Miami Book Fair Outing
2024-11-24 10:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Join us for an exciting day at the Miami Book Fair, where we’ll experience the vibrant street fair and enjoy presentations by renowned Jewish authors. This community outing is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in literature, culture, and connection.
The event includes:
· Admission to the Miami Book Fair
· Round-trip transportation to and from the fair
· A delicious boxed lunch from 17Restaurant
We will depart from the JCC at 10:00 am and return by 3:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore the fair, attend author talks, and soak in the atmosphere. Whether you’re a book enthusiast or just looking to enjoy a day out, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Canasta Tournament with Elyse Kremins
2024-12-03 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Experience an exciting day of Canasta with levels for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Whether you come with a partner or alone, we’ll pair you up for a great game. Enjoy expert insights from coach Elyse Kremins and a delicious lunch while you play. Don’t miss out on this fun and positive event—stay tuned for prizes for the winners, and register soon!
Elyse Kremins is a leading figure in the world of Canasta, renowned as the #1 Canasta Coach™ in the country. She has organized successful tournaments across New York City for institutions like the UJA, 92nd Street Y, and JCC Manhattan. Over the past decade, she has taught Canasta to over 2200 enthusiasts and founded the NYC Canasta Club, where she fostered a vibrant community of weekly players.

JCCU Day of Learning - Lunch & Learn - Author Eric Weintraub
2024-12-04 12:30 - 13:30 UTC | FL
This program was made possible by the generous support from Baptist Health
12:30 PM – JCC-U Lunch and Learn:
Eric Weintraub – South of Sefarad: The 1492 Jewish Expulsion from Spain
This debut novel tells the tale of a Spanish Jewish Family who went into exile after being expelled from Spain in 1492, leaving behind their converso daughter to the perils of the Inquisition.
Vidal, a physician, and his family join a caravan of 200 Jews journeying to start their lives anew across the sea in Fez. On the caravan, Vidal struggles to balance his physician duties of caring for the sick while struggling to mend strained relationships with his family.
Eric Z. Weintraub is the author of the novel South of Sepharad and the novella Dreams of an American Exile. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Mount St. Mary’s University. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he profiles complex medical cases at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Special Author event: Janna Brooke Wallack, Naked Girl
2024-12-05 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | FL
This stunning debut novel by Janna Brooke Wallack is about two siblings who grow up in 1980s Miami Beach, living off the land as they navigate the landscape created by their charismatic cult leader father.

Janna Brooke Wallack’s short stories have appeared in literary publications such as Hobart, Upstreet, and American Literary Review. Her short story “Campaigning” was a finalist for the Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction. Naked Girl’s prologue, “Five Pictures,” was a finalist for Glimmer Train Press’s Short Story Award for New Writers, and her story “Cat and Rose” received a Pushcart nomination by The MacGuffin. She grew up in Miami Beach in the 1970s and ’80s, a landscape and childhood that inspired her debut novel. She now resides in New York’s Hudson River Valley, where she writes, works, and never gives up trying to lose ten pounds.

Sacred Jewish Conversations with Rabbi Weiner
2024-12-06 13:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Join us for a special class with Rabbi Cheryl Weiner on Friday December 6 and 13 at 12:00 pm: Sacred Jewish Conversations: Hopes, Dreams and Aspirations As We Age. Free and Open to the Community. Presented by Mishkan Miami’s Sacred Jewish Conversation Initiative. Accept our invitation to this upbeat workshop on wise aging and end of life issues!
We will explore physical, emotional, and spiritual resources for creating a meaningful life as we experience growing older. Wherever you are along the Jewish cultural and religious continuum, the project can support you by raising awareness and providing resources to help you have a conversation with significant others about ethical wills, legacy projects, and bucket lists as well as advanced planning. Fostering the Jewish sacred value of preserving life and living life to the fullest, the project includes diverse perspectives in Judaism about end-of-life planning and decision-making. Let’s explore the resilience you can bring to the last stages of your lives to increase your well-being and your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future.
The SACRED JEWISH CONVERSATION INITIATIVE is a valuable resource for those looking to explore these themes within a Jewish cultural and religious context. We encourage anyone interested to go to our website for more information and resources. https://jewishmiami.org/sacredconversation.
Presenter:
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 and is the Director for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s volunteer training program for visiting people in need. She facilitates Wise Aging Seminars, runs Bereavement Workshops, and is a Spiritual Director, Community Rabbi and Interfaith Dialogue Facilitator. Rabbi Weiner offers adult learning programs for Nova Southeastern University and has taught for many Jewish congregations and community agencies, including the MBJCC and CAJE Melton and More. She also teaches graduate courses in spiritual development for clergy as adjunct faculty for the Academy for Jewish Religion, CA.

FL JCC Virtual Author Event - Lihi Lapid
2024-12-09 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Join us for our virtual FL JCC Author Series with Lihi Lapid.
Lihi Lapid’s novel, On Her Own, is a story of daughters, mothers, and grandmothers. Nina, the novel’s teenage protagonist, has run away from home following an argument with her mother over a long-held dispute about Nina dating an older man. On her first night with this older man, she witnesses his involvement in a murder. She runs from him into the arms of Carmela, a woman whose older son has died and whose younger son has moved from Israel to the US with his wife and children. Carmela, who’s losing her memory and her ability to think clearly, mistakenly believes that Nina, whom she discovered in the hallway of her building, is her granddaughter, Dana. Taking on this new identity of Dana, Nina develops a relationship with Carmela as she seeks shelter from other parts of her life.
Lihi Lapid is a bestselling Israeli author, photojournalist, columnist, and actor. This is her third novel. She lives in Tel Aviv with her husband Yair Lapid, the former Prime Minister of Israel, and their two children.

Comedy for Peace Stand Up Show
2024-12-10 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Please join us for an evening of laughs with an amazing line-up of four comedians at “Comedy for Peace” on Tuesday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m.
Comedy for Peace (est. March 2019) is a project that aims to unite Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities through humor and mutual understanding. Our project brings together the best Muslim, Jewish, and Christian stand-up comedians for an inspiring, funny, and unforgettable evening.
Comedy for Peace was founded by comedian/producer Dotan Malach, who understood that although the political situation isn’t easily fixable – on a personal level, we’re all human beings who want to work and live together peacefully. The first goal of Comedy for Peace is to show everyone that we can, very quickly, collaborate, standing on one stage together, having fun, and laughing at ourselves and each other without any politics involved.
Steve Marshall
New York-based Jewish-American comedian, actor, and writer. Born and raised in Brooklyn, I became a wild, unique, energetic, and intelligent performer with 30 years of experience in the biggest clubs in the city and touring regularly throughout the United States.
Gibran Saleem
A Muslim American comedian born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia in a Pakistani household. Gibran is the only comedian to ever be chosen as a finalist for both the Stand-Up NBC and NBC Late Night program. Gibran has been featured on MTV, T.V. Land, Popcorn Flix, PBS, CUNY TV, VOA, Elite Daily, and Cosmopolitan and performed his stand-up television debut on Gotham Comedy Live for AXS TV. He is a staple among college campuses and travels throughout the year.
Erik Angel
An Israeli-Jewish comedian and the founder/producer of the Comedy for Peace. Born and raised in Israel, moved to New York few years ago. Since then, he has been performing all around the world. He appears at Caroline’s on Broadway, The Laugh Factory in L.A., and many other significant venues all over the U.S. He has opened for major headliners, including Maz Jobrani; he regularly tours Europe and performs in Israel and Tokyo. He’s been seen on NBC, was part of a few comedy festivals, and has more than 2M views on Tik-Tok. His comedy is very surprising, clever, high energy, deals with being a recent immigrant, fortyish, a newlywed, that he’s Jewish, and speaks English-Falafel 24/7.
Ashley Morris
She is a New York-based comedian, actress, and writer Who Regularly performs at New York’s Gotham Comedy Club and many other clubs all around the country. As an actor, she has appeared on AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon), Prodigal Son (FOX), and many more. In 2022, she released her first comedy album, ‘Slightly Off.’

JCCU Day of Learning - Lunch & Learn: Surviving the Survivor Podcast
2024-12-11 09:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Surviving the Survivor Podcast
JOEL WALDMAN
PODCAST HOST
Joel is an Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist. He brings more than two decades of experience crafting stories, including long-form documentaries.
KARMELA WALDMAN
PODCAST HOST
Karm is a Holocaust survivor and has been a licensed marriage therapist for over 40 years. Many know her as Joel’s mom and the beloved co-host of STS.
JCC-U Day of Learning
$30 per week (Includes Lunch)
Members & Patrons: FREE (Includes Lunch)
JCC-U Day of Learning
This program was made possible by the generous support from Baptist Health

FL JCC Virtual Author Event - Aleeza Ben Shalom
2024-12-16 03:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Join us for our virtual FL JCC Author Series with Aleeza Ben Shalom.
In her paradigm-shifting book, Matchmaker, Matchmaker; Find me a Love That Lasts, Aleeza Ben Shalom, dating coach and Netflix star, will guide readers through her highly original perspective on dating, revealing the surprising ways in which a person’s dating habits directly influence their chances of finding lasting love. With her unique blend of wisdom and humor, Aleeza debunks widespread societal myths about love, inviting readers to reframe how they approach the practice of dating. Each chapter introduces the reader to a specific methodology while also sharing select clients’ stories to show the theory in practice. Helpful tools, including checklists, rules, reminders, tips, hacks, and frequently asked questions, are included throughout.
Aleeza Ben Shalom is a renowned relationship coach and matchmaker who shot to international fame as the star of Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking. She is also the host of the Matchmaker, Matchmaker podcast. To date, she has successfully helped over 200 people make their way down the aisle and has trained over 350 matchmakers and coaches.

Matchmaking - Israel Film Series
2024-12-16 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Please join us for the opening night of the Miami Beach JCC’s Israeli Film Series, with the screening of the beautiful comedy Matchmaking on Monday, December 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Endlessly witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic, Matchmaking is a Romeo and Juliet-like saga . Matchmaking is Israel’s biggest box office hit of the year, a joyous tale about tolerance and love. It is full of hijinks, jokes, and slapstick humor thanks to matchmaker Malki (Irit Kaplan from the beloved Israeli show The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem and Academy Award entry Foxtrot) and her deputy, Baruch (Maor Schwitzer from the internationally acclaimed show Shtisel), along with plenty of one-liners about spicy salads and noodle kugels, with a heavy dose of Yiddish sprinkled into the Hebrew script.
South Beach Tavern sponsors the Israeli Film Series.

Alyson Richman - Literary Luncheon
2024-12-18 12:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Best-selling author Alyson Richman will discuss her latest book, The Time Keepers, at the JCC’s Literary Luncheon/Community Read Inaugural Event on Wednesday, December 18, at 12:30 PM.
Two women from different worlds, joined by the love of a child displaced by war, discover friendship and healing as their lives intersect with a mysterious wounded Vietnam vet named Jack. Jack works at the Golden Hours — a watch store that mends timepieces — and maybe even mends damaged souls. The Time Keepers interweaves the journeys of wonderfully diverse characters that will grip, fill, and break your heart — only to bring them together with the care and precision of an expert watchmaker, one piece at a time. Inspired by the true story of a Vietnamese refugee who entrusted the dramatic story of her escape from Vietnam to the author and also that of a wounded veteran, Richman sheds light on the personal stories of those whose lives were forever impacted by the devastation of war.
Alyson Richman graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in art history and Japanese studies. She 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. She lives on Long Island with her husband and two children.
And don’t forget to join us on Wednesdays at the JCC – JCC-U.

Noche Flamenco- A Night of Flamenco!
2024-12-19 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Join us as Miami’s very own Ballet Flamenco La Rosa presents – La Casa de la Muneca! – a night of incredible dance performances inspired by Henrik Ibsen’s famous play, “A Doll’s House.”
The evening includes light refreshments, Wine, and Sangria.
Join us for a fantastic performance of Flamenco with performers from Ballet Flamenco La Rosa.
Ballet Flamenco La Rosa is an international company dedicated to Flamenco as an art form in constant evolution. Based in Miami and made up of dancers and musicians from Spain, Latin America, and the U.S., the company 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.

Both Sides Now: Play Masterclass and Matinee with John Dalton
2024-12-20 11:00 (America/New_York) | FL
Join Theater Theory instructor John Dalton for a masterclass with the play’s director and a matinee performance at the Gables Stage Theater. Includes transportation and talk-backs at many of the performances. Tickets for the matinee must be purchased in advance. Group ticket prices can be bought with Debbie Sack, Cultural Arts Administrative Assistant.
BOTH SIDES NOW
An Intimate cabaret and in-depth look at the lives and music of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen.
MASTERCLASS: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 11 AM
MATINEE: SUNDAY, JANUARY 5 AT 2:00 PM

Holocaust Through Literature, Film and Testimony
2025-01-06 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-01-13 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-01-20 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Please join us for a special class with esteemed educator Dr. Miriam Klein Kassenoff, Studying the Holocaust Through Film, Literature, and Testimony, a four-part workshop taking place at the Miami Beach JCC from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 13, 20, and 27.
Join the class to hear inspiring new topics such as Hidden Children in the Holocaust, In-Person Testimony on the Bielski Partisans and Armed Resistance, Films, and Diaries, as well as reviews of books that should be read.
Each participant will receive a FREE copy of Peter Hayes’s book Why? Explaining the Holocaust.
Dr. Miriam Klein Kassenoff is the founding director of the Holocaust Teacher Institute at the University of Miami and the Holocaust Education Specialist for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. She will be joined by Nikki Freeman, the Director of Education at the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach.
The class cooperates with the Holocaust Memorial of Miami Beach (GMJF), the University of Miami Holocaust Teacher Institute, and the Miami Dade County Public Schools Department of Social Sciences.

FL JCC Virtual Author Event: Andrew Millen
2025-01-06 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Join us for the virtual FL JCC Author Series with Andrew Mellen, the “most organized man in America,” as he shares insights from his book Unstuff Your Life! Learn simple, lasting techniques to streamline your life, including never losing your keys, stopping paper clutter, managing bills, and reclaiming your space. Andrew shows you how to let go of chaos and embrace a decluttered life with humor, honesty, and practical advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to get organized and empowered with Andrew’s foolproof methods!

JCC-U Day of Learning: A Day Full of Discovery, Conversation, and Connection
2025-01-08 09:15 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Wednesday, January 8, 9:15 AM
JCC-U Day of Learning: A Day Full of Discovery, Conversation, and Connection
9:15 AM – Coffee, Conversation, and Surprise Topic
Start your JCC-U Day with the perfect blend of coffee, engaging conversation, and a dash of surprise topics. Dr. Miriam Klein Kassenoff will host this lively discussion that promises to spark new ideas and connections!
10:00 AM – Choose One:
· Music History with Dr. Alan Mason
Each week, Alan introduces key moments in music history that shaped the melodies we love.
· Chair Yoga with Marta Molnar
Experience the benefits of yoga in a supportive, seated format. This gentle practice is accessible to all and offers balance and mindfulness.
11:15 AM – Choose One:
· Art History with Dr. Batia Cohen
Join art historian Batia Cohen for a relaxed and engaging class exploring the masterpieces that have shaped art history.
· Spiritual Movement & Torah Meditation with Havi Heber Kunis
Combining physical movement and contemplative study, this class will deepen your spiritual practice and personal growth through the teachings of the Torah.
12:30 PM – Lunch and Learn
Join us for a Lunch and Learn event featuring the talented June Hersh and her inspiring book Food, Hope & Resilience. Hersh’s revised edition of Recipes Remembered: A Celebration of Survival weaves together stories and recipes from Holocaust survivors and culinary icons, connecting us to history, humanity, and each other. June Hersh, a five-time published author, explores the deep connection between Jewish experiences and food memory. Her books support charitable causes, with proceeds benefiting Jewish-related nonprofits. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, be inspired, and nourish both body and soul.

The Presidents' Tailor Florida Premiere
2025-01-13 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
The Presidents’ Tailor tells the remarkable story of Martin Greenfield, a Holocaust survivor who became America’s most renowned tailor. Born Maximilian Grünfeld, he survived Auschwitz and Buchenwald, was liberated by Eisenhower, and later built a menswear empire. Over seven decades, Greenfield tailored suits for every president from Eisenhower to Obama, and a who’s who of celebrities, all while upholding his commitment to quality. Now 91, Greenfield’s legacy endures through his family business. This documentary is a powerful tribute to his resilience, optimism, and enduring influence in the world of bespoke menswear.

FL JCC Virtual Author Event: Tobias Buck
2025-01-13 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Join us for our Virtual Author Series with Tobias Buck, author of Final Verdict. Buck’s compelling book takes us into a Hamburg courtroom, telling the story of Bruno Dey, a former Nazi guard charged with aiding in the murder of over 5,000 people. At 93, Dey faced justice 70 years after his crimes. Buck’s engaging writing blends historical insight with a thought-provoking look at justice, politics, and the Nazi era. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the managing editor of The Financial Times and acclaimed author.

King of Sephardim Southeast US Premiere
2025-01-13 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
The King of Sephardim is a documentary that reveals the life of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, Israel’s most influential religious figure. Through exclusive access to his inner circle and archives, the film explores his political and religious views, highlighting how his bold and sometimes liberal rulings shaped Israel’s religious and social landscape. Born in Iraq and rising to Rishon LeZion, Rabbi Yosef’s leadership restored Sephardic pride and left a lasting impact on Israeli society.

Neither By Day Nor By Night
2025-01-14 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
In Bnei Brak, Israel, Shmuel and his French Sephardic Jewish family navigate life in a predominantly Ashkenazi community. His son, Rafael, a standout Talmud student, faces barriers when his Sephardic heritage prevents him from entering top yeshivas. Fueled by anger, Shmuel confronts the headmaster over this injustice. When a tragic accident changes their lives, Shmuel struggles with the impact of his actions. Neither By Day Nor by Night explores the complexities of belonging and identity within the Sephardic community.

Lisa Barr & Lauren Grodstein – Barbara Eisenberg Literary Luncheon Series
2025-01-15 12:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Please join us for a very special Literary Luncheon event with two best selling authors, Lisa Barr and Lauren Grodstein as they talk about their latestt Warsaw Ghetto themed books, The Goddess of Warsaw & We Must Not Think of Ourselves, on Wedenesday, January 15th at 12:30 pm.
The Goddess of Warsaw depicts Bina Blonski and her husband, Jakub in the Warsaw Ghetto. cramped into the Warsaw Ghetto along with the rest of the Polish Jewish population. Jakub is a journalist working hard to document all the heartbreaking current events for posterity; Bina, an actress works for the resistance.
Meanwhile, the author turns to 1956 Hollywood to follow the story of actress Lena Browning, formerly known as Bina, who is still operating as a spy and assassin. She becomes interested in Operation Paperclip, a top-secret intelligence program in which high-ranking Nazi scientists are being released from punishment. Next we move to 2006, when Lena Browning is an old actress, still known for her perfect face. When Lena finds out that old enemies have survived, she is moved to work with Sienna, a fellow actress, as a means of enacting a final victory over the Nazis.
This book is a fast read, with vivid descriptions of places and time periods.
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. The project’s name was “Oneg Shabbat” — the pleasure of the Sabbath. Its mission was to record interviews with confined Jews, collect their testimonies, archive them, and preserve them for posterity. The central character is the teacher Adam Paskow, who participates in this dangerous project and finds love, risking his life.
Lisa Barr is The New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire, The Unbreakables, and the award-winning Fugitive Colors. She has served as an editor for The Jerusalem Post, managing editor of Today’s Chicago Woman and Moment magazine, and as an editor and reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. She has appeared on Good Morning America and Today for her work as an author, journalist, and blogger. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and three daughters.
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. Her stories, essays, and articles have appeared in various literary magazines and anthologies, and have been translated into French, German, Chinese, and Italian, among other languages. Her work has also appeared in Elle, The New York Times, Refinery29, Salon.com, Barrelhouse, Post Road, and The Washington Post. She is a professor of English at Rutgers University-Camden, where she teaches in the MFA program in creative writing.

Diane Warren: Relentless Florida Premiere
2025-01-15 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Diane Warren is the most successful songwriter you’ve never heard of, with 15 Academy Award nominations, an Honorary Oscar, and Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards. Known for iconic hits for Cher, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and more, she’s a fixture on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. From humble beginnings in Van Nuys, Diane rose to become one of the greatest songwriters of all time. This documentary offers an intimate look at her journey, featuring interviews with industry giants like Cher, Common, and Quincy Jones.

Beyond October 7th Southeast US Premiere
2025-01-16 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Israeli director Jasmine Kainy captures the trauma and grief of three generations of the Gad family, who survived the Hamas assault on October 7th. This intimate documentary follows their journey through loss, as they cope with the murder or abduction of friends, the destruction of their homes, and the uncertainty of rebuilding their Kibbutz in Be’eri. Despite the immense despair, a glimmer of hope remains as each family member, from grandparents to grandchildren, strives to restore their community.
This special premiere event will include the attendance of director Jasmine Kainy, who will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A after the screening.

Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances at the New World Symphony
2025-01-19 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | FL
From film scores to folk songs, music from and inspired by WWII…
Step into Hollywood’s Golden Age with lush film scores by musical exiles Erich Korngold and Franz Waxman, brought to life by conductor Anja Bihlmaier. Experience Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, his final composition, blending influences from his new home in America with a nostalgic saxophone solo and dramatic waltz. Cuban composer Julián Orbón weaves his homeland’s folk music into his works, while Schoenberg’s A Survivor from Warsaw serves as a powerful tribute to the victims of the Holocaust.
This concert is part of Resonance of Remembrance, a season-long series marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and the Holocaust. Through music, we honor the past, remember the lives lost, and reflect on the urgent need for peace today.

Colleyville Florida Premiere
2025-01-20 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
On January 15, 2022, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and three others were taken hostage during a typical Saturday morning at Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. The 11-hour standoff, streamed live to over 4,000 viewers, unfolded with local, state, and federal law enforcement, including a SWAT team and 70 FBI negotiators, on the scene. With real-time phone recordings and appearances by President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, this gripping documentary, directed by Dani Menkin, offers an inside look at the harrowing crisis, showcasing the resilience and courage of the hostages.
This special premiere event will include the attendance of director Dani Menkin, who will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A after the screening.

Midlife East Coast Premiere
2025-01-21 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Midlife is a heartfelt love story that blends religious identity and romance, featuring some of Israel’s biggest stars. It follows two estranged sisters, Ahinoam and Sari, whose lives take different paths but eventually bring them together in an unexpected way. After leaving her ultra-Orthodox husband, Ahinoam seeks refuge with Sari, who has left their religious roots for a new life in Tel Aviv. As they both face personal struggles, the sisters reunite, embarking on a journey of reconciliation, healing, and renewal. A moving portrayal of family, love, and second chances.

JCCU Day of Learning - Lunch & Learn: The Closet Queen Beth Levin
2025-01-22 09:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Our special lunch and learn guest is Beth Levin – the Closet Queen! Learn to get organized – join us on Wednesday, January 22 at 12:30 pm.
South Florida professional organizer Beth Levin established Closet Queen® in 2001 and was born to be an organizer. She recalls with pride, how at 7 years old, she always put her Barbies neatly away before taking out her next toy.
Today, she specializes in home and office organizing, helping each client with personalized organizational systems. Whether you are looking to revamp closets, kitchens, storage areas, garages, bedrooms, offices or filing systems, the Closet Queen® can help cut through the clutter that hampers lifestyles and causes anxiety. Levin believes that empowerment through organization allows people to regain control of their time and reduce stress. She uses a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to help clients simplify their lives.
Join us also for our Wednesday’s JCC-U – the starts at 9:15 AM – Coffee, Conversation and Surprise Topic
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 AM – Music Appreciation with Dr. Alan Mason
11:15 AM – Art History experience
12:30 PM – JCC-U Lunch and Learn: Beth Levin – the Closet Queen
JCC-U Day of Learning
$30 per week (Includes Lunch)
Members & Patrons: FREE (Includes Lunch)
This program was made possible by the generous support from Baptist Health

The Ride Ahead Florida Premiere
2025-01-22 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Miami Beach JCC, 4221 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, United States
Approaching his 21st birthday, Samuel Habib faces unique challenges living with GNAO1 Neurodevelopmental Disorder, a rare condition that causes seizures and involuntary movements. Despite relying on a communication device and wheelchair, Samuel is determined to overcome barriers like unemployment and institutionalization. In collaboration with his father, he challenges media stereotypes and interviews disability rights pioneers like Judy Heumann. Through immersive footage, Samuel offers a powerful, firsthand look at the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability while advocating for a future where disabled adults can thrive.
