was named one of New York’s Funniest in the 2021 New York Comedy Festival. A St. John’s University graduate with advanced studies at Harvard and Wharton, she blends intelligence and relatability in her work. Elyse lives in Manhattan with her two daughters.
Stay Tuned for Yom HaAtzmaut Celebration at the Miami Beach JCC!
Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, marks the declaration of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. It is a day of joy and national pride, celebrated with festivities that honor Israel’s history, culture, and achievements. The transition from Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, to Yom HaAtzmaut is a powerful moment. As we remember those who gave their lives in defense of Israel, we then celebrate the rebirth of the nation they fought for, making Yom HaAtzmaut a day of both remembrance and renewed hope. Join us for an exciting and meaningful celebration at the MBJCC!
A fantastic way for adults to develop new skills, explore interests, and connect with others. Check out the class schedule to find something that excites you and enhances your personal growth.
SESSION DATES
MONDAY
Beginning Bridge with Jo-Ann Rauch
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
$220 | Members: $170
Session Two: January 6 - February 14
Session Three: February 24 - April 11 (No classes week of March 24)
Have you always wanted to learn the game of Bridge? This class begins with the fundamentals and will teach you the mechanics of the game, the action and play of the bridge hand.
Mah Jongg Strategic Play with Barbara Berg
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
$20 | Members: $15
Take your Mah Jongg game to the next level! This class focuses on advanced strategies, improving decision-making, and learning key tactics to enhance your play. Perfect for those with basic knowledge who want to become more strategic players.
Duplicate Bridge with Jo-Ann Rauch
12 PM - 3:30 PM and Friday: 11 AM - 2:30 PM
$20 | Members: $15
10 classes pass: $180 | Members: $130
Spend the afternoon playing competitive bridge. We will match you with a partner. Come join us!
Beginning Mah Jongg with Barbara Berg
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
$180 | Members: $120
You will be surprised how quickly you can learn to play and love the game! Also for those who want to brush up or improve their skills.
WEDNESDAY
Israeli Folk Dance “Rikud Ha’am” with Henry Lederfiend
7: 00 PM - 9:00 PM
$15 | Members: $10
It’s not just the Hora anymore! All levels welcome from beginner to advanced! Henry Lederfeind was born in Brazil and has been Israeli Folk Dancing for over 40 years, participating in dance festivals in Brazil, Europe and the U.S. He has taught at many venues since his move to South Florida five years ago.
THURSDAY
Beginning Piano with Wynwood School of Music
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
$230 | Members: $180
Discover the piano in a supportive and encouraging environment! This class is designed for beginners and those who wish to revisit the instrument.
Intermediate Bridge with Jo-Ann Rauch
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$220 | Members: $170
For those who are beyond beginner and ready to take the game to the next level. Learn competitive bidding, and more play of the hand and defense. The strategies and mechanics of Duplicate Bridge will also be covered.
TUESDAY
Beginning Canasta with Glenda Krongold Tuesdays: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM $180 | Members: $120
This fun card game combines partnership play and point scoring strategies.
NEW
Beginning Guitar with Wynwood School of Music
Tuesdays, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$230 | Members: $180
Always wanted to learn guitar? Learn how with a Wynwood School of Music instructor.
Intermediate Canasta with Glenda Krongold Tuesdays, 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
$180 | Members: $120
Take your card playing skills to the next level with a class on advanced techniques.
Spanish with Paula Milano Tuesdays and Thursdays
$275 | Members: $195
Beginner Spanish 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Advanced Spanish 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
NEW
Advanced Beginning Spanish 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Advanced beginner Spanish is designed for learners who have a foundational grasp of the language and are ready to expand their skills.
Intermediate Spanish 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Theater Theory with Actor John Dalton Tuesdays: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM $200 | Members: $160
Read, analyze, and experience the APPROPRIATE play. This darkly comic American Drama was written in 2014 by Branden JacobsJenkins and explores the relationship of the LAFFEYETTE family as they grapple with their Father’s death and estate.
Bridge Supervised Play with Jo-Ann Rauch
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
$20 | Members: $15
Put your lessons into action and enhance your bridge skills with guided practice sessions covered.
Krav Maga - Woman’s Self-Defense Class with Philip Glikman
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$240 | Members: $195 Learn Krav Maga/Self Defense Strategies.
JCC-U
WEDNESDAYS AT THE J
Transform Wednesdays into a day for broadening your knowledge and enhancing your well-being.
Join us for Wednesdays at the J, JCC-U Day of Learning. This program is designed with flexibility in mind, seamlessly fitting into your busy schedule. Simply show up and immerse yourself in a variety of engaging classes, which will rotate and evolve on a trimester basis.
PROGRAM DETAILS: Cost: $30 per week (Includes Lunch) Members & Patrons: Free | Pre-registration is recommended.
9:15 AM – Coffee & Conversation
Kickstart your JCC-U Day with the perfect blend of coffee, engaging conversation, and a dash of surprise topics.
Join the lively discussions led by the Moderator/ Host, Dr. Miriam Klein Kassenoff.
10:00 AM - Choose one
Music History with Alan Mason
Each week Alan will introduce you to great moments that shaped the music that we enjoy.
Chair Yoga with Marta Molnar
Chair yoga, a gentle form of yoga that’s done while seated or using a chair for balance, makes the practice more accessible for all.
11:15 AM - Choose one
Art History with Batia Cohen
This is a class for all art lovers. Learn about the great masters with art historian Batia Cohen in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Spiritual Movement and Torah Meditation
Instructor: Havi Heber Kunis
This class combines physical expression with contemplative study, fostering a deeper connection to spirituality and personal growth through the teachings of the Torah.
12:30 PM Lunch Program with a different speaker each week. See page 10 for the schedule.
Schwartz- Jacobs Family MBJCC ART GALLERY
Transforming the second floor into an art-filled space through a Jewish lens, featuring a dynamic exhibition with artists from Miami and around the globe.
The Art of Letters: Journey into Being
Thursday, February 27 | 7:30 PM
Free and open to the Community
A visionary series by artist Igal Fedida
A visionary series by Igal Fedida, exploring the profound connection between the spiritual, material, and transformative power of language. Inspired by the sacred wisdom of letters, particularly the Hebrew alphabet, the series views letters as elements of creation, carriers of divine energy, and bridges between the finite and infinite. Each piece invites reflection on personal and collective journeys into existence and self-discovery. Crafted with materials like wood, metals, resin, and pigments, the artworks embody a tactile and layered storytelling approach. These materials symbolize the interplay of physical and spiritual dimensions, evoking contrasts and harmonies in life. Rich with symbolic imagery—Hebrew letters, geometric patterns, organic textures, and flowing lines—the series expresses themes of unity, transformation, and the eternal cycle of being. Through The Art of Letters: Journey into Being, Fedida offers a profound meditation on communication, intention, and the unifying language of art. This collection celebrates the creative process and invites viewers to explore deeper connections between identity, spirituality, and the infinite possibilities within letters, symbols, and human experience.
WEDNESDAYS AT THE J LUNCH SERIES
Wednesdays at 12:30 PM
Featuring a diverse lineup of speakers each week. Dive into new topics, broaden your horizons, and nurture your well-being. Please note that the tickets for the Literary Series are sold separately.
NOVEMBER 13
LITERARY LUNCHEON The Trade Off Samantha Woodruff
DECEMBER 18
LITERARY LUNCHEON
The Time Keepers Alyson Richman
JANUARY 22
LUNCH AND LEARN
The Closet Queen Beth Levin
FEBRUARY 19
LITERARY LUNCHEON
The House is on Fire Rachel Beanland
OUR COMMUNITY IN ACTION ISRAEL VOLUNTEERS PANEL Pascale Bercovitch –Israeli Paraolympian Special guest
LUNCH AND LEARN Food, Hope & Resilience June Hersh
JANUARY 29
LUNCH AND LEARN My Story of Survival Laszlo Selly
NOVEMBER 6
JCC-U OPEN HOUSE
Keynote Speaker: Arjun (JJ) Desai, MD
4
SPECIAL AUTHOR EVENT South of Sepharad Eric Weintraub LIVE PODCAST Surviving the Survivor
FEBRUARY 26 NOVEMBER 20 JANUARY 8 FEBRUARY 5
JANUARY 15
LITERARY LUNCHEON
LUNCH AND LEARN Baptist Health Speaker TBA
5
12
LUNCH AND LEARN Tu BiShvat Program
LUNCH AND LEARN Dwell Time Rosa Lowinger
MARCH 19
LITERARY LUNCHEON When Women Ran Fifth Avenue,- Julie Satow
LUNCH AND LEARN Baptist Health Speaker TBA
2
LUNCH AND LEARN Fiddler on the Roof John Dalton
LUNCH AND LEARN Purim Spiel Avi Hoffman
9
LITERARY LUNCHEON
The Talented Mrs.Mandelbaum Margalit Fox
The Goddess of Warsaw Lisa Barr We Must Not Think of Ourselves Lauren Grodstein
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Free and Open to the community
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Facilitated by Rabbi Mendy Levy
Weekly Starting Friday, November 8 11 AM - 12 PM
Sponsored by Moments Hospice
Rabbi Mendy Levy, AAPC, M.H.L. is a certified Family Life-Coach and Hospice Chaplain. Founder of the Chabad Chaplaincy Network and Chaplain at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Rabbi Levy has worked in the field of bereavement and grief counseling for over 18 years in the hospital, hospice and community environments.
SACRED JEWISH CONVERSATIONS:
Hopes, Dreams and Aspirations As We Age with Rabbi Cheryl Weiner
Friday, December 6 & 13 12:00 PM
Presented by Mishkan Miami’s Sacred Jewish Conversation Initiative
Don’t miss this practical and inspirational workshop on wise aging! We will explore physical, emotional, and spiritual resources for creating a meaningful life as we experience growing older. Rabbi Cheryl Weiner, PhD, is a Board Certified Chaplain with the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and Accentcare Hospice, Broward. She is the Director of the Sacred Jewish Conversation Initiative.
ECHOES OF HISTORY:
Studying the Holocaust through Film, Literature, and Testimony
Monday, January 6 11 AM
Monday, January 13 11 AM
Monday, January 20 11 AM
Monday, January 27 11 AM
Presented in partnership with the University of Miami Holocaust Teacher Institute School of Education and Human Development
Discover a unique academic journey at MBJCC’s inaugural offering: an engaging and thought-provoking course on the Holocaust. Led by esteemed educator Dr. Miriam Klein Kassenoff, in collaboration with The Holocaust Memorial of The Greater Miami Jewish Federation, The University of Miami Holocaust Teacher Institute, and The Miami Dade Public Schools. Explore captivating topics such as Women In The Holocaust, Hidden Children of The Holocaust, Film, and The Holocaust, and delve into authentic documents of poetry while hearing moving testimonies from Holocaust survivors. This 4-week experience promises to be enlightening and unforgettable. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to deepen your understanding of history and humanity. Join us for a transformative educational experience that honors the past and shapes the future.
Support the Arts
Support the Miami Beach JCC’s Cultural Arts Department by sponsoring one of our dynamic events, including comedy nights, special speaker programs, book events, music performances, Lunch & Learn sessions, and Israel-related programming. We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities to fit various levels of support, helping us continue to deliver enriching cultural experiences to our community. Contact us to explore how you can contribute and make a meaningful impact.
For more information, please contact: Noam Shumakh, Director of Cultural Arts & Adult Programs (305) 534-3206 ext. 231 | Noam@mbjcc.org
Dr. Miriam Klein Kassenoff
Rabbi Cheryl Weiner, PhD
Miami is brimming with art, theater, and cultural experiences. Join the group as we venture out!
MASTERCLASS AND SUNDAY MATINEES
WITH JOHN DALTON
Per Class:
$20 | Members: $15
Play tickets sold separately.
Join Theater Theory instructor John Dalton for a Masterclass with the director of the play followed by a matinee performance at the theater. Includes transportation and talk-backs at many of the performances. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
KING JAMES AT GABLESTAGE
The power of friendship is tested over the years during the ebb and flow of their lives as two fans of basketball follow Lebron “King” James during his time with the Cleveland Caveliers and subsequent move to the Miami Heat.
MASTERCLASS: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 11:00 AM
MATINEE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 2:00 PM
BOTH SIDES NOW AT GABLESTAGE
An Intimate cabaret and in-depth look at the lives and music of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen.
MASTERCLASS: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 11:00 AM
MATINEE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 2:00 PM
APPROPRIATE AT GABLESTAGE
Straight from Broadway, this darkly comic American drama by Pulitzer Finalist and Obie Award winner, Jacobs-Jenkins, invites audiences to one helluva family reunion!
MASTERCLASS: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 11:00 AM
MATINEE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 2:00 PM
SUMMER 1976 AT GABLESTAGE
Over one fateful summer, an unlikely friendship develops between a fiercely iconoclastic artist and single mother and a naïve young housewife. As the Bicentennial is celebrated across the country, these two women navigate motherhood, ambition, and intimacy, and help each other discover their own independence.
MASTERCLASS: FRIDAY, MARCH 21 11:00 AM
MATINEE: SUNDAY, MARCH 30 2:00 PM
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF AT ARSHT
Based on the novel by Sholem Aleichem, Fiddler on Roof first premiered on Broadway in 1964, before going on to be adapted into an eight-time Academy Award-nominated movie. Since then it has become a standard of American musical theatre, and the hilarious story elicits positive responses wherever it is played.
MASTERCLASS: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2 12:30 PM
MATINEE: SUNDAY, APRIL 6 2:30 PM
MIAMI BOOK FAIR
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 10 AM
Includes gourmet boxed light lunch from Seventeen Café at the J and transportation. Calling all book lovers! Join us for a wonderful day at the Miami Book Fair as we support Jewish authors in celebrating their work.
MIAMI ART WEEK/ ART BASEL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 11 AM
Join us for a special curated tour of unique exhibitions during Miami Art Week. This exclusive event will feature an in-depth look at the vibrant art scene in the Allapattah neighborhood, including a visit to Mindy Solomon Gallery and other surrounding galleries. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore some of the most intriguing and innovative art being showcased.
NEW WORLD SYMPHONY
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 2 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances! Experience lush film scores by exiles Erich Korngold and Franz Waxman, conducted by Anja Bihlmaier, whose interpretations “lift music off the page” (BBC). We’ll also showcase Julián Orbón’s folk-infused works and Arnold Schoenberg’s A Survivor from Warsaw, reflecting on loss and memory.
John Dalton
A Heartfelt Thank
You to Our Esteemed Sponsors, Community Partners, Volunteers, and Patron Donors!
Mollie Zweig Foundation
Schwartz-Jacobs Family
Support the Future of Arts and Culture in Our Community
$5,000 and
NOW is the time to invest in the future of arts and culture in our community. The Miami Beach JCC Art, Culture, and Ideas department is thriving, offering a range of high-quality and impactful programs designed to delight, enrich, and engage our community. We are committed to raising the bar with exciting speakers, authors, meaningful films, and special events. In light of recent events and the rise of antisemitism, our role as an educational hub is more crucial than ever. We are dedicated to fostering dialogue, awareness, and understanding within the Jewish community and beyond. Your financial support as a Patron of the Arts will help us fulfill our mission to be a vibrant destination for Jewish culture, arts, and entertainment today and in the future.
For more information, please contact:
Noam Shumakh, Director of Cultural Arts & Adult Programs at (305) 534-3206 ext. 231 or noam@mbjcc.org.
Daniel Reed, Program Coordinator, Cultural Arts and Adult Programs at (305) 534-3206 ext. 232 or danny@mbjcc.org
Debbie Sack, Program Assistant debbie@mbjcc.org
Sara Adler
Crystal and Ian Behar
Karen Boyer
Jill and Dan Nir Braufman
Liz and Jason Chroman
Howard and Caroline Draft
Barbara Eisenberg
Lily and Ariel Furst
Jane Goodman
Patti Grabel
Charles (OBM) and Dale Gratz
Kathy and Steve Guttman
Joel Horowitz
Robin and Baruch Jacobs
Miriam Klein-Kassenoff
Madeleine Kreitman
Holly and Jordan Levy
Ruth and Akiva Gross Mayer
Isadore Mayrock
Jane and David Preiser
Tina and Steve Price
Sharon Prince
Sandra and Edward (OBM) Rappaport
Debbie and Saul Sack
Linda Schechter
Bernice Schwartz
Gerald and Debra Schwartz
Mali and Steve Schwartz
Bruce and Rachel Siegel
Mytyl Simancas-Bister
Art Culture Ideas Chairs
Holly Levy, Linda Schechter, and Mytyl Simancas-Bister
Karen Sepsenwol, Development Director
Bernie Rovt, Chief Financial Officer
Nataly Yusim, Chief Operating Officer Miami Beach JCC Executive Team
Marsha Soffer
Joy and Nick Spill
Linda Swartz
Stephen Temes
Audrey Weiner and Jeffrey Solomon
Stanley and Lenore Weinstein
Emmanuela Wolloch
Mollie Zweig
Paul Frishman, Chief Executive Officer
Michael Tobin, Chairperson of the Board
Michelle Ben-Aviv, Chairperson Elect
