Philly J

Day at the J on MLK Day 2026
2026-01-19 08:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Join us for Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the J on Monday, January 19th!
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 non-perishable food items (canned or boxed food).
Activities and Projects: (Please pre-register below)
Families with preschool-age children join us, from 8:30-10am, for Kids Gym with hands-on good deed stations and special yoga class with Miss Evin from 9:30-10:00.
Elementary-aged children, teens and adults, please join us from 10-11:30am for a series of hands-on service projects.
Adults and Gems at the J participants, Join us from 11:30-1:30pm for a showing of MLK/FBI, which explores the US government’s surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King. Please feel free to bring a lunch to enjoy during the film. Or, from 12:30-1:30pm join our yoga class with Roots2Rise as we offer space to rest, reflect, and move with intention while honoring the values of justice, dignity, and togetherness.

Please pre-register below, and if you are able to, bring 2 non-perishable food items (canned or boxed food).

MLK Day at the J 2026
Please fill out one form per family!

Name(Required)

First

Last

Phone(Required)Email(Required)

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

8:30-10:00am (Free)
For families with preschool aged children - Kids Gym with accompanying social action activitiesNames of Additional Family Members joining KidsGym, including ages of children.(Required)Family, Teen, and Adult Hands-On Service Projects to support Literacy and Food insecurity

10:00-11:30am (Free)
For elementary-aged children and a caregiver, tweens and teens, and adults.Names of Additional Family Members joining our Family Service Project, including ages of children.(Required)Strength in Stillness- Yoga Class with Andre Coles from Roots2Rise

12:30-1:30pm (Free)
A grounding yoga practice that invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with our inner resilience. Through accessible movement, mindful pauses, and moments of reflection, we explore how stillness can be a source of strength supporting clarity, compassion, and collective care. This all-levels class is open to the entire community and offers space to rest, reflect, and move with intention while honoring the values of justice, dignity, and togetherness.Names of Members joining our Adult Yoga Class(Required)MLK/FBI Screening and Discussion

11:30-1:00pm (Free)
After a morning of hands-on service projects, join us for showing of MLK/FBI, which explores the US government's surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King Jr.Names of Members joining our Adult Film Screening(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.

By providing my phone number and/or email address, I consent to receive communications from the Kaiserman JCC, including promotional, informational, and reminder messages, via SMS/text and email. Message and data rates may apply for text messages. Message frequency may vary. I understand that consent is not a condition of purchase and that I may opt out at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in emails or replying STOP to text messages.

MLK Vacation Day For Grades K-5
2026-01-19 08:30 - 17:00
When school is out, the fun (and purpose) is on! Our MLK Day Schools Out Program is a full day of meaningful activities that celebrate community, creativity, and play. Children will take part in a hands-on service project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of kindness, justice, and helping others, giving them a chance to make a real impact in a way that’s age-appropriate and engaging.
The day also includes high-energy fun like Laser Tag, gym games and sports, and plenty of time to run, move, and play with friends. For kids who love to create, we’ll offer art projects and creative activities, along with surprises and additional games throughout the day. It’s the perfect balance of service, fun, and creativity, a meaningful way to spend MLK Day while school is closed.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Traveling The World By Drone
2026-01-20 10:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-27 10:00 - 23:00
Back by popular demand! Visit global wonders, from Kenyan conservancies to Machu Picchu, without leaving the JCC! Actual locations of “destinations will be determined by weather conditions in the prospective locations.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Intro to Drawing
2026-01-20 11:15 - 12:15, 2026-01-30 10:30 - 11:30
When we were children, almost all of us had the experience of drawing and making art; but frequently we may have received the message that only a few privileged people had “the gift”, “the talent”, “the special skill” to produce “real Art”…so many people gave up and stopped drawing altogether. No matter what your skill-level, your past experience (or lack of experience), or your age, my goal is always the same…to have you succeed with your creativity and imagination, to learn to SEE after many-lookings, and to have fun doing it. So let’s open that door, and let’s have some fun doing it!
Can’t make it to all 3 dates, email rsakofs@phillyjcc.com
Click here!

Gems at the J | Learn and Light Bites: Looking into the New Year
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:15
Topic: Looking into the New Year – How Your Eyes Change with Age
Speaker: Local Ophthalmologist
Discover how aging affects your eyes and learn about common conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Experience an interactive portion where you can try glasses that simulate these conditions, gaining insight into their impact. A quick vision screening will also be available to help you stay on top of your eye health.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Monthly Winter Zentangle
2026-01-20 13:30 - 15:00
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!

Pop-up Dance Tone with Olga
2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-24 09:30 - 10:30
Dance Tone is a dance-based workout class featuring hip-hop, cardio, and Latin Zumba-inspired choreography. This class delivers a fun, full-body workout designed for all levels with easy to follow repetitive movements and high energy music.
About the Intructor, Olga: I grew up as a competitive Latin ballroom dancer and discovered dance fitness as a way to stay active and grounded during the intense years of
medical school. Dance has always been my outlet, and I love sharing that energy through classes that are fun, empowering, and accessible for everyone.
This class is $18/drop in or you can use your unlimited monthly class pass.
Please join us on both or either of our class dates on 1/20 and 1/24!
Click here to register for 1/20!
Click here to register for 1/24!

Tai Chi
2026-01-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-28 11:00 - 12:00
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 | Canasta Lessons
2026-01-21 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-01-28 11:00 - 12:30
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!

Israeli Dancing
2026-01-21 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-28 11:30 - 12:30
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)

Gems at the J | Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof: American Jews and Social Justice
2026-01-22 12:30 - 13:30, 2026-01-29 12:30 - 13:30
Inspired by Jewish teachings and their historical experience, Jews have been disproportionately represented in movements for social justice in this country. Using memoirs, speeches, writings and organizational records, we will examine the prominent roles played by rabbis, political figures, labor organizers and other activists in advocating for the rights of disadvantaged members of American society. With Dr. Reena Sigman Friedman.
Click here to register for the Lecture!

Gems at the J | Eat Well, Be Well Series - Whole Grains
2026-01-23 12:30 - 13:15
Each month, join Rachel Sakofs—our very own Gems manager and a registered dietitian—for fresh insights on food, eating, and overall health. Sponsored by IBX.
TOPIC: Whole Grains
Click here to register for Eat Well Be Well!

Kid's Gym
2026-01-25 08:30 - 10:00, 2026-02-01 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 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.

Through My Eyes - Connecting Jews From Around the World
2026-01-25 11:00 - 12:00
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!

Gems at the J | Mahjong Lessons
2026-01-29 13:00 - 14:30
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 | American Crafts of the 1776 Era
2026-02-02 11:00 - 12:00
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!

Gems at the J | Film Series - Young Jews Uncovering the Past
2026-02-02 13:00 - 15:00
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 | Origami
2026-02-02 15:00 - 16:15
NEW DATE Come prepared to learn some origami and have some fun. Faye will share several easy-to-make models an answer any questions. All paper will be provided.
Who is Faye?
Faye has been doing origami for over 50 years. She was attracted to origami by its ability to demonstrate mathematical concepts and be beautiful at the same time. Her love of mathematics and geometric constructions is mirrored.in her modular forms. She is very interested in coloring constraints when choosing how to put together models. Heinz Strobl, the creator of Snapology has labeled her ‘the ambassador of Snapology’. She has taught Snapology and has exhibited around the world including Singapore, Mexico, Colombia, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and at the national conventions of Centerfold, PCOC, and OrigamiUSA. She is the leader of the Greater Philadelphia Paper Pholders, a regional group of folders dedicated to sharing their love of Origami. The group meets monthly in Wynnewood.
Click here!

Dynamic NeuroMoves - Parkinson's Fitness
2026-02-03 10:30 - 12:30
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 | Beautiful Broadway Ballads
2026-02-03 11:15 - 12:15
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 | International Holocaust Remembrance Day Screening of 999 The Forgotten Girls
2026-02-03 13:00 - 14:45
New Date! (Rescheduled from 1/27)
To commemorate Yom Hashoah, the JCC will present an in-person screening of the documentary, 999 The Forgotten Girls, which sheds light on a wrenching true story. In March 1942, nearly 1000 young Slovak Jewish women, mostly teenagers, told by their government that they were embarking on a work assignment, were instead illegally deported to Auschwitz on what was the first Jewish transport to the Nazi Death Camp. The documentarian, Heather Dune Macadam, tells the story of a small group of Jewish women who survived against all odds, even under unimaginable conditions for more than three grueling years. The film includes recorded testimony by some of the survivors themselves.
After the screening, Tammy Forstater, the daughter of one of the survivors of this transport, the late Ida Eigerman, will offer a Q&A and will be happy to share about Ida’s personal experiences. Tammy’s sister Sharon, and her daughter Daniella may join her.
Click here to register!

Pop-up Dance Tone with Olga
2026-02-03 19:00 - 20:00
Dance Tone is a dance-based workout class featuring hip-hop, cardio, and Latin Zumba-inspired choreography. This class delivers a fun, full-body workout designed for all levels with easy to follow repetitive movements and high energy music.
About the Intructor, Olga: I grew up as a competitive Latin ballroom dancer and discovered dance fitness as a way to stay active and grounded during the intense years of
medical school. Dance has always been my outlet, and I love sharing that energy through classes that are fun, empowering, and accessible for everyone.
This class is $18/drop in or you can use your unlimited monthly class pass.
Please join us on both or either of our class dates on 2/3 and 2/7!
Click here to register for 2/3!
Click here to register for 2/7!
