MJFF - ELIK & JIMMY
2024-01-16 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
SOUTHEAST US PREMIERE. Reflecting the sweeping grandeur of time’s passage like Richard Linklater’s beloved Before trilogy, this Israeli romantic drama is a beautiful chronicle of love’s destiny between two souls as it captures their relationship as it begins, begins again, and deepens over the years.

Lunch & Learn: Spices & Cooking Demo
2024-01-17 12:30 - 14:00 | FL
THE DELICIOUS DOZEN SPICES THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE and cooking demo with chef Rob Rosenthal
If you’re tired of the same old, same old, this is the class for you! Spices fundamentally enhance the flavor of our foods and bring exciting new flavor profiles to your home cooking. Rob Rosenthal will walk you through the spices you need in your pantry and how to use them to create delicious dishes from around the world right in your own kitchen. From A (Aleppo) to Z (Za’Atar), Rob will tell you about spices from France, Spain, Mexico, Ethiopia, Syria, Morocco, Egypt, Korea, Japan, India and more.

MJFF - SEVEN BLESSINGS
2024-01-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
SOUTHEAST US PREMIERE. Israel’s official entry for the Academy Awards and the recipient of a record 10 Israeli Academy Awards is a tour de force revolving around a close-knit family’s lively Jewish Moroccan wedding in Jerusalem during the early 1990s, all wrapped in a veil of hidden secrets, fury, forgiveness, and sumptuous food.

MJFF - WHO ARE THE MARCUSES?
2024-01-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
FLORIDA PREMIERE. This year’s “great documentary” uncovers the fascinating story of a Long Island Jewish couple whose half-a-billion-dollar gift to Israel, the largest single gift in the history of the state, is aimed at inspiring peace and climate action through water tech.
This special premiere event will feature the attendance of Ellen Marcus, Lottie & Howard Marcuses daughter, who will introduce the film and participate in a conversation afterward.

School Day Out
2024-01-19 08:30 - 16:00, 2024-02-19 08:30 - 16:00 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
SCHOOL DAYS OUT
When School is Out, the J is in! School Days Out are offered with Miami-Dade County public school closings. Students will enjoy activities such as art, cooking, science, sports, games, swimming, and more! Send your child with a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops and sunscreen.
Kosher lunch and snacks will be provided daily.
Pre- Registration: $75 | Members $60
Day of: $80 | Members: $65

MJFF - SAND FLAKES
2024-01-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
SOUTHEAST US PREMIERE. This heartfelt coming-of-age Israeli story set in an isolated Negev town centers on a teenage boy who aspires to be a writer as he grapples with the challenges of growing up and pursuing his artistic dreams.

MJFF - THE THREE OF US
2024-01-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
SOUTHEAST US PREMIERE. Winner of the Best Documentary, Best Directing, and Best Editing prizes at the Jerusalem Film Festival, The Three of Us is an extraordinarily moving film about a young ultra-Orthodox couple who challenge Israel’s established norms by integrating their autistic son into society.

Lunch & Learn: Tu Beshvat Seder Exotic Fruit Tasting
2024-01-24 12:30 - 14:00 | FL
Tu Beshvat Seder Exotic Fruit Discovery Session (Fruit tasting) with Inna Lomanov
Inna Lomanov
Fruitarian, founder of the MFT21 Day Program
Inna Lomanov is the founder of the MFT21 Day Program. She is a fruitarian, exotic fruit connoisseur, fruit hunter, plant based/raw vegan, lifestyle expert, chef, and health coach from Long Island, NY. Mother to three toddlers, Inna helps and inspires people around the world to eat more fruit. In addition to blogging, coaching and creating fruit events in the New York and Miami area, Inna envisioned and developed the MFT21 Day Program. MFT21 includes practices such as face-fitness, yoga and meditation. Inna does not believe in diets but rather helps people to change their lifestyle. Inna is always on the lookout for exotic, unique, and rare fruits. Her passion is introducing people to exotic fruits and the fruit-based lifestyle. Inna was born in Odessa, Ukraine and came to the USA when she was 16. Aged 26 Inna went to Israel on Birthright, and since then she has taken five groups to Israel. For years, Inna was involved in the local Jewish youth community in Brooklyn as a leader. She taught in the Aviv School for Leadership, and took groups of students on educational visits to Poland and Israel. Inna dreams to inspire Jewish people to eat healthier, take better care of their bodies, be mindful of what they put into their bodies and how what they eat can affect their mood and sense of well-being.

MJFF - SABOTAGE
2024-01-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
SOUTHEAST US PREMIERE. This hybrid documentary utilizes animation, archival footage and live testimony to dramatize the untold story of a women’s underground resistance operation in Auschwitz-Birkenau.
This special premiere event will be accompanied by the presentation of the short film Jack & Sam with film subject & survivor Jack Waksal in attendance.

Fitness with Friends
2024-01-25, 2024-02-29 | FL
FITNESS WITH FRIENDS
Why work out alone when you can bring friends?
JOIN US EVERY LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
The MBJCC is extending an open invitation to all our group fitness classes. Experience the joy of working out in a community because we all know – Workouts are Better with Friends!
✅ Access to All Group Fitness Classes! Classes are available throughout the day to fit your schedule.
✅ Special Referral Program!
Bring a friend along! If they sign up as an Annual Member, both of you receive:
• A $150 Credit toward your membership
• An exclusive Free MBJCC Swag Gift
✅ Enjoy Refreshments!
After your workout, relax and socialize in the lobby with complimentary refreshments for you and your workout buddies.
Friends must accompany an MBJCC Member in good standing. Friends must be local and provide a valid Florida driver’s license. Credits are only given for Annual Memberships.
For more information, contact Membership Director Nicole Linares at nicolel@mbjcc.org or x203

Dumpstaphunk & Karina Rykman w/ R.L. Cooper Benefit Concert
2024-01-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL, 33141, United States
TICKETS
Sponsorship Information
GMP Live and Miami Beach JCC Present: Dumpstaphunk, Karina Rykman and R.L. Cooper on Sunday, December 17th at the Miami Beach Bandshell The iconic modern New Orleans Funk band Dumpstaphunk will team up with everyone’s favorite rising jam/psych/pop star, Karina Rykman, as well as local favorite R.L. Cooper, for a night of excellent live music for a great cause. All proceeds to benefit the Miami Beach JCC
Can’t make it to the concert? Support us by donating:

Partner sponsor:

Virtual Author Event: Rosanne Leipzig- Honest Aging
2024-01-29 15:30 - 17:30 | Virtual
Honest Aging is by Dr. Roseanne M. Leipzig, a top doctor with over 35 years of experience caring for older people. It is an indispensable guide to the second half of life, describing what to expect physically, psychologically, functionally, and emotionally as you age. Leipzig, an expert in evidence-based geriatrics, highlights how 80-year-olds differ from 60-year-olds and why knowing this is important for your health. With candor, humor, and empathy, this book will provide you with the knowledge and practical advice to optimize aging. This book helps you recognize age-related changes in your body and mind and understand what’s typical with aging and what’s not.

Help Netiv HaAsara Recover
2024-01-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
With questions, please get in touch with Nancy Tuchman at (786) 473-1625.

Lunch & Learn: The Deepest Mysteries of the Deep
2024-01-31 12:30 - 14:00 | FL
The Deepest Mysteries of the Deep with Rabbi Ed Rosenthal
Living on Miami Beach, we all love the water. Like the call of the Sirens, the water beckons us. What is it about this, the most common substance on earth that has no color, no flavor, no smell, no form, that mesmerizes us so? We learn about the science of the Ocean, and talk about the conservation of the Sea, but rarely (if ever) do we discuss the spiritual essence of this most mysterious of realms.
Join Rabbi Ed Rosenthal, Founder of Repair the Sea, for a discussion about the deepest mysteries of the Deep.
Rabbi Ed Rosenthal is Founder and CEO of Repair the Sea | Tikkun HaYam, the only Jewish environmental organization that focuses solely on water and the aquatic environment. The Mission of Repair the Sea is to share the spiritual wonders of water and the Sea from a Jewish perspective, promote interfaith harmony and cooperation, and raise awareness and encourage action to address the many threats facing the aquatic environment.

Israel and the Future of World Jewry
2024-02-05 19:30 - 21:30 | FL
Join us for an insightful evening – A View from the UK: David Moore in Conversation with Jonathan Goldstein. Dive into a profound discussion about the “Aftermath of October 7 and Rising Anti-Semitism for both Israel and World Jewry”.

Lunch & Learn: Sephardi Voices: The Untold Expulsion of Jews from Arab Lands with Dr. Henry Green
2024-02-07 12:30 - 14:00 | FL
Sephardi Voices: The Untold Expulsion of Jews from Arab Lands with Dr. Henry Green
Dr. Henry Green
Chair and Founder of Sephardi Voices
Dr. Henry Green, Professor of Religious Studies, is the former Director of Judaic and Sephardic Studies at the University of Miami, Florida, USA. He is the Founding Director of MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida Project and of Sephardi Voices, an audio-visual digital archive of Jews displaced from Islamic lands. He has published extensively on Jewish Miami and Florida. His most recent book, with Paul George, Jewish Miami Beach, celebrates the history of Miami Beach through photos (Arcadia 2023.)

Play Reading - Go Down Moses
2024-02-07 19:30 - 21:00 | FL
Go Down Moses

Presented by YILove Jewish, please join us for this series of Jewish-themed play readings which the Miami Beach JCC offers during the year. Go Down Moses by Dana Leslie Goldstein play reading will be performed by local stage actor Avi Hoffman and a cast on Tuesday, February 7, 7:30 pm.
SYNOPSIS: It’s 1985. Ethics professor Philip Hoffman and newly appointed Dean of Students Albert Becker already have a long history. They marched side by side for civil rights, registered voters together during freedom summer, and have maintained a friendship that crosses the boundaries of race, religion and country of birth. Now they work at a small, liberal university, where part of the job is training a new crop of activists. When a star student from the South Bronx – Angela Carter – crosses the administration and invites a controversial speaker to campus, free speech becomes a battle cry, and still festering inequities become impossible to Ignore. GO DOWN, MOSES is a 2021 Jewish Plays Project Finalist in their Regional and National Contests, as well as a semi-finalist for both the Ashland New Plays Festival and the Bay Area Playwrights Festival.

Israeli Film Series: The Little Things
2024-02-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Please join us for this month’s Israeli Film Series screening of the movie – The LIttle Things – on Monday, February 12 at 7:30 pm.
Yudale, a 19-year-old from a religious Jewish settlement, meets Michal, a 30-year-old documentary director from Tel Aviv who is taken by his unique charm and becomes his film teacher. With the camera he receives from Michal, Yudale documents his dying father -the famous peace activist and anarchic religious leader, Rabbi Menachem Fruman, and uses his filmmaking journey with Michal to navigate the multiple life paths that open before him as he comes of age.

Giola Diliberto - Literary Luncheon
2024-02-14 12:30 - 14:00 | FL
Author Gioria Diliberto will present about her latest novel, Coco at the Ritz, at the the JCC’s February Literary Luncheon on Wednesday, February 14 at 12:30 PM.
Though her name is synonymous with elegance and chic, the iconic Coco Chanel had a complicated dark side, and in late August 1944, as World War II drew to a close, she was arrested and interrogated on charges of treason to France. What transpired during her interrogation, who was present, and why she was set free when so many other women who’d been involved with German men (willingly or otherwise) had their heads shaved or were imprisoned remains a mystery.
In this brilliantly insightful and compulsively enjoyable novel from the author of I Am Madame X, Gioia Diliberto explores the motivations of this complex woman and portrays the gripping battle of wits that could have been her interrogation. Was Chanel truly a collaborator?
Gioia Diliberto is the author of seven books and a play. Her writing, which focuses on women’s lives, has been praised for combining rich storytelling, deep research, and literary grace. Her books have been translated into several languages, and she has written for many publications. She also teaches in the writing program at Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies.

Live Braiding with the Challah Prince!
2024-02-15 19:30 - 21:30 | FL
Come braid challah with world-renowned artistic challah baker and Instagram star, Idan Chabasov, the Challah Prince. Learn unique dough-braiding techniques, hear Idan’s personal story, enjoy a light nosh, and take your creation home to bake in time for Shabbat!
Limited tickets available.
About Idan Chabasov: Born and raised in Tel Aviv and now back in Israel after spending 7 years in Berlin, Germany, Idan is an artist with a background in professional dancing, video production, animation, and PR in the lifestyle-industry. Idan now sees his mission as bringing art into the baking world and demonstrating the beauty of every single piece of challah.

One Woman Show - "That's (Not) How You Walk On Stage"
2024-02-19 19:30 - 21:30 | FL
The Miami Beach JCC, in partnership with the Great Miami Jewish Federation, is excited to present a program for Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM).
” When I was an infant the doctors told my parents “Unfortunately, there’s nothing more we can do. She’ll walk until she can’t walk anymore. And then – a wheelchair”. My one-woman show “That’s (Not) How You Walk On Stage” tells my story as a triplet born with Cerebral Palsy and reveals my journey of coping, challenges, failures, and victories living with this disability. ”
Growing up in Israel while battling her physical challenges and societal judgments, Maayan’s journey is a powerful exploration of acceptance and pursuing one’s dreams. She’ll discuss her desire to be accepted for who she is, walk her path, stand on her own feet, and pursue her passion for acting without being told how to do it.

Teen Event: In Their Own Words - October 7th Survivors
2024-02-20 18:00 - 19:30 | FL
TESTIMONIALS FROM ISRAEL
Conversation with October 7th Survivors
Hear from Dean Tesler (21) and Yahli Jacobovitz (23), recount in their own words their heroic stories of survival and what they have to say to the world and the Jewish Communities.
RSVP & FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jenny Mermelszteyn
Director of Camping & Children/Family
jenny@mbjcc.org or x210

Wine Tasting with Israeli Winemaker Nir Lavi
2024-02-26 19:30 - 21:00 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Nir Lavi, the acclaimed Israeli winemaker hailing from Har Bracha Winery nestled in the heart of Shomron, Israel. Delight your palate with exquisite wines while gaining insights into the winemaking process and the unique offerings of the winery. Learn more about the evolving landscape of wineries across Israel, and how this shapes the future of wine production in the region since October 7th.
For those who cannot attend – you can order the wines to your home to sample by clicking below.
Har Bracha

Heart Health Day at the J
2024-02-28 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Rock the RED to Show Your Support!
Join Our Heart-Centered Events:
10 AM – 5 PM
Lobby Giveaways: Lounge in our Boich Family Lobby while enjoying warm beverages and tasty treats!
Jacqui’s Pearls Pop Up Shop: Shop for Jewelry from the Heart
Get Pumped Up with OUR Fitness Classes!
(Register through MYJ APP)
8 :15 AM: S.W.E.A.T with Michelle S.
9 AM: Core Power Yoga with Michael T.
9 AM: TRX with Courtney L.
10:15 AM: TRX with Michelle S.
10:15 AM: Cycle with Amanda H.
11 AM: Yogalates with Ximetta M.
12 PM: Pilates Fusion with Jessica G.

Pre Passover Pop Up Shop
2024-02-28 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Our very own artist, Caryn Frishman, will be back in our Boich Family Lobby, selling her beautiful, one-of-a-kind, colorful creations! Shop for gifts for the holiday. There is something for everyone!
Refreshments will also be provided.

Lunch & Learn:"The Unexpected Gift of Trauma"
2024-02-28 12:30 - 14:00 | FL
RSVP
Dr. Edith Shiro is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Miami, Florida and the author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: The Path to Posttrauamtic Growth, winner of the 2023 International Latino Book Awards. Dr. Shiro is also co-founder of the Trauma and Resilience Center, board member of the World Happiness Foundation, and an active member of HIAS and Cadena International, providing humanitarian aid and disaster prevention worldwide. She has worked at the Clinic for Survivors of Torture at Bellevue Hospital, the Cambodian refugee clinic at Montefiore Medical Center, and the Human Rights Clinical Support Network at REFUGE, among others. She was awarded the Hispanic Women of Distinction in 2018 and the Health Innovation Award 2023 for outstanding service in healthcare. Her book, translated in many languages, will be published in Spanish on April 16th and is available for pre-order now!
Elise Scheck Bonwitt is an attorney, Certified Circuit Court mediator, business owner, consultant and coach, and author of MORE, Get More out of Life with Less Complication. She is the co-founder of SImpact (www.simpact.it), an organization committed to increasing performance of social sector organizations. She is also the Board Chair of the MAR JCC, a member of the National Women’s Philanthropy Board, a board member of Overtown Youth Center, a board member of The Women’s Fund, and a Mentor with Women of Tomorrow, where she works with 30 girls at Miami Lakes Educational Center. She is also Vice Chair of the Board for Greater Miami Jewish Federation where she serves as the Chair of the Youth Mental Health Task Force. She lives in Miami with her husband, Gil Bonwitt. They are the proud parents of five children.

Negev Stories of Rebuilding and Resilience with Ilan Troen, Professor Emeritus, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
2024-02-28 19:30 - 21:00 | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
RSVP
Please join Miami Beach JCC in Partnership with Americans for Ben Gurion University for an evening with Professor Ilan Troen.
Prof. Ilan Troen will share his firsthand account of Israel’s October 7 terrorist attacks when, sadly, his daughter and son-in-law were murdered. A historian of Israel and Jewish studies and resident of Beer-Sheva, Prof. Troen will give background on the kibbutz communities that were destroyed and talk about the importance of rebuilding Israel from the Negev.
ILAN TROEN
Ilan Troen is professor emeritus of the Sam and Anna Lopin Chair of Modern History (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev) and of the Stoll Family Chair in Israel Studies (Brandeis University).
He has served as a founding dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, director of the Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism in Sde Boqer, director of the Kreitman Foundation Fellowships, and on many key BGU committees between 1975-2007. He presently represents BGU on the inter-university committee that combats BDS, and is an active writer and lecturer in this area internationally on behalf of Israel and its academy.
Troen has also served in various capacities in academic associations in Israel and abroad including president of the international Association of Israel Studies. In 2023 he was awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Invited by Brandeis to share BGU’s experience in developing the field of Israel Studies, he established the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies in 2007, the most extensive academic institute outside Israel. Its Summer Institute alone has prepared 350 academics across the world to introduce or enhance Israel Studies at their institutions.
He has authored or edited numerous books in American, Jewish and Israeli history. He is the founding editor of Israel Studies (Indiana University Press), the leading journal in this new field to which more than 3,000 universities worldwide subscribe and 700 individuals contributed at least one essay. He has authored or edited numerous books. Forthcoming in early 2024 is Israel/Palestine in World Religions; Whose Promised Land?
He has lectured widely at universities in China, Japan, Turkey, Australia, South Africa, across Europe (Bucharest to Oxford), Canada (McGill to Calgary) and the U.S. (Dartmouth to Berkeley). He has also been scholar-in-residence in American Jewish communities.
Ilan Troen was born in Boston, educated at the Latin School, Hebrew College, Brandeis, and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem before taking his PhD at the University of Chicago. He was at Missouri and Princeton before making aliyah in 1975. He is married to Dr. Carol Troen who taught in BGU’s Department of Foreign Literatures and Linguistics. They have six children, a growing number of grandchildren, and returned from Brandeis in 2017 to their permanent home in Omer/Beer-Sheva.

UNBOUND: Celebrating Women Writers by Claire Holt
2024-03-04 19:00 - 21:30 | FL
RSVP
UNBOUND
Celebrating Women Writers by Claire Holt
A series of photographs of culturally significant, award-winning women writers.
Claire Holt is an accomplished portrait photographer and photojournalist whose work has been featured in many publications, including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, New York Newsday as well as the Associated Press. She has also taught photography as an adjunct professor at the Columbia School of Journalism, her alma mater. The driving force in Claire’s work is, in the words of artist Alice Neel “to assert the dignity and eternal importance of the human being.”
www.claireholtphotography.com
Her latest fine art project, UNBOUND: Celebrating Women Writers, consists of a diverse spectrum of portraits of over 40 women writers of all genres. Holt’s unique approach engages the photographer and the writer in an interactive collaboration to conceptualize and create each portrait. The resulting images are as much about the play and interaction of the creative process as they are about the writers. Among the participants are Pulitzer Prize winners Margo Jefferson and Stacy Schiff, bestselling authors Jodi Picoult and Meg Wolitzer, renowned poets Marie Howe and Rachel Hadas, and celebrated writers Sigrid Nunez, Dani Shapiro, and Ruth Ozeki.
Claire also works commercially and uses her passion for words, literacy, and the arts by partnering with charitable foundations and universities whose focus is on education and access to the arts.
Claire lives with her family in NYC.
Elizabeth Jacobson was the fifth Poet Laureate of Santa Fe, New Mexico and an Academy of American Poets 2020 Laureate Fellow. Her third collection of poems, There are as Many Songs in the World as Branches of Coral, is forthcoming from Free Verse Editions, 2024. Her previous book, Not into the Blossoms and Not into the Air, won the New Measure Poetry Prize (FVE/Parlor Press, 2019), and the 2019 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award for both New Mexico Poetry and Best New Mexico Book. Elizabeth lived in Miami Beach for ten years and now resides part of the year in Lake Worth Beach.
