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.
JCC Learning Circle: A Cohort Based Program for Curious Adults
Third Friday of the Month • 12:00-1:30 PM | October 2026 – May 2027
October 16 • November 20 • December 18 • January 15 • February 19 • March 19 • April 16 • May 21
Introduction to Hebrew with Geulah Von Perlstein - Fall 2026
Thursdays, October 13 – November 17 | 1 PM
Learn Hebrew from the beginning in an interactive and engaging manner with legendary Hebrew teacher, Geulah Von Perlstein. Whether you are starting from the beginning or just need a refresher, this class is for you.
Ancient Lives, Modern Lessons Season 2
EVE, NOAH, SARAH & HAGAR, JOB, ISAIAH, MIRIAM
Lunch & Learn • 6 Thursdays • 12–1:30 pm
Moderated by Rabbi Jan Katz, CEO, Brennan Goldman Institute
Eve – Curiosity, responsibility, and what it means to be human
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Rabbi Jan Katz, CEO, Brennan Goldman Institute
Dr. Susan Nowak, SSJ: Professor of Religious Studies and William H. Shannon Chair in Catholic Studies, Nazareth University
Noah – Faith, perseverance, and the possibility of beginning again
Thursday, December 17, 2026
Dr. Michael Dobkowski, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Rev. John Wilkinson, Vice President for Stewardship and Church Relations, Administrative Services Group, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Sarah & Hagar – Promise, jealousy, displacement, survival, and faith
Thursday, January 21, 2027
Ahavia Deutch, Esq., Executive Director, Disability Law United
Dr. Pat Schoelles, SSJ, Lecturer, Nazareth College
Job – Why do good people suffer?
Thursday, February 18, 2027
Rabbi Josh Klein, Rabbi, Temple Beth El
Mike Boucher, Homilist and Adult Educator, Spiritus Christi Church
Isaiah – Justice, compassion, faithfulness, and peace
Thursday, March 18, 2027
Rabbi Or Zohar, Senior Rabbi, Temple Sinai
Rev. Jeff Fox-Kline, Pastor, Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church
Miriam – Prophet, leader, and protector
Thursday, April 15, 2027
Rabbi Rochelle Tulik, Associate Rabbi and Director of Education, Temple B’rith Kodesh
Rev. Katie Jo Suddaby, Assistant Pastor, First Baptist Church of Rochester
A Place at Our Table
Geulah Von Perlstein’s Tzimmes
Many in our community remember Geulah’s café at the JCC, where her homemade challah, veggie burgers, brownies, and warm hospitality made everyone feel at home.
This holiday season, she’s sharing one of her favorite family recipes with our community.
Ingredients
- 8–10 large carrots, peeled
- 8 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and halved or 3 large cans of sweet potatoes, drained
- 1–1½ cups brown sugar
- ¼ cup margarine
- ¾ cup pitted prunes (about 15–18), quartered
To Prepare
- Boil whole peeled carrots in a stock pot for 20 minutes, drain and allow to cool.
- If using fresh sweet potatoes, boil for 25 minutes, drain and allow to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease your casserole pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes well and then spread evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle about ½ of the brown sugar on top and then dot with ½ of the prunes.
- Grind or grate the cooled carrots and spread evenly on top of the sweet potatoes. Distribute the remainder of the brown sugar over the carrots and dot with the remainder of the prunes.
- Take small pieces of the margarine and dot the top of the tzimmes.
Bake for 15 minutes uncovered, then cover with foil and bake for another 45 minutes.
Enjoy ~ B’tavon!
Highlights
JReads
Each month a different member of our community will choose a book to share that they are passionate about. There will be time for discussion and Q&A — and snacks!
Torah and Tea – A Weekly
Meet-Up for Women
Wednesdays • 10:30am
This weekly informal get-together is meant to be all of these. Come to one or all classes or whenever you have a chance! The only requirement is a desire to learn, and meet friendly Jewish women.
Introduction to Hebrew
with Geulah Von Perlstein
Tuesdays • 8/14 – 9/8 • 1pm
Learn Hebrew from the beginning in an interactive and engaging manner with legendary Hebrew teacher, Geulah Von Perlstein.
Jewish Life Programs & Events Calendar
Events for September
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Events for October
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Events for October
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Opportunities to Connect
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
Singing with Rabbi Silvana
Sundays, 9:30-10:30am; Before/After Care Rm 6
- September 14
- October 12
- November 23
- December 14
Silvana Bacman will lead a 30-minute Jewish-focused, engaging, and interactive session for the under-five crowd, which will include music, singing, and dance—no registration necessary – open to all.
Bagels and coffee provided.
FREE and open to all (non-members are welcome).
Shabbat Sing
Kick-off each Shabbat at the Louis. S. Wolk JCC with Shabbat Sing! Join the Wolk Children’s Center to welcome Shabbat every Friday with singing, prayers, and ruach (spirit). All are welcome!
Sha-Baby: Shabbat Sing, Storytime, and Sensory Play
Starts September 5
Fridays, 10-11am Cafe Lobby/Family Room
Enjoy a morning filled with music to start your Shabbat! We will join the Wolk Center’s Shabbat Sing in the café and, afterward, spend time in the family room playing, reading stories, and having fun.
Songs and Play with the Shinhinim
Begins September 29
Mondays, 10-10:30am
Ages 0-5 with a caretaker.
Singing Hebrew songs, learning a Hebrew word of the week, and playing games led by the ShinShinim (Israeli Teen Ambassadors).
FREE and open to all (non-members are welcome).
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