Jewish Life & Learning
Our mission is to offer diverse pathways and opportunities for our members to connect to Jewish knowledge, tradition, values, and community in a personally meaningful way.
Celebrate Shavuot with Ice Cream, Friends, and Fun!
Sunday, June 1, 2–4pm; JCC Memorial Courtyard
Spend the afternoon learning about the holiday of Shavuot, participating in mitzvah activities (social justice projects for those in need), and enjoying complimentary delicious kosher dairy treats (non-dairy treats will be available). Temple Emanu-El will lead us in paper-cutting, a nature blessing walk, and text study.
Free, no registration required.
Rise Up: The Heroes Independence Concert
Thursday, June 5, 7pm; JCC Hart Theater
This powerful event, part of the Heroes Tour, weaves together live music, personal stories, and moving visuals to celebrate the resilience and heroism of the Jewish people.
Join us for a unique experience that will inspire and empower, reminding us of the enduring spirit within us all.
Community Security
Training
Free community training with Mark Henderson, Regional Security Advisor with Secure Community Network. Registration for each training is required.
This program is in collaboration with Secure Community Network, ROCStrong, the Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester, and Lifespan.
Countering Active Threat Training (CATT)
Monday, June 16, 1-2pm
CATT is designed as a 60-minute program, offered in person, to teach the principles of responding during an active shooter (or active threat) event. This course follows the national standard curriculum: RUN, HIDE, FIGHT with additional focus on how we can better prepare to persevere in an active threat environment. This course is designed for every member of the community.
Stop the Bleed
Tuesday, July 22, 1-2pm
This training is a 60-minute course that stresses the importance of understanding why bleeding is the #1 preventable death after an injury. This course teaches how to save a life through identifying life-threatening bleeding and learning how to control bleeding when someone is injured through the application of wound packing and tourniquet application. Hands-on exercises are a required component of this course and designed for every member of the community.
Personal Security Awareness
Monday, August 11, 1-2pm
This 60-minute course is designed to equip participants with the essential principles of enhancing personal safety and security in their daily lives. Participants will learn how awareness, planning, and training play pivotal roles in reducing and mitigating personal risk. These skills are applicable across various situations, from everyday safety concerns to serious emergencies. Personal Security. Awareness empowers individuals to take control of their own security in public and online.
Opportunities to Connect
Check out these daytime meetups at the J!
Torah & Tea with Rishi
Wednesdays, 10:30am–12pm
A weekly meetup for women
Looking for inspiration? Camaraderie? Spiritual insights into life? Stimulating conversations? This weekly informal get-together, facilitated by Rishi Hein, is designed to do this. Drop in for this informal weekly meetup with friendly Jewish women. Free
Weekly Torah Wanderings with Rabbi Michael Silbert
Wednesdays, 10–11am
Join us for an exploration into the week’s Torah reading as we examine this ancient text together, connecting with its enduring meaning and drawing on its contemporary relevance. Free
MIT (Men in Touch)
Tuesdays, 8:30am
For more than 30 years, MIT (Men in Touch) has been convening men of retirement age for socialization, camaraderie, and learning. The first 30 minutes of every session begin with bagels, coffee, and conversation. The remaining time is spent either with a guest speaker or with a facilitated discussion based on a particular topic. No need to register, show up, and introduce yourself. $2 suggested donation.
Jewish Programs + Events Calendar
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Jewish Arts + Culture
Authors + Innovators Festival
For 30 years, you’ve connected with your favorite authors and to other readers who care about books as much as you do fostering important community conversations. The new Lane Dworkin JCC Rochester Authors + Innovators Festival expands the core of a Book Festival beyond a traditional lineup by welcoming creative innovators to share their world-changing ideas and adding interactive workshops and events. Learn More
Rochester Jewish Film Festival
The JCC established the Ames Amzalak Rochester Jewish Film Festival to present the best contemporary Jewish-themed films from around the world to the Rochester community.
RJFF exists to promote awareness and pride in the diversity of all people; to strengthen community consciousness of Jewish identity, history, and culture; to provide a forum for community gatherings that allows valuable dialogue; and to create an international showcase for filmmakers who are Jewish or whose work explores Jewish themes. Learn More