Gems at the J | Cholent and Conversations
2025-01-10 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Each month we will meet a different Rabbi or Jewish educator from the community, who will share with us their wisdom about the Jewish connections in text impacting the world today. Vegetarian Kosher Cholent will be served.
January 10 – Rabbi Claire Green
February 7 – Rabbi Yonah Gross
March 7 – Rabbi Lilli Shvartsmann
April 4 – Cantor Emeritus Eliot
Click here to register for this class series!
Please note: if you are registering for more than one class in the series but not the entire series, you will have to add each class to your cart individually. If you are having trouble registering for a drop-in class, please email Rachel

Pajama Shabbat with jkidphilly at the JCC
2025-01-10 17:00 - 19:00
Join jkidphilly and the Kaiserman JCC for Pajama Party Shabbat on Friday, January 10th, at 5:00pm. We will be celebrating shabbat together with breakfast for dinner, songs, stories, crafts, and more!
$36 per family: includes breakfast for dinner, drinks and activities!
Questions? Email Barrie!
Are you a jkidphilly member? Enter your coupon code below for a special discount.

jkidphilly Shabbat
Please fill out one form per family.

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Number of Participants(Required)Please tell us the number of people coming, including yourself and any family members.Names of family members joining you: (and ages for children)(Required)How did you hear about this event?(Required)jkidphillyKaiserman JCCWord of MouthOtherDemographics(Required)jkidphilly is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive community that supports families from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations through culturally relevant programming, leadership opportunities, resources and affinity-specific community building. Please indicate, which, if any of the following apply to your family or household

One or more members of my family or household identifies as LGBTQ+

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Coupon Code (Case Sensitive)Family Shabbat Fee (January 10th)

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Includes breakfast for dinner, drinks, and all activities.Family Shabbat Fee Coupon Code(January 10th)

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Additionally, I understand that photos or videos of myself or my family members may be taken during participation in JCC programs or use of its facilities. These images may be used by the JCC for marketing and promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, brochures, and the JCC website.

To opt out of this photo release, I must email marketing@phillyjcc.com and submit a photo of each individual opting out. This opt-out must be renewed annually.Total

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Kid's Gym - Indoor Free Play
2025-01-12 08:30 - 10:00, 2025-01-19 08:30 - 10:00, 2025-01-26 08:30 - 10:00
Kid’s Gym – Indoor Free Play
Come warm up in the JCC gym and let your child burn off energy with some fun-filled free play! Our Indoor Kid’s Gym provides a safe and engaging environment every Sunday from 8:30-10am.
Kid’s Gym is perfect for crawlers through age 6 to explore, climb, and enjoy some unstructured playtime. Make friends, burn off some energy, and get some exercise in these cold winter months.
November 10, 2024 – March 30, 2025
Cost:
$7 / Single Session
$50 / 10-Session Pass (save $20)
$120 / Unlimited Pass (save $48)
Purchase a Session or Pass for Kid’s Gym
We are now doing payment through EZ Facility. You may already have an EZ Facility Account. To learn more about creating an account and purchasing, click here for a detailed walkthrough. Pre-registration is preferred, however if you do not pre-register the front desk will check you in upon arrival. The front desk can also help you purchase and schedule future sessions.
Need assistance purchasing through EZ Facility? Email us!
Please note: All Kid’s Gym Passes expire on 4/21/2025. Any unused sessions must be redeemed before that date.

Red Cross Blood Drive at the J
2025-01-12 10:00 - 15:00
Red Cross Blood Drive at the J
Family Hall
Sunday, January 12 | 10am-3pm
NEW LOCATION! We have moved this drive to Cassia Mount Horeb, 35 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore, PA due to facility constraints.
You’re invited to donate blood at our upcoming blood drive. Please invite friends and family and sign up below. Just one donation can save 3 lives!
Click here to schedule an appointment
Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Or visit redcrossblood.org and enter: KAISERMANJCC to schedule an appointment
Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Gems at the J | Safety Tips for Your Home
2025-01-13 10:30 - 12:00
Monday, January 13 | 10:30AM – 12PM | Free
Join the Lower Merion Village and the LM Police Department for a brief presentation on keeping your home and family safe. Learn about free programs for seniors, including the Lock for Life home security program, car seat check-ups for grandparents, and safe disposal of old prescription medications. We’ll also touch on how seniors can protect themselves from fraud and scams. Don’t miss this chance to get practical tips and ask questions!
Click here to register

Pop-up Balance & Strength with Danielle Illfelder
2025-01-14 11:00 - 11:45
This program is sold out online! Remaining spots will be first come first serve day of. You may still sign up for future programs using the form below. If you have questions please email jamie@phillyjcc.com
Our dynamic exercise class with Danielle Illfelder PT, DPT designed to enhance strength, improve posture, and boost balance through mindful movements. Perfect for all fitness levels, this class will help you build a strong, balanced body and a confident stance.
Danielle Illfelder, PT, DPT is a clinical physical therapist with a special interest in neurology, and balance and falls in the aging population. She has almost 20 years of experience in clinical settings including Mass General Hospital in Boston, MA and Dynamic Home Therapy in Berwyn, PA. She also has a passion for exercise and has taught many fitness classes at local gyms including cycling and strength and balance classes.
Join us after the class for our Lunch & Learn Series with Main Line Health! Register for Lunch & Learn
Please RSVP to the Pop-Up Balance Class using the form below. Please note that this form does not count as payment. Please pay by cash, card, or check at the front desk when you arrive for the program. This program is $5/Person or Free with an Unlimited Monthly Class Pass. Email Jamie@phillyjcc.com with any questions.

Pop-Up Balance Class with Danielle Illfelder

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Tuesday, February 18, 2025 CANCELED

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 (Rescheduled from 2/18)

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Liability Waiver(Required)By checking this box, I release, hold harmless, and indemnify the Kaiserman JCC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, as well as its agents and employees, from and against any liability on their part, of any kind whatsoever, which may arise in any manner, from use of the JCC’s facilities.

Additionally, I understand that photos or videos of myself or my family members may be taken during participation in JCC programs or use of its facilities. These images may be used by the JCC for marketing and promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, brochures, and the JCC website.

To opt out of this photo release, I must email marketing@phillyjcc.com and submit a photo of each individual opting out. This opt-out must be renewed annually. I agree to the privacy policy.
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Gems at the J | Learn and Light Bites with Main Line Health: Stepping into the New Year with Healthy Feet with Dr. Tran
2025-01-14 12:00 - 13:15
Stepping into the New Year with Healthy Feet with Dr. Tran | Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | 12PM – 1:15PM | Free
Speaker: Dr. Tran
Topic: Stepping into the New Year with Healthy Feet
Each month we will bring a different speaker from Main Line Health to discuss health and wellness topics. Lunch cosponsored by Tikvah.
Please join us from 11-11:45 before the lecture for a $5 balance class with Danielle Illfelder PT, DPT. Join our dynamic exercise class designed to enhance strength, improve posture, and boost balance through mindful movements. Perfect for all fitness levels, this class will help you build a strong, balanced body and a confident stance. Are you an unlimited class pass holder? You can join our balance class for free!
Planning to come to the Balance Class? Email us to let us know or just drop in!
Click here to register for this class!

Gems at the J | Winter “Give Back” Hands-On Art Class
2025-01-15 10:30 - 11:45
Wednesday, January 15 | 10:30AM – 11:45AM | Free
The hamsa is a symbol of protection from evil forces and is also believed to bring good luck. Used in many cultures, the word “hamsa” comes from the Arabic word for five referring to the five fingers of the hand. We will use air dry clay to create decorative, hanging hamsas. Learn to roll a clay slab, cut from a stencil, and add texture to ceramic pieces. We will finish the hamsas with acrylic paints so they are ready for hanging. Dress for mess! Please bring a donation of nonperishable or canned foods or feminine hygiene products which will be dropped off at the Ardmore Food Pantry.
Click here to register

Gems at the J | An Insider Look at Israel
2025-01-15 12:15 - 13:00, 2025-01-22 12:15 - 13:00, 2025-01-29 12:15 - 13:00
3 Wednesdays, January 15 – January 29 | 12:15PM – 1PM | $18 (Must register for all dates)
Come ask your questions about Israel and learn about the history and culture of the Israeli people with our Jewish Embassy Niv Sadeh.
Click here to register
Interested in coming to just one or a few sessions? Email rachel@phillyjcc.com

Gems at the J | Wise Fools: A Journey Through Jewish Clowning
2025-01-15 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-01-22 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-01-29 14:00 - 15:00
4 Wednesdays, January 8 – January 29 | 2PM – 3PM | $48
Explore the rich tradition of fools, jesters, and clowns within Jewish history through an engaging lecture and hands-on movement activities. This class will blend stories, historical context, and physical expression, allowing participants to learn while experiencing the art of clowning firsthand. Perfect for those interested in both the history and the playful spirit of clowning, with a focus on its Jewish significance.
Click here to register
Instructor Danielle Levsky (they/she) is a multidisciplinary theater artist, specializing in clowning, physical theater, and movement education.
Interested in coming to just one or a few sessions? Email rachel@phillyjcc.com

Gems at the J | Towering Genius: Abraham Lincoln, His Life, Assassination, and Lineage
2025-01-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-01-30 10:00 - 11:00
4 Thursdays, January 9 – January 30 | 10AM – 11AM | $48 (Must register for all dates)
Abraham Lincoln’s political views were deeply rooted in the principles of the Declaration of Independence, a sentiment he shared with the nation’s founders. Born into modest circumstances, Lincoln worked his way up from riverboat laborer to attorney, state legislator, U.S. Congressman, and eventually President. His stepmother, Sarah Bush Lincoln, fostered his love for reading by giving him a Bible, helping make him one of the most biblically literate U.S. presidents. This course explores Lincoln’s Constitution, his political philosophy, his relationships with both the political and Jewish communities, and his life’s story, including his assassination.
Click here to register
Instructor Herb Kaufman possesses a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Temple University. After completing a career as a Human Resources Executive, he has been a teacher, lecturer, and living historian for more than 20 years.
Interested in coming to just one or a few sessions? Email rachel@phillyjcc.com

Gems at the J | Afternoon Mahjong Lessons
2025-01-16 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-23 13:00 - 14:00
With Sharon Dunoff & Helene Rosenfeldt | 3 Thursdays, January 16-30, 2025 | 1pm – 2pm | $60
In just 3 weeks, you will learn how to play a beginner’s game of Mah Jongg. You’ll learn how to identify tiles, read a card and the rules of the game! Learn the game your mother and grandmother always wanted to teach you!
Please feel free to join us for Mahjong Open Play after the completion of the course from 1-3pm on Thursdays.
Click here to register for this program!

Gems at the J | Introduction to Chess
2025-01-16 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-23 15:00 - 16:00
6 Thursdays, January 16 – February 20 | 3PM – 4PM | $60 (Must register for all dates)
Interactive beginner chess classes will cover the basic strategies of the game, checkmates, tactics, and opening principles. Students will engage in problem-solving and develop the skills to understand all the rules and be able to play a complete game.
Click here to register
Instructor Jessica Regam is a Woman FIDE Chess Master, represented the United States in multiple Pan American (bronze medalist) and World Youth Championship events, former national champion among girls, currently ranked in the top 100 females in the U.S. Jessica loves chess for its problem-solving aspect and the mental challenge it provides, and is passionate about instilling the joy of the game in others.

Day at the J on MLK Day 2025
2025-01-20 09:00 - 13:30
*Kids Gym has changed to 10:00 – 11:30am. The program change is reflected below.
*Due to the serve cold weather predicted for Monday, the Teen MLK Day project will be “in-house” at the JCC from 10:00 am – 12:00pm. The program change is reflected below.
Join us for Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the J on Monday, January 20th!
We are excited to be offering multiple programs throughout the day for all ages and interests.
Join us for one or all!
All activities are free with a donation of 2 new or used books. Books can be for adults or children.
Activities and Projects: (Please pre-register below)
Families with preschool-age children join us, from 10:00-11:30am, for Kids Gym with hands-on good deed stations.
Elementary-aged children, teens and adults, please join us from 10-12pm for a session learning about literacy and food insecurity through a series of hands-on service projects.
Adults and Gems at the J participants, Join us from 11:30-1pm for a hands-on project making dried soup mix jars, and a MLK-themed (short) movie.
Please pre-register below, and if you are able to, bring 2 new or used books with you to be donated to BookSmiles. Books can be for adults or children.
The BookSmiles Mission: By diverting used children’s books from going to landfills or pulpers, we provide millions of books with new life by getting them into the hands and homes of children who need them most. Starting in infancy, children living in book deserts can build robust libraries of their own, inviting academic success!

MLK Day at the J 2025
Please fill out one form per family!

Name(Required)

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How did you hear about this event?(Required)How did you hear about this event?Word of mouthGems newsletterJCC newsletterInternet searchSynagogueOtherHow did you hear about this event - other?(Required)KidsGym and Good Deeds Stations

10:00-11:30am (Free)
For families with preschool aged childrenNames of Additional Family Members joining KidsGym, including ages of children.(Required)Family and Teen Hands-On Service Projects to support Literacy and Food insecurity

10:00-12:00pm (Free)
For elementary-aged children and a caregiver and tweens and teens.Names of Additional Family Members joining our Family Service Project, including ages of children.(Required)Hands-On Service Project

11:30-1:00pm (Free)
For adults and older adults. Join us for a hands-on project making dried soup mix jars and short film.This field is hidden when viewing the formHands-On Teen Service Project at the Historic Fair Hill site

9:00am-1:30pm (Free)
Join us for a clean-up day at the historic Fair Hill site. For tweens and teens. Registration required and transportation provided. Please pack a lunch and as this is an outdoor activity, please dress accordingly.This field is hidden when viewing the formHow many tweens/teens are you registering?(Required)How many tweens/teens are you registering?1 Tween/Teen2 Tweens/Teens3 Tweens/TeensYou may register up to 3 tweens/teens per formThis field is hidden when viewing the formName of Teen 1(Required)

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This field is hidden when viewing the formBirthday of Teen 1(Required)

This field is hidden when viewing the formName of Teen 2(Required)

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This field is hidden when viewing the formBirthday of Teen 2(Required)

This field is hidden when viewing the formName of Teen 3(Required)

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This field is hidden when viewing the formBirthday of Teen 3(Required)

This field is hidden when viewing the formEmergency Contact(Required)

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This field is hidden when viewing the formEmergency Contact Phone(Required)Names of Members joining our Adult Hands-On Service Project(Required)Liability Waiver(Required) I agree to the Liability WaiverBy checking this box, I release, hold harmless, and indemnify the Kaiserman JCC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, as well as its agents and employees, from and against any liability on their part, of any kind whatsoever, which may arise in any manner, from use of the JCC’s facilities.

Additionally, I understand that photos or videos of myself or my family members may be taken during participation in JCC programs or use of its facilities. These images may be used by the JCC for marketing and promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, brochures, and the JCC website.

To opt out of this photo release, I must email marketing@phillyjcc.com and submit a photo of each individual opting out. This opt-out must be renewed annually.
Submit

Gems at the J | Broadway with Leila Joffe
2025-01-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-28 11:00 - 12:00
3 Tuesdays, January 21 – February 4 | 11AM – 12PM | $36 (Must register for all dates)
We will take an in-depth look at Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. They were one of the most successful teams in musical theater. We will learn about the beginning of their careers and what led them to their very first show, Oklahoma. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein transformed the landscape of musical theater, elevating it to a new level of artistry and storytelling. Their influence can still be felt today, as their works continue to be celebrated and performed around the world.
Click here to register
Interested in coming to just one or a few sessions? Email rachel@phillyjcc.com

Camp Kef Day
2025-01-26 13:00 - 15:00
Cost: $36/Family
Bring your family and friends for a day filled with exciting activities while supporting our camp fundraiser. Reconnect with friends from last summer as you enjoy games, songs, and even a mini bounce house! Prospective campers are also invited to come and meet our amazing team as they learn about all that Camp Kef has to offer. Join us as we experience a whole day of camp fun packed into just two hours!
Activities include:

Slime Making Station
STEM/Science Stations
Mini “Yom Kef Kef” Bounce House
Craft Stations
Camp Games
Snacks and more!

All proceeds will go towards supporting our camp fundraiser as we raise money to expand our art program with a new kiln!
Click here to register

Jewish Running Info Session
2025-01-26 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for an information session to learn about a new opportunity for Jewish Runners. If you run for fun, local 5ks, marathons, or anything in between then we would love for you to join our new JCC running community. Our JCC running group, will connect you with other Jewish Runners, build community, and travel to Israel together to tour and participate in a race. Please join us for one of our information sessions to learn more.
The information sessions will be held on Zoom. Links will be shared early afternoon on the meeting date. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. If you cannot join the call, please email Barrie Mittica, barrie@phillyjcc.com, to set up a time to connect.
Register for the Info Session
In partnership with

Inside The Middle East
2025-01-27 19:00 - 20:30
Navigating The Storm Of Conflict To The Horizon’s Edge With Avi Melamed Middle East Expert, and Founder of Inside the Middle East Intelligence Perspectives [ITME] Institute
Avi is a former Israeli Intelligence Official and Senior Advisor on Arab Affairs. He is uniquely positioned at the intersection of intelligence, diplomacy, and education. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, his analysis is deeply rooted in his firsthand experiences and intimate knowledge of the Arab and Muslim worlds, enabling him to navigate and explain the complexities of the Middle East with unmatched clarity. Avi has authored three books on the region, produced a documentary film about Jerusalem, and the soon-to-be-released Inside The Middle East | The Primer, an educational film featuring voices from the Arab and Muslim world often absent in Western discourse. Avi is a frequent commentator on international media platforms such as ABC, Al-Arabiya, AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN, FOX, Wall Street Journal and more. He is a permanent contributor to USA Today.
Register Here

Pop-Up Zumba Class at the JCC with Carol Fee – January 30th
2025-01-30 11:00 - 11:50
Join us for a special Pop-Up Zumba Class at the JCC on Thursday, January 30th, from 11:00–12:PM!
Led by an inspiring instructor with a lifelong passion for dance, this class promises to energize your day. With a background in ballet, tap, and jazz, she has performed in recitals, operas, and musical theater. After a career in advertising and real estate, she found her true calling as a certified Zumba and La Blast instructor following her breast cancer journey 10 years ago. Teaching Zumba is her passion, and her classes are filled with fun, energy, and a love for movement.
Since this is her first class at the JCC, it’s free for everyone as we warmly welcome her to our community!
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience her vibrant teaching style. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now!
Click here to register
