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.
Highlights
Authors + Innovators
This is a special year, marking the 100th anniversary of the first Jewish Book Week, which was started in 1925 by a Boston librarian named Fanny Goldstein.
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!
Surviving the Apocalypse: Lessons of the Jewish Past for the Jewish Future
Join local Torah Scholar Lauren Deutsch to explore moments of schism in Jewish history through text and the narratives we create to make a future out of the past. This is a three-part series on Thursday, December 4th, 11th, and 18th.
Free
Jewish Life Programs & Events Calendar
Events for October
27th
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31st
Events for November
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Partisan Hostility and American Democracy With James Druckman and Adam Chodak
Events for November
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Events for December
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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