Winter + Spring 2025 Arts + Culture Brochure

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CULTURE

Be moved as you engage in various art forms that convey messages, meaning, and emotion! *Programs funded in part by UJA-Federation of New York Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/culture

MURDER MYSTERY BRUNCH*

Step into a thrilling whodunit while enjoying a delicious meal! Work with (or against!) your fellow detectives to crack the case, uncover clues, and solve the crime before the culprit gets away. Sunday, February 16, 12-4pm $40 members / $50 nonmembers

COMMUNITY CHALLAH BAKE

Let’s knead, braid, and bake together! Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand for the first time, this event is for everyone. Discover the joy of crafting challah from scratch, share laughs and stories with friends and neighbors, and leave with your own beautifully braided loaf to enjoy at home. All ingredients and supplies are provided—just bring your enthusiasm!

Thursday, February 27, 6:30-8:30pm

$18 per person / $36 per family

DEAR ERICH: A JAZZ OPERA

Dear Erich, written by composer Ted Rosenthal, was inspired by 200 discovered letters written in Germany between 1938 and 1941 by Herta Rosenthal to her son Erich, Ted’s father. Presented in collaboration with the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts and the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County. At Tilles Center, 720 Northern Blvd, Brookville Sunday, March 2, 7pm

CRAFT YOUR OWN WHODUNIT*

Have you ever wanted to write your own thrilling tale of intrigue and suspense? In this interactive workshop taught by actress and author Donna Cooper, learn the secrets of creating a captivating murder mystery story. From plotting twists and red herrings to dreaming up compelling characters and motives, you’ll be guided through the essentials of building a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats! Please bring a notebook and pen to each session. 4 sessions

Begins Monday, March 3, 7-8:30pm

$200 members / $250 nonmembers

INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLORS*

Painting brings a great source of joy, and is also very therapeutic! Join SJJCC member and artist Ratna Basak to create beautiful floral and landscape artwork. All materials included. 4 sessions

Begins Wednesday, March 5, 7-8:30pm

$75 members / $100 nonmembers

(MOSTLY) TRUE THINGS: A STORYTELLING EVENT*

Get ready for an evening of laughter, intrigue, and heartwarming tales! In this interactive event, a lineup of storytellers will share captivating stories—but there’s a twist. All but one have woven subtle lies into their tales. During the second act, it’s your turn to play detective! Ask questions, uncover clues, and cast your vote to reveal who’s telling the whole truth. Wine and cheese will be served. Saturday, March 8, 7:30pm

$35 members / $40 nonmembers

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT MENOPAUSE*

Join us for an enlightening discussion about menopause with JoAnna Paolilli, MD, an OBGYN and assistant professor. From understanding symptoms and hormonal changes to navigating this life stage with confidence, gain valuable insights and answers to your most pressing questions.

Wednesday, March 19, 7pm

Free for members / $5 nonmembers

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE GOING THROUGH INFERTILITY*

Infertility affects 1 in 8 couples, yet many people struggle to find the right words and actions to support their loved ones. How can you support someone experiencing infertility, pregnancy loss, difficulties conceiving—especially in a family-oriented community? Whether you are a couple going through infertility, or a family member or friend, our panel discussion will equip you with compassionate approaches to help your loved ones.

Wednesday, April 23, 7pm

$15 members / $20 nonmembers

THE AMERICAN (JEWISH) SONGBOOK WITH NED DORMAN*

Discover the remarkable stories of Jewish artists who shaped the soundtracks of our lives with a captivating exploration of icons like Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Carole King, and more. Enjoy music videos, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and gain insights into their creative processes as they redefined the music industry.

Thursday, May 15, 7pm

$10 members / $20 nonmembers

SHAVUOT PAINT + SIP WORKSHOP*

Show off your creative side! Paint a vase to celebrate the holiday and display spring’s beautiful blooms, while sipping on wine and having fun with friends. All materials included.

Wednesday, May 21, 7pm

$35 members / $40 nonmembers

SINGLES CAFÉ V55*

Mix and mingle while enjoying a different activity each month! Visit sjjcc.org/culture for our full schedule.

First Thursday of the month, 7-9pm

EDWARD & BERNICE WENGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS — COMMUNITY THEATRE

Where stage dreams are made and theatrical visions come to life in smash-hit productions for all ages!

SID JACOBSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS PRESENTS GUYS AND DOLLS

Take a trip back to the bustling Manhattan streets of the 1950s through this musical comedy about gamblers, gangsters, and showgirls, featuring the memorable song, Luck Be a Lady!

Saturday, January 25, 7:30pm

Sunday, January 26, 2pm

Saturday, February 1, 7:30pm

Sunday, February 2, 2pm

Tickets: $29 for members, seniors, and students / $34 nonmembers

Purchase tickets at sjjcc.org/guysanddolls

TRIPS

Experience culture through our day trips! *Programs funded in part by UJA-Federation of New York Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/trips

ANNE FRANK: THE EXHIBITION*

An immersive tour of a full-scale recreation of the Annex where Anne Frank, her family, and other inhabitants spent two years hiding to evade capture by the Nazis in Amsterdam. Includes tour at the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan, lunch at Jack’s Wife Freda, and transportation to and from SJJCC.

Wednesday, February 5

Light bites beginning at 9am, bus departs at 9:30am, tour begins at 11:30am

$165 per person

GYPSY ON BROADWAY*

Everything’s Coming Up Roses when 6-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald stars in the Broadway revival! The musical, featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim and based on the memoirs of burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, follows Rose, an ambitious mother, as she travels the country with her daughters, June and Louise, in pursuit of vaudeville success. Price includes premium orchestra seats, brunch, and transportation to and from SJJCC.

Wednesday, March 5

Brunch begins at 10:30am, bus departs SJJCC at 11:45am, showtime is 2pm

$285 per person

CLUBS

Form a community with friends new and old, as you stay active! Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/clubs

WALKING CLUB*

Lace up your sneakers and join us as we walk the grounds of the Nassau County Museum of Art, right across the street from SJJCC! Indoor strolls take place during inclement weather. Thursdays, 9:30am

BOOK CLUB*

Share your thoughts on today’s bestselling novels, moderated by Long Island’s Book Club Lady, Nicole Yablans.

Thursdays, 7-9pm $20 members / $30 nonmembers

January 30: The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

MOVIE CLUB*

March 20: The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Sit back and relax at SJJCC as we screen a new movie each month. Last Wednesday of the month, 7-9pm Free for members / $5 nonmembers

January 29: The Joy Luck Club

February 26: The Help

March 26: Hidden Figures

April 30: Eight Below

May 22: Playground by Richard Powers

May 28: Keeping the Faith

June 25: Milk

GAME WORKSHOPS WITH INSTRUCTOR JUDY UMANSKY

Learn something new or expand your skills! Game workshops are supported by Goidel Law Group Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/gameworkshops

WINTER WORKSHOPS

8 sessions

$200 members / $280 nonmembers

BEGINNER CANASTA

Learn the rules, strategies, and scoring through hands-on play. Begins Tuesday, January 21, 6:30-9pm Begins Friday, January 24, 10am-12:30pm Begins Monday, January 27, 4-6:30pm

CONQUERING CANASTA

Polish your Canasta skills while learning advanced strategies. Begins Tuesday, January 21, 10am-12:30pm

BEGINNER MAH JONG

Learn to play using the official rules of the National Mah Jong League. Begins Monday, January 27, 10am-12:30pm

MAH JONG CLINIC

For those who know the basic rules, vocabulary, and want advice and advanced strategies to improve their game. Begins Thursday, January 23, 10am-12:30pm

NEW MAH JONG CARD WORKSHOP

Learn all about the 2025 card, and tips to improve your game. Wednesday, April 9, 7pm $10 members / $15 nonmembers

MAH JONG TOURNAMENT

Enjoy a day of strategy, skill, and camaraderie at our tournament supervised by Judy Umansky! Prizes awarded to the first, second, and third place teams. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. Wednesday, May 7, 10am-3pm

$100 members / $125 nonmembers

EDWARD & BERNICE WENGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS —

LITERARY ARTS

Immerse yourself in a world of culture with bestselling, popular, and emerging authors. Literary Arts programs are supported by Jewish Book Council Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/literaryarts

JODI & ROBERT ROSENTHAL AUTHOR BREAKFAST + BOOK SIGNING SERIES

Hear from bestselling authors as they discuss their latest novel, answer your questions, and sign your book! Programs also available via livestream.

2 Spring Programs: $90 members / $100 nonmembers • Individual Program: $60

WE MUST NOT THINK OF OURSELVES BY LAUREN GRODSTEIN

This Read With Jenna pick was inspired by a little-known piece of history in the lives of Jewish occupants of the Warsaw Ghetto in World War II, and is a piercing story of love, determination, and sacrifice.

Thursday, April 3, 10:30am

THE TRADE OFF BY SAMANTHA GREENE WOODRUFF

Inspired by the true story of a pioneering investment legend, an ambitious young woman strives to find her place amid the promise and tumult of 1920s Wall Street. Thursday, May 1, 10:30am

IRENE & RONALD COHEN SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER SERIES

Today’s most fascinating novelists take attendees on a moving journey.

THE JOY OF COSTCO: A TREASURE HUNT FROM A TO Z BY

Go on a whirlwind tour of Costco warehouses from around the globe with the Schwartzs — two of the store’s biggest fans — who have visited at least one warehouse in 47 states and 13 countries! Enjoy brunch at the event and “sample” all of your favorite Costco food!

Sunday, January 26, 11:30am

$40

JODI & ROBERT ROSENTHAL IN CONVERSATION WITH...

Nicole Yablans, known as Long Island’s Book Club Lady, moderates engaging discussions with today’s bestselling authors!

THE SEQUEL BY JEAN HANFF KORELITZ

In a follow-up to her 2021 Tonight Show Summer Reads Pick, The Plot, Korelitz introduces readers to a new antihero, while illuminating and satirizing the world of publishing in this fun and suspenseful read.

Monday, April 28, 7pm

$30

LINDA & GERALD MARSDEN PARTNERS WITH THE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Our popular book events go beyond the walls of SJJCC to our partners’ locations!

LOVERS IN AUSCHWITZ BY KEREN BLANKFELD

The true story of two Holocaust survivors who fell in love in Auschwitz, were separated upon liberation, and found each other again more than 70 years later. At Temple Beth Israel, 18 Temple Drive, Port Washington Monday, March 17, 7:30pm

FAMILY DECLASSIFIED BY KATHERINE FENNELLY

Fennelly, a social scientist, delves into the rationale and consequences of family secrets by studying her Jewish-Hungarian grandfather — an immigrant who overcame a tragic childhood and became the head of an elite espionage unit in World War II. At Melville Jewish Center, 2600 New York Avenue, Melville Tuesday, April 1, 7:30pm

ARTSPACE

View exhibits of emerging and established local artists in our 165-foot gallery! For more information, visit sjjcc.org/artspace

ON DISPLAY: MINA RABBANI BABAZADEH & HOMA RAFII RABBANI TEHRAN TO NEW YORK, L’DOR VADOR

Through their evocative artwork, this mother-daughter duo shares their immigration journey from Tehran, Iran, to Long Island. Through February

Opening Event: Meet the artists on Sunday, January 12, 1-2:30pm

ON DISPLAY: KEVIN LONG PRIME CUTS

Sourced from an ongoing creative journey toward healing that began after a bout with cancer, these analog collages play with the usual to create the unusual. Handmade from magazines, books, and assorted paper media, each piece is meticulously crafted using scissors, blades, adhesives, and a range of emotions.

March-April

ON DISPLAY: RITA WILMER IMMIGRANTS…UNTOLD STORIES

Who do you see as you gaze at me? What story runs through your mind? I may be of a different color, the shape of my eyes unlike yours, and wear different garments. I may be of a different religion and speak in a foreign tongue, and ask you…do we not all have a heart that beats? I begin anew in a foreign country, leaving or fleeing my home for a safe and better life.

May-July

LONG ISLAND JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM

The home of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island! Visit their new exhibit, 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island.

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