JCC Denver Engagement Spring 2024 Program Guide

PROGRAMS | CLASSES | EVENTS

J P E R K S P A S S

This annual membership program provides many opportunities including member-only experiences, access to special events at the JCC and Mizel Arts and Culture Center, and priority i tration for Camps and Engagement programs

• 18% off Neustadt JAAMM Series and Denver Jewish Film Festival

• 10% off select Engagement classes

• Priority registration on select programs

BUILDING HOURS

Fitness | 303.316.6300

Monday – Thursday: 5:30 am – 9:00 pm

Friday: 5:30 am – 7:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Tennis Center | 303.316.6380

Monday – Thursday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm

Friday: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sunday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Early Learning School | 303.316.6377

Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Pools | 303.316.6444

Pool Weather Hotline | 303.355.4900

Indoor Pool

Monday – Thursday: 6:00 am – 8:30 pm

Friday: 6:00 am – 6:30 pm

Saturday & Sunday: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm

Outdoor Pool

Monday – Thursday: 6:00 am – 7:30 pm

Friday: 6:00 am – 6:30 pm

Saturday & Sunday: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm

Box Office | 303.316.6360

Monday, Wednesday – Friday: 12:00 – 5:00 pm and one hour before any JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center event.

CONTACTS

Ryan Snyder

Membership Consultant rsnyder@jccdenver.org | 303.316.6325

Stacey Young Membership Consultant syoung@jccdenver.org | 303.316.6325

Judy Swesey

Director of Membership and Community Events jswesey@jccdenver.org | 303.316.6369

Rachel Wool

Director of Engagement and Jewish Learning rwool@jccdenver.org | 303.316.6332

Ari Shahbazi

Fine Arts Education Program Manager ashahbazi@jccdenver.org | 303.316.6417

Blair Becker Engagement Program Manager bbecker@jccdenver.org | 303.316.6320

Daniel Siegel Engagement Program Manager dsiegel@jccdenver.org | 303.316.6418

PRENATAL

BREASTFEEDING BASICS

Thursday, May 2

6:00 - 8:00 pm

$36/couple

Breastfeeding education before baby arrives can help parents feel more confident when bringing baby home.

JEWISH BABY UNIVERSITY

Spring session: March 14 - April 15

Due: May - August 2024

$140/participant $280/couple

In partnership with Rose Community Foundation

Designed for expectant parents, this innovative program combines childbirth education with an exploration of the Jewish traditions and rituals connected with pregnancy, birth, and parenting.

LEGACY PLANNING

Thursday, May 9

6:00 - 7:30 pm

$36/couple

Join us to learn about Estate planning when you are expecting a child. Estate planning and creating a will is always important, but increasingly more so when a child is present.

INFANT CLASSES (0 - 6 MONTHS)

BABY CAFÉ

Wednesdays

10:00 - 11:45 am

Free

In partnership with Michaud Family Baby Café is a welcoming, drop-in community for new parents, whether they are currently nursing, bottle feeding, or simply seeking a supportive space. This informal gathering offers professional lactation care and intervention as needed with opportunity for weighted feeds.

BABY CLASSES (6 - 18 MONTHS)

ARTISTIC BABES

(Ages 6 - 18 months)

Thursdays, April 11 - May 16

11:00 - 11:45 am

$175/session

An art class for parents and their early movers! Explore the world of textures, colors, shapes, and self-expression in this sensory-driven, process-based art class.

BABY MUSIC WITH ALTITUNES

(Ages 4 - 18 months)

Wednesdays, April 10 - May 22, Sundays, April 14 - May 26

10:30 - 11:00 am

$180/session

It’s never too early to start bringing your child to a music class! Come and meet new families and nurture you and your baby’s natural music abilities in this fun class!

TODDLER CLASSES (18 MONTHS - 3 YEARS)

ARTISTIC TOTS

(Ages 18 months - 5 years)

Thursdays, April 11 - May 23

9:30 - 10:15 am

$175/session

Join us as we explore the world of textures, colors, shapes, and selfexpression in this child-centered, process-based art class for parents and their young children.

SOCCER SHOTS MINI

(Ages 2 - 3 years)

Sundays, April 14 - May 19

9:00 - 9:30 am, 9:35 - 10:05 am

$120/session

Soccer Shots Mini is a 35 to 45 minute high-energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principles, such as using your feet, dribbling and the basic rules of the game.

DANCE: TODDLERS

(Ages 2 - 3.5 years)

Tuesdays, April 9 - May 21

9:30 - 10:00 am

$144/session

This introductory dance class introduces young dancers to the art of movement through story telling, music, and games. Children will be introduces to multiple dance forms like Ballet, jazz, and hip hop. This is a drop off class, so parents should stay on site but children get to explore independence in the classroom.

TODDLER MUSIC WITH ALTITUNES

(Ages 2 - 3.5 years)

Wednesdays, April 10 - May 22, Sundays, April 14 - May 26

9:30 - 10:15 am

$140/session

A music and movement class for early toddlers and new walkers. The flow of the class is designed to promote musical learning and creative expression. Toddlers with their parents or caregivers will explore sound, song, rythm, and instruments.

PRESCHOOL CLASSES (3 - 6 YEARS)

ARTISTIC KIDS (PRESCHOOL ENRICHMENT)

(Ages 3 - 5 years)

Tuesdays, April 9 - May 21

3:15 - 4:00 pm

$150/session

Explore the world of textures, colors, shapes and self-expression in this process-based art class. Your child will experience the possibilities of traditional and non-traditional art making methods and materials, and be inspired by themes in children’s literature. The focus is on the process and experience, NOT the end result. Be ready to get messy and creative!

DANCE PRE-BALLET AND TAP

(Ages 2.5 - 5 years)

Tuesdays, April 9 - May 21

10:15 - 11:00 am

$144/session

Miss Rachael’s Dance offers this structured dance class that introduces ballet and tap basics in a positive environment with music, props and creative movement. Young dancers learn how to follow directions, share and take turns while building their foundation and love for dance, movement and creativity.

DANCE PRE-BALLET AND TAP (PRESCHOOL ENRICHMENT)

(Ages 3.5 - 5 years)

Mondays, April 8 - May 20

3:15 - 4:00 pm

$144/session

Miss Rachael’s Dance offers this structured dance class that introduces ballet and tap basics in a positive environment with music, props and creative movement. Young dancers learn how to follow directions, share and take turns while building their foundation and love for dance, movement and creativity.

MUSIC (PRESCHOOL ENRICHMENT)

(Ages 3 - 5 years)

Tuesdays, April 9 - May 21

3:15 - 4:00 pm

$144/session

In this class we will explore instruments, sing, move to music, use our imaginations, exercise our creativity, and begin to develop the foundational skills needed for instrument skills . Come explore music with us!

SOCCER SHOTS CLASSIC

(Ages 3 - 5 years)

Thursdays, April 11 - May 23

3:15 - 4:00 pm

$120/session

This is a great pre-soccer program designed for young children 3-5 years old. Soccer Shots provides a high-energy program introducing children to fundamental soccer principals, but with a new and improved curriculum for each age group. Positive character traits will be highlighted each session.

TENNIS ENRICHMENT CLASS

(Ages 3.5 - 6 years)

Mondays, April 8 - May 20

3:15 - 4:00 pm

$144/session

Your child will engage in a fun tennis group lesson focused on learning the basics of the sport. Small rackets, nets and balls are used to keep this activity age appropriate.

THEATER EXPLORERS (PRESCHOOL ENRICHMENT)

(Ages 3 - 6 years)

Thursdays, April 11 - May 23

3:15 - 4:00 pm

$168/session

This class is the next step for getting your little actor ready for the stage! Over the course of the session your child will begin to learn acting as a practice instead of a concept. They will be introduced to improv games and basic character development to get them used to the art of acting while encouraging them to be creative and step outside of their comfort zone. A great class to begin nurturing your child’s artistic abilities and build confidence in themselves openly in front of others.

YOUTH (PRE-K - 5)

CLAY KIDS: EXPRESSIVE HANDBUILDING

Instructor: Cat Najarian

Thursdays, April 11 - May 23

4:30 - 6:00 pm

$280

In this course your young artist will explore the world of intuitive ceramics handbuilding. This class is designed to teach your child how to be artistically free. They will learn how to create ceramics as a form of self-expression and mindfulness.

CLAY KIDS: PLATES, BOWLS, CUPS, AND THINGS I CAN EAT OFF

Instructor: Katharine Robbins

Sundays, April 14 - May 19 10:00 - 11:30 am

$240

In this handbuilding course your child will explore the world of functional ceramics. They will understand the process of creating a dinnerware place setting that they will be proud to eat from. Their pieces will be microwave and dishwasher safe.

DANCE BALLET AND TAP (YOUTH)

(Ages 5 - 7 years)

Mondays, April 8 - May 20

4:15 - 5:00 pm

$144/session

Miss Rachael’s Dance offers this structured dance class that introduces ballet and tap basics in a positive environment with music, props and creative movement. Young dancers learn how to follow directions, share and take turns while building their foundation and love for dance, movement and creativity.

THEATER EXPLORERS (YOUTH)

(Ages 5 - 10 years)

Thursdays, April 11 - May 23

4:30 - 5:15 pm

$240/session

This class is a great transitional option for families who would like to take their child’s interest to the next level. Designed to get young actors ready for our very own Wolf Theatre Program which begins in 4th grade, this class will start to give them the building blocks they need in every acting scenario. Together we will work on building your child’s “actor toolbox” through improv, character work, and short scene work to give them a solid foundation that every actor needs.

TEENS (GRADES 6 - 12)

JEWISH YOUTH CLIMATE MOVEMENT

The JCC Denver is supporting the newly-formed Denver Kvutzah (chapter) of Jewish Youth Climate Movement. The JYCM, founded in 2019, is a Gen Z-led movement dedicated to combating climate change and environmental injustice, through a Jewish lens. To get involved with the Denver Kvutzah, contact Daniel Siegel.

JCC MACCABI GAMES

The JCC Maccabi games are Olympic-style sports competition for Jewish teens ages 12-16. This year’s Colorado Delegation is headed to Houston. Spots for this summer are already full. However, recruitment for the 2025 games will start in the Fall. Contact the Colorado Delegation Head, Daniel Siegel, for more information: dsiegel@jccdenver.org

MOVING TRADITIONS: TZELEM FOR TRANS AND NON-BINARY TEENS (Grades 9 - 12)

Friday and Sunday Evenings

3:00 - 5:00 pm

This Tzelem group is specifically for nonbinary and trans teens. Together in a circle of support, participants experience an encouraging, sacred space. This Tzelem group will gather twice monthly. One gathering will be a learning session and the other will be a Shabbat experience.

SENIORS

& INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITY TABLE LUNCH PROGRAM WITH JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

Tuesdays - Fridays

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Perlmutter Room

Donation Based, $2.50

Meet interesting people, laugh, and enjoy a hot kosher-style lunch

Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Perlmutter Room at the JCC, 350 South Dahlia Street. The JFS Community Table lunch program is free to participants over 60 with a $2.50 suggested donation. The menu changes daily, and all faiths are welcome to join. New participants are encouraged to stop by, too, and create connections over lunch!

CURRENT EVENTS & SCHMOOZE

April 12, April 19, April 26 (Board Room), May 3, May 10, May 17,

May 24, May 31

10:00 - 11:30 am

Mizel Reception Room (unless otherwise noted)

Free, donation based

Led by community members, Current Events & Schmooze is a weekly, informal gathering where folks gather to engage in relevant, timely discussions on books, politics, climate change, music, and so much more. All political backgrounds are welcome.

KAVOD ON THE ROAD

May 15

1:00 - 2:30 pm

$5

Join the JCC in partnership with Kavod on the Road for monthly Arts and Culture programs!

MAH JONGG - BEGINNING

Class A - Instructor: Lynn Geller

April 9, April 16, April 25, May 2, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28 12:30 - 3:30 pm

Mizel Reception Room

Sliding Scale

Class B - Instructor: Erica Gray

April 11, April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, May 30 5:30 - 8:30 pm

Mizel Reception Room/Wolf Room

Sliding Scale

Have you been curious about learning how to play Mahjong? This 8-class course will provide you with Mahjong skills you can use for years to come. You’ll learn to recognize and name the tiles, how the passing proceeds, and how to read the card. You’ll practice how to select a hand and develop offensive and defensive strategies.

MAH JONGG - INTERMEDIATE

May 1, May 8, May 22

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Erica Gray

Mizel Reception Room

Sliding Scale

You’ve learned the basic mahjong skills and are ready to take it to the next level. Join us at the JCC for a 3-week course where you will brush up on your beginner skills and continue to build on them by developing offensive and defensive strategies.

MAHJ PLAY AT THE J

April 9, April 16, April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28

12:30 - 4:30 pm

Wolf Room (unless otherwise noted)

Free, donation based

The JCC is happy to offer recreational space for mahjong players! Bring your own sets and we’ll provide the space and tables!

MONTHLY BINGO

April 11, May 9

12:30 - 2:00 pm

Instructor: Megan McQueen

Mizel Reception Room

Free, donation based

The JCC Denver is happy to offer monthly bingo for free. This is an opportunity to play for prizes and join in the fun! Register on the JCC website today.

SENIOR ARTS AND CRAFTS

April 24, May 8, May 22

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Instructor: Jocelyn Miller

Mizel Reception Room

Free, donation based

Unleash your artistic spirit in a warm and welcoming environment designed exclusively for seniors. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just discovering your creative side, this program offers a perfect opportunity to express yourself and make lasting connections.

Now Hiring

Summer Camp Staff

Get your kid off the couch this summer!

Day camp opportunities for individuals 16 & older

Overnight camp opportunities 18+ or 17 & graduated from high school

Sports and aquatics

Horseback riding instructors

Outdoor Adventure instructors (ropes course, biking, hiking, camping, archery)

Backpacking guides

Certification and training available

Build your resume with leadership, communication, and problem-solving experience

Internship credit available (masters of social work, equine majors, etc)

Make new friends

Have fun!

SENIOR BOOK CLUB

April 25, May 23

10:00 - 11:30 am

Instructor: Pam Fox

Wolf Room

Free, donation based

Are you an avid reader? Join the JCC Book Club, a group that reads a selected novel and meets once a month to analyze, debate, and draw connections about the book. Post-discussion, meet with the author of the novel via Zoom to get the answers to your questions. Register on the JCC website today.

SENIOR PROM

May 9

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Sliding Scale

Let’s party like it’s 1965! It’s time to relive your glory days at the second annual “Senior” Prom at the JCC Denver for all adults over the age of 55. Come with a date, friend, sibling, or just fly solo. The theme this year is “Old Hollywood,” so be sure to dress in your finest eveningwear that is fit for the red carpet. Get ready to boogie, enjoy some light nosh, and clink your champagne glasses. RSVP today while tickets last!

SENIOR SEATED PILATES

April 17, May 1, May 15, May 29

10:30 - 11:30 am

Instructor: Jocelyn Miller

Mizel Reception Room

Free, donation based

Senior Seated Pilates will help you strengthen your body (from head to toe) and help you gain confidence when walking, climbing stairs, and throughout your daily activities.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT CLUB

April 18, May 16

12:30 - 2:30 pm

Instructor: Lynn Geller

Perlmutter Room

Free, donation based

Want to learn how to FaceTime or Zoom with your children and grandchildren? How about text and email? Need help using your iPhone, iPad, or PC laptop? Please join us in this free monthly workshop to navigate through these common technology challenges and learn new skills!

ADULT FINE ARTS

DRAWING AND SKETCHING: MIXED LEVELS

Mondays, April 8 - May 20

6:30 - 8:30 pm

Instructor: Taylor Jones

$181.44

In this mixed-level course, you will learn the basics of drawing and sketching. Beginning students can expect an introduction to fundamental concepts including perspective, light and shadow, and proportion, working in pencil. Intermediate students will explore other mediums including charcoal and ink through still lifes and self portraits.

INTERACTIVE ARTISTS GROUP ADVANCED SKILLS

Tuesdays, April 9 - May 21

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Instructor: Boris Shoshensky

$264.00

A space to create art for the established artist. Work independently or with the support of an instructor. Approval required to join this class. Artists create works in a variety of media in interactive sessions with guidance by Boris Shoshensky.

INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING

Thursdays, April 11 - May 23

6:30 - 8:30 pm

Instructor: Taylor Jones $241.00

In this beginning course, you will learn the basics of oil painting. Students can expect an introduction to fundamental concepts including materials safety, underpainting, color theory and color mixing, and composition. We will work from still lifes, photographic references, and self portraits.

CERAMICS

CERAMICS BEGINNERS: WHEEL THROWING

Instructor: Katharine Robbins

April 8 - May 20

Mondays, 5:45 - 8:45 pm $305.76

This class is designed for beginners and for those who want to improve their basic throwing skills. Come get your hands dirty in this fun and thorough introduction to throwing clay on the wheel! This class will provide hands-on instruction covering the fundamentals of wedging clay, centering, opening, pulling up, and shaping your pots.

CERAMICS BEGINNERS: WHEEL THROWING & HANDBUILDING

Instructor: Katharine Robbins

Thursdays, April 11 - May 23 10:00 am - 1:00 pm $356.72

This class is designed for beginners and for those who want to improve their basic throwing and handbuilding skills. This class is a hybrid of handbuilding and wheel throwing. Students have the option to choose which technique they’d like to work with. You will build on the foundational skills learned through the Introduction to Ceramics course.

CERAMICS INTRODUCTION TO WHEEL & HANDBUILDING

Instructor: Charles Jones

Thursdays, April 11 - May 23 5:45 - 8:45 pm $356.72

This course covers the fundamentals of Ceramics. The first half of this course will introduce the techniques of handbuilding through pinching, coiling, and slab building. The second half will be wheel focused, with the goal of teaching students how to properly throw, trim, and glaze their pieces.

CERAMICS INTERMEDIATE/ ADVANCED: WHEEL & HANDBUILDING

Instructor: Katharine Robbins

Tuesdays, April 9 - May 21

5:45 - 8:45 pm

$305.76

This intermediate and advanced ceramics course is for those who have already taken the Introduction to Ceramics and Beginners series or have approval from the ceramics department head. Classes are designed to allow room for student exploration of more advanced wheel and handbuilding techniques.

CERAMICS INTERMEDIATE/ ADVANCED: WHEEL & HANDBUILDING

Instructor: Ari Shahbazi

Wednesdays, April 10 - May 22

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

$356.72

This intermediate and advanced ceramics course is for those who have already taken the Introduction to Ceramics and Beginners series or have approval from the ceramics department head. Classes are designed to allow room for student exploration of more advanced wheel and handbuilding techniques.

CERAMICS MIXED LEVELS

Instructor: Ari Shahbazi

Wednesdays, April 10 - May 22

5:45 - 8:45 pm

$356.72

This Mixed Levels course is for those who have already taken the Introduction to Ceramics and/or Beginners series or have approval from the ceramics department head. Class experience ranges from beginner to intermediate. Classes are designed to allow room for student exploration of wheel and handbuilding techniques. Students who take this class have an idea of the ceramic projects they want to do and prefer a free-flowing class. The instructor is there to help facilitate your clay journey and to suggest ideas on how to refine your project.

CERAMICS MIXED LEVELS

Instructor: Charles Jones

Fridays, April 12 - May 24

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

$305.76

This Mixed Levels course is for those who have already taken the Introduction to Ceramics and/or Beginners series or have approval from the ceramics department head. Class experience ranges from beginner to intermediate. Classes are designed to allow room for student exploration of wheel and handbuilding techniques. Students who take this class have an idea of the ceramic projects they want to do and prefer a free-flowing class. The instructor is there to help facilitate your clay journey and to suggest ideas on how to refine your project.

CERAMICS ONE TIMERS: WHEEL CLASS

Instructors Vary

Select Fridays, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Select Sundays, 4:30 - 6:00 pm

$77/class

CERAMICS: EXTRA OPEN STUDIO

Sundays, 4:00 - 7:00 pm, Select Fridays 4:00 - 7:00 pm

$35/person per session

Need a little extra time in the studio? If you have already used your open studio allotment for the week, you can purchase this add-on for additional clay time in the studio. Same drill as open studio, just a little more time with your pieces per week.

CERAMICS SEMI-PRIVATE CLASSES & CERAMICS TEAM BUILDING CLASSES

Instructors vary

Select Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays

Two-hour time slots

Check website for pricing

Private (Group 2-8 people): If you’re looking for a memorable way to create with friends and family, this is your class. This class is designed for all levels, from no experience to the fluent potter who wants to hang with their loved ones in a fun and creative environment. Email to inquire: ashahbazi@jccdenver.org

JEWISH BAKING

JEWISH BAKING: BABKA

Instructor: Luisa Hagemeier

April 11, May 23

6:30 - 8:30 pm

Sliding Scale $36 | $54 | $77

Impress your friends and family when you bring home a couple of babkas you made yourself. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

Come and enjoy a fun night out learning how to throw on the wheel! This class is designed for beginners and for those who want to get creative in a fun and laid-back atmosphere.

JEWISH BAKING: CHALLAH

Instructor: Luisa Hagemeier

May 2

6:30 - 8:30 pm

$77

Come share the joy of making challah! You will learn multiple braids, and leave with a delicious loaf.

JEWISH LIFE AND HOLIDAYS MISHLOACH MANOT BASKET CREATING FOR OLDER ADULTS IN DENVER

March 24

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Phillips Social Hall

Join us for a morning of community spirit! Our family-friendly program invites everyone to come together and assemble Mishloach Manot baskets for older adults in the Jewish community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spread joy and kindness while enjoying a fun-filled morning. Alongside crafting the baskets, we’ll also delight in a puppet show and Megillah reading, making it a memorable event for all ages. Let’s celebrate the spirit of giving and togetherness in a joyous atmosphere!

QUEER SEDER

April 28

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Phillips Social Hall

Led by local rabbis and LGBTQIA+ leadership, Queer Seder will include a mix of Passover traditions and relevant readings, songs, and prayers to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community. This program is open to families and people of all ages. Pricing offered on a sliding scale.

TASTE OF PASSOVER

in partnership with Jewish Family Service and Kavod Senior Life

April 26

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Free, donation based

Join us at the JCC Denver for a celebration of Pesach at our Taste of Passover in partnership with Jewish Family Service. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of this meaningful holiday, surrounded by a warm and welcoming community. You will enjoy a traditional Passover lunch, complete with a short recitation of the Haggadah, traditional prayers, and symbolic rituals. Let us create lasting memories as we celebrate the spirit of Passover. Register today while seats last! Registrants must be 60 and older.