Philly J

Gems at the J | Mahjong Lessons
2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-02-12 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Come learn the basics of Mah Jong!
You will learn the tiles, hands and rules of the game.
No experience required, just bring your curiosity.
Click here!

Gems at the J | Political Affairs
2026-02-19 11:15 - 12:15 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Come discuss a variety of political topics with Bill Rosenberg. What plans are in effect to subvert the upcoming midterm elections?
What is the “Great Man” Theory in Politics? This will include potentially FDR, Reagan, Trump, Cuomo and others.
What are primary elections all about and why are they important? How do they sort and limit our choices in fall general elections? What is the invisible primary.
What does the outlook for political leaders look like over the next 5 years?
What has the role of Women on the Supreme Court been? (a March Date during Women’s History Month)
Topics may change due to the political landscape of the time.
Date for the classes will be Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Feb. 5, Feb 19, March 5, 2026, with a Snow Date of March 26, 2026.
Click here to register!

Dynamic NeuroMoves - Parkinson's Fitness
2026-02-19 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-02-17 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-02-12 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-02-10 10:30 - 12:30 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Dynamic NeuroMoves is a grant-supported, 4-week specialty small group training program designed for people with Parkinson’s Disease. This unique class blends large-amplitude movements, cognitive drills, and voice activation—adapted for all mobility levels. Each session targets both motor symptoms (balance, walking, strength, posture) and non-motor symptoms (thinking skills, speech, mood), helping participants move better, think sharper, and live more fully.
Click here to learn more and inquire about joining!

Gems at the J | When Life Changes: Understanding Grief and Building Resilience
2026-02-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Facilitator: Molly Grace Hicks, MMT, MT-BC, FT is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Fellow in Thanatology. Molly is the founder of a private music therapy practice, Connected Voice Creative Healing, supporting people who are experiencing grief and loss, life transitions, and spiritual struggles. Previously, Molly worked in hospice care from 2008 to 2024. Molly also enjoys songwriting, creating mixed media art, and engaging in interfaith community work.

Dates & Workshop Descriptions:
Wednesday, February 18; 2-3:30 p.m.
Workshop 1: Grief and Loss: Understanding the Ongoing Process
This workshop will explore the basics of grief and loss, offering ways to understand the process, recognize the many possible grief responses across all domains of life, and learn resources for coping. There are many modern frameworks for learning about grief, and most do not present a set series of stages followed in a particular order. However, there are some misconceptions about grief that are culturally perpetuated and may do harm if not contextualized. This workshop will give attendees a basic vocabulary for thinking and dialoguing about grief, emphasizing its non-linear nature, the importance of self-compassion, and the necessity of support. One goal is for each attendee to leave with a way of conceiving of the grief process that feels accessible and relevant to their lives.

Tuesday, March 10; 2-3:30 p.m.
Workshop 2: Going Through Changes: Non-Death Grief and Loss
Grief arises as we experience various life milestones, changes in health and ability, and social relationships, to name a few. Attendees will learn about non-death losses that may be well-defined, ambiguous or a little of each, and will leave with a framework for resilience that may be helpful in coping.

Tuesday, April 21, 2-3:30 p.m.
Workshop 3: Moving Through, Not Getting Over: Death-Related Grief and Loss
This workshop will focus on some of the common experiences connected to the dying and/or death of a person in our lives. Attendees will learn more about the natural process of grief, integrating grief into one’s life, and how to recommend support or seek it for oneself when acute grief may be complicated or prolonged.
Click here to register!
To register for individual dates, email rsakofs@phillyjcc.com

This workshop series is in partnership with:

Gems at the J | Black History Month Documentary Series
2026-02-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Join us for a Documentary Screening to honor Black History Month with film Director Ari Beser.
Ari Beser is a documentary filmmaker best known as the director of Generation Rwanda. His work focuses on youth voices, social justice, and stories shaped by conflict, identity, and resilience. Through an intimate, character-driven approach, Beser centers people telling their own stories and often pairs his films with educational and community-engagement efforts.
Generation Rwanda follows young people born after the 1994 genocide as they come of age in a reconciled Rwanda. Through the stories of students from the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, the film challenges stereotypes and shows a new generation honoring the past while shaping its own future.
Special price thanks to an anonymous donor!
Click here to register!

Israeli Dancing
2026-02-18 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-02-11 11:30 - 12:30 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Join RakDan in a weekly Israeli Dance Class! Israeli dancing is a fun way to move at a slow to moderate pace while enjoying traditional Israeli music, socializing with others, and utilizing your brainpower to remember steps. No prior dance experience expected.
$250 full series, $15 drop-in rate. To register, you must purchase either a full series unlimited package or a drop-in class. (Your unlimited monthly fitness class pass, fitness 10 class pass, or fitness drop-in class passes are not eligible.) Then use this link to schedule for the dates you are coming to.
Questions? Email rachel@phillyjcc.com
(Unlimited monthly fitness class pass holders can email Jamie@phillyjcc.com for a discount code on the full series)

Tai Chi
2026-02-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
In this five week series, you’ll learn the easy, flowing set of moves called the Eight Form Yang Style Tai Chi, a graceful sequence of arm and body movements coordinated with breathing, often considered the gateway to all tai chi techniques and benefits. Each class includes a warmup, guided breathing, and two new movements, building to the complete routine by week five. Practicing briefly at home between classes will enhance your results.
Active unlimited monthly class pass holders can take this class for only $40.
This class is for adults of all ages!
Click here to register for Tai Chi 5 Week Series!

Gems at the J | Monthly Winter Zentangle
2026-02-17 13:30 - 15:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Come learn the art of mindful mediation through doodling with Mindy Shapiro!
Jan 20
Embedded Letters In this session we will create or and refine our “chop” – the Initial or initials we use to sign our Zentangle® work. We will then embed the letters in the beautiful tangle “DivaDance”.

Feb 17
Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse Our February class falls on the exact date of the Lunar/Chinese New Year. Each Chineseyear is associated with an animal and this is the year of the horse. We will learn beautiful tangles with which to decorate a horse outline.

Mar 17
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day: The Celtic knot. Celtic Knots are endless, interwoven loops symbolizing eternity, interconnectedness, love, and spiritual journeys. In this class we will draw a basic celtic knot and fill it in with Zentangle® fragments.

Looking to drop in? Email rsakofs@phillyjcc.com for a $15 rate
Click here to register for the Zentangle Series!

Gems at the J | Threads of Connection: Exploring Old and New Relationships Through Art
2026-02-17 12:30 - 14:30 | JFCS, 345 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA, 19004, United States
A 3-session art therapy group for older adults to reflect on relationships that have shaped their lives and to explore the possibility of new connections. Through creativity and conversation, participants will express the bonds that matter most, understand how relationships evolve, and imagine ways to cultivate connection in this stage of life.
This class is held in the JFCS Brodsky Center – Art Studio. Make up class will be scheduled for 3/10, if needed.
Click here!

Gems at the J | Learn and Light Bites: Heart Health Awareness
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:15 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Topic: Heart Health Awareness: Learn, Play, and Thrive
Speaker: Abby Riley
Celebrate Heart Health Month with an interactive session focused on understanding and improving your cardiovascular wellness. Join Abby Riley for fun, educational games that highlight key heart health facts, risk factors, and simple lifestyle changes you can make to protect your heart. This engaging experience will leave you motivated and equipped to take charge of your heart health for a stronger, healthier life.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Beautiful Broadway Ballads
2026-02-17 11:15 - 12:15, 2026-02-10 11:15 - 12:15 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
We will look back at some of the greatest ballads written for the Broadway stage. We will explore hit ballads from Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Lerner and Loewe, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein, and other composers!
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Film Series - Young Jews Uncovering the Past
2026-02-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
The films in this series feature young people coming to terms with the stories of the suffering of their ancestors in Europe. All are important and beautiful.
2/2: Everything Illuminated 2005
2/9: A Real Pain 2024
2/16: Ida 2013
2/23: The Unspoken 2023
3/2: White Bird 2024
Click here to register!
Price is for all 4 sessions. If you would like to come to just one or a few sessions, email rskaofs@phillyjcc.com

Gems at the J | American Crafts of the 1776 Era
2026-02-16 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Travel back to the era of the American Revolution through hands-on crafting, with our own Rachel Sakofs. Learn traditional techniques such as tin punching, soap carving, and historical paper crafts. All materials provided.
Click here!

Kid's Gym
2026-02-15 08:30 - 10:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
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 30, 2025 – April 19, 2026
No Kid’d Gym on: 12/28, 3/1, 3/15, 3/22
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 and registration through EZ Facility. You may already have an EZ Facility Account, especially if you have ever participated in swim lessons or enrichment classes. To learn more about creating an account and purchasing, click here for a detailed walkthrough. Pre-registration is preferred but not required.
The front desk will check you in upon arrival. The front desk can also help you purchase and schedule future sessions.
Need assistance purchasing a pass through EZ Facility? Email us!
Please note: All Kid’s Gym Passes expire on 4/21/2026. Any unused sessions must be redeemed before that date.

KidsTime School's Out Trips
2026-02-13 08:00 - 18:00, 2026-02-12 08:00 - 18:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
LMSD students in grades K–5 are invited to join us on their days off from school for trips to Gravity Vault (Thursday) and SkyZone (Friday). After we return to the JCC, we will conclude the day with crafts, games and activities. Drop-off and pick-up will take place at the Kaiserman JCC (this program includes after-care. Pickup is at the JCC by 6pm.) Please note that lunch is not included, so children should bring a bag lunch and water bottle for the day. Sneakers are required for the trip.
Please register using the child’s name and information. Please complete an additional registration for each additional child. In the comments section of registration, please list any allergies we may need to know. You must register for each trip individually.
Click here to register for Gravity Vault Trip 2/12!
Click here to register for SkyZone Trip 2/13!

Screenagers Film Program - A Conversation About Teens, Smartphones, and Social Media
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
The teenage years are full of important decisions, new challenges, and big questions for both teens and their families. Our Preparing for What’s Ahead: A Teen and Family Program Series is designed to offer guidance, clarity, and practical tools as teens prepare for what comes next. Through expert-led workshops, conversations, and experiences, this series will explore topics such as preparing for college, navigating social media and digital life, understanding Jewish life on campus today, and learning about meaningful Israel experiences. Each program invites teens and parents to learn together, ask questions, and feel more confident moving forward.
Join us for a screening of Screenagers, a powerful documentary that explores the impact of smartphones and social media on teenagers’ mental health, relationships, and learning. Following the film, there will be guided discussion to help parents and teens better understand digital habits and how to create healthier boundaries together.
Facilitated by: Alex Bird Becker, Delco Unplugged
Panelists:
Mike McLeod (ADHD & Executive Function Specialist, GrowNow ADHD)
Jen Rice (Marriage & Family Therapist)
Dr. Jenna Higgins (Pediatrician, Nemours)
Click here to register!

Subres Initiative - Hearing Israel Through the Voices of Young Israelis
2026-02-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
The teenage years are full of important decisions, new challenges, and big questions for both teens and their families. Our Preparing for What’s Ahead: A Teen and Family Program Series is designed to offer guidance, clarity, and practical tools as teens prepare for what comes next. Through expert-led workshops, conversations, and experiences, this series will explore topics such as preparing for college, navigating social media and digital life, understanding Jewish life on campus today, and learning about meaningful Israel experiences. Each program invites teens and parents to learn together, ask questions, and feel more confident moving forward.
Meet Illay and Iddo, two young Israelis who chose to take a gap year before their IDF service to dedicate their time to Hasbara and community engagement across North America. Through their personal stories and experiences, they offer an honest and firsthand perspective on what life in Israel looks like today and how current events are shaping their generation. This program invites teens and families to engage, ask questions, and hear directly from those living the reality.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Canasta Lessons
2026-02-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Canasta is a fun, fast-paced card game of strategy and teamwork. This class is for beginners, who have never played before. Come challenge your mind to a new card game, in a small group setting.
Click here to register!

Bagel Brunch
2026-02-08 11:15 - 12:30 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
After your workout at our fitness classes we invite you to join us for a light brunch at the J while shmoozing with friends. Bagels and cream cheese will be provided. Feel free to bring an additional dish or side to share!
$6 online or $5 cash at the door. If you would like to pay in cash, please select the correct option during registration.
Click here to register!

Through My Eyes - Connecting Jews From Around the World
2026-02-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Sundays, January 11, January 25, February 8, March 15, April 12, May 31, 2026 |11AM – 12PM
A 6-session creative program connecting teens and adults from four JCCs, Sumy and Poltava-Ukraine, Pardesia-Israel, and Philadelphia-USA, through photography. Participants explore personal and collective stories using their cameras or phones, culminating in a shared digital photo book or simultaneous exhibition across all communities.
Click here to register!
