FALL 2024
SEPTEMBER 8–NOVEMBER 16
REGISTRATION OPENS:
MEMBER | AUGUST 11
PUBLIC | AUGUST 18
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS: Health & Harvest Fair (September 22)
October 7th Commemoration (October 6–7)
Lessans Family Book Festival (November 7–14) Dinner of Champions (November 23)
Brandon Chiat, Chief Marketing Officer, Bender JCC
Apples with honey and round challah are the foods most commonly associated with the Jewish High Holidays. But at this time of year, another fruit rich in Jewish symbolism also comes to mind: the pomegranate.
Pomegranates symbolize abundance, fertility, goodness, and sanctity in Judaism. We eat them on Rosh Hashanah because the hundreds of seeds contained in each fruit remind us of the 613 mitzvot (“commandments,” or “good deeds”) described in the Torah. Other Jewish texts, such as the Gemara, encourage us to decorate our Sukkah with pomegranates (Tosefta Sukkah 1:7; Sukkah 10a) and to eat the fruit when breaking the Yom Kippur fast (Shabbat 115a).
The pomegranate’s numerous seeds also represent the Jewish people themselves. Mentioned in the Torah as one of the “seven species” native to the Land of Israel, the pomegranate ties us to our heritage, allowing us to experience the same bitter–sweet taste as our ancestors have for generations. Thus, eating pomegranates as one year ends and another begins is a way to simultaneously reflect on the past as we look to the future. Along these lines, the pomegranate, with its hundreds of unique seeds, is a testament to the interconnectedness of the Jewish people. Just as the shape of an individual seed is influenced by its neighbors, so too does each pomegranate take its ultimate shape from the final position of its many seeds. A white membrane binds together those seeds from within and acts as a cushion to the
outside world. The seeds protect one another and cannot survive without each other.
Truly, the pomegranate is a perfect metaphor for our Bender JCC, a community where we support each other, and thrive as one. Our Bender JCC community, like the pomegranate’s countless seeds, works best when everyone is part of a greater whole. In this sense, pomegranates remind us of the Bender JCC’s core value of K’lal Yisrael (“Jewish Peoplehood”), that “all of Israel and the Jewish People are responsible, one for the other” (Shevuot39a).
At the Bender JCC, we recognize and appreciate everyone’s unique contribution to our community. Just as the pomegranate’s seeds come in countless shapes and sizes, our members and guests also represent diverse abilities, backgrounds, faiths, identities, and religions. Like the pomegranate’s membrane binds the seeds together, our community connects, inspires, and supports us.
On Rosh Hashanah, we eat pomegranates and ask that we be as full of “good deeds” as the fruit is full of seeds.
As we prepare to welcome not only the Jewish New Year but a new programmatic season at the Bender JCC, let us ask ourselves how we can “Inspire Connections” this year and open ourselves to the limitless possibilities of belonging in our community.
Wishing you a shanah tovah u’metuka — a good and sweet New Year,
Brandon
Youth Group Swim Lessons
Level 1: Water Exploration (3–5 years old)
Sundays | September 8–November 10 | 10:00–10:30 AM
$220/member | $240/public
Mondays | September 9–November 11 | 4:00–4:30 PM
$220/member | $240/public
Thursdays | September 12–November 14 | 4:00–4:30 PM
$155/member | $165/public
Skip days: October 3, 17, 24
Level 2: Primary Skills (4–6 years old)
Sundays | September 8–November 10 | 10:30–11:00 AM
$220/member | $240/public
Mondays | September 9–November 11 | 4:00–4:30 PM
$220/member | $240/public
Thursdays | September 12–November 14 | 4:00–4:30 PM
$155/member | $165/public
Skip days: October 3, 17, 24
Level 3: Stroke Readiness (4–6 years old)
Sundays | September 8–November 10 | 11:00–11:30 AM
$220/member | $240/public
Mondays | September 9–November 11 | 4:30–5:00 PM
$220/member | $240/public
Thursdays | September 12–November 14 | 4:30–5:00 PM
$155/member | $165/public Skip days: October 3, 17, 24
Level 4: Stroke Development (6–12 years old)
Sundays | September 8–November 10 | 11:30 AM–12:00 PM
$220/member | $240/public
Adult Beginner Swim Class
Mondays | September 9–November 11 | 5:00–5:30 PM
$220/member | $240/public
All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@ benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767, to discuss support and accommodations.
Caroline Cardullo, Director
301.348.3890 | ccardullo@benderjccgw.org
Group Swim Classes
Waterbabies (6–18 months)
Sundays | September 8–November 10 | 9:00–9:30 AM
$220/member | $240/public
Watertots (18 months–3 years old)
Sundays | September 8–November 10 | 9:30–10:00 AM
$220/member | $240/public
Private and Semi–Private Swim Lessons
One–on–one (private) or two–on–one (semi–private) swim instruction exclusively for Bender JCC members.
To schedule your lesson, contact Caroline Cardullo at 301.348.3890 or ccardullo@benderjccgw.org.
We will come together as a greater Washington Jewish community to bear witness, honor the hostages, and support the survivors of the October 7 attacks on israel.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Sunday, October 6 | Bender JCC
More details to be announced soon. Visit benderjccgw.org.
COMMUNITY COMMEMORATION*
Monday, October 7 | Location TBA
Details to be announced soon. Visit jconnect.org.
*Presented by: Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Washington Board of Rabbis JCRC of Greater Washington
Mike Holmes, Director
301.348.3894 | mholmes@benderjccgw.org
Visit benderjccgw.org/training to meet our trainers and to book your session.
Jump Smart Packages
Three 30 minute Personal Training sessions | $99
Three 30 minute Nutrition sessions | $99
Three 60 minute Personal Training sessions | $149
Three 60 minute Nutrition sessions | $149
Teen Fit 101
Tuesdays | September 10-October 15
6:00-7:00 PM
$180/member | $210/public
PICKLEBALL
Adult Beginner Pickleball
Tuesdays | September 17–November 19
10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Drop-In Pickleball
Indoors- Wasserman Gymnasium Wednesdays | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Fridays | 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Mom’s Pickleball
Indoors- Wasserman Gymnasium
Sundays | September 8 – 29 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM Mondays | September 9 – 30 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM
$80/members | $100/public
NUTRITION AND WELLNESS COACHING
For details or to book your free 30–minute consultation, contact Emma Hertzberg at 301.348.3710 or ehertzberg@benderjccgw.org.
YOUTH SPORTS
Kindy Diallo, Director 301.348.3852 kdiallo@benderjccgw.org
Adult Drop in Basketball
Tuesdays | September 17–November 19
6:00–8:00 PM Free for members | $6/public
Adult Karate
Mondays & Wednesdays | September 9–November 13 | 6:45–7:30 PM
$1,050/member | $1,080/public (35 classes) Skip days: October 2
Emma Hertzberg, Group Exercise Coordinator 301.348.3710 ehertzberg@benderjccgw.org
Choose from 20+ weekly GroupEx classes. Please note that class options, times, and locations are subject to change. Check the GroupEx calendars on our website for the most up–to–date information.
Abs, Back, & Stretch Thursdays | 10:00 AM
Aqua Fit
Tuesdays + Thursdays | 11:00 AM
Balance & Strength
Mondays | 12:00 PM + 1:00 PM
Wednesdays | 12:00 PM + 1:00 PM
Butts and Guts Tuesdays | 10:30 AM | Virtual Only
Cardio Sculpt
Wednesdays | 8:15 AM | Virtual Only
Cardio Strength
Mondays | 10:30 AM
Fit Fusion Thursdays | 9:00 AM
Flow Yoga
Mondays | 9:30 AM Tuesdays | 12:00 PM
Gentle Yoga Thursdays | 12:00 PM
Hatha Yoga Wednesdays | 6:00 PM
Ignite Dance Fit Mondays | 6:00 PM
Les Mills Body Combat & Core Sundays | 8:30 AM
Les Mills BODYPUMP
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | 6:15 AM Tuesdays, Thursdays | 6:30 PM Saturdays | 8:00 AM
Pilates
Sundays | 11:00 AM Mondays | 7:00 PM
Cardio Challenge Fridays | 9:30 AM
Spin Tuesdays | 6:00 PM
Cycle Thursdays | 8:00 AM
Saturdays | 7:00 AM
Sunrise Yoga Saturdays | 9:00 AM
Tai Chi
Mondays | 12:00–1:00 PM
$99/member | $149/public
Tone Up & Shape Up Fridays | 12:00 PM
Total Body Fitness Tuesdays | 9:30 AM Thursdays | 10:00 AM
Zumba
Sundays, Wednesdays | 9:30 AM Tuesdays | 8:00 AM + 5:30 PM Saturdays | 10:15 AM
All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767, to discuss support and accommodations.
(AGES 3–16)
Soccer (ages 3–5)
Mondays | September 9–November 11 | 3:00–3:30 PM
$200/member | $215/public
Super–Heroes (ages 3–5)
Mondays | September 9–November 11 | 3:45–4:15 PM
$200/member | $215/public
Strength/Conditioning (ages 12–17)
Mondays | September 9–November 11 4:30–5:10 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Wall Climbing Preschool (ages 3–5)
Tuesdays | September 10–November 12 | 3:00–3:40 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Wall Climbing Youth (ages 5–12)
Tuesdays | September 10–November 12 | 4:10–4:50 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Strength/Conditioning (ages 12–17)
Tuesdays | September 10–November 12 | 5:10–5:50 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Tumble Tots (ages 3–4)
Wednesdays | September 11–November 13 | 3:00–3:30 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Skip day: October 2
Super Tots (ages 3–5)
Wednesdays | September 11–November 13 | 3:45–4:15 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Skip day: October 2
Gymnastics Level 1 (ages 5–8)
Wednesdays | September 11–November 13 | 4:40–5:15 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Skip day: October 2
Gymnastics Level 2 (ages 8–12)
Wednesdays | September 11–November 13 | 5:15–5:50 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Skip day: October 2
Tennis/Volleyball (ages 3–5)
Thursday | September 12–November 14 | 3:00–3:30 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Skip days: October 3, 17, 24
Super Star Basketball (ages 3–5)
Thursday | September 12–November 14 | 3:45–4:15 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Skip day: October 3, 17, 24
Adult Drop in Basketball
Tuesdays | September 17–November 19 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Free for members | $6/public
Kindy Diallo, Director
301.348.3852 | kdiallo@benderjccgw.org
Basketball Level 1 (ages 5–8)
Thursday | September 10–November 14 | 4:30–5:05 PM
$250/member | $265/public
Skip days: October 3, 17, 24
Basketball level 2 (ages 8–12)
Thursdays | September 10–November 14 (5:10–5:45 PM)
$250/member | $265/public
Skip days: October 3, 17, 24
Lil Dragon (Ages 3–5)
Mondays | September 9–November 11 | 3:15–4:00 PM
$550/member | $570/public (18 classes)
Kid Tiger (Ages 9+)
Mondays & Wednesdays | September 9–November 13 | 4:15–5:00 PM
$1,050/member | $1,080/public (35 classes)
Skip days: October 2
Beginner (Ages 9+)
Mondays & Wednesdays | September 9–November 13 | 5:00–5:45 PM
$1,050/member | $1,080/public (35 classes)
Skip days: October 2
Intermediate (Ages 9+)
Mondays & Wednesdays | September 9–November 13 | 5:45–6:30 PM
$1,050/member | $1,080/public (35 classes)
Skip days: October 2
Adult
Mondays & Wednesdays | September 9–November 13 | 6:45–7:30 PM
$1,050/member | $1,080/public (35 classes)
Skip days: October 2
Preseason Basketball Workout Sessions (ages 8–13)
Sundays | September 22–November 17 | 12:00–12:45 PM
$400/member | $450/public
Preseason Basketball Workout Sessions (ages 12–16)
Sundays | September 22–November 17 | 1:00–1:45 PM
$400/member | $450/public
All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767, to discuss support and accommodations.
All classes include age-appropriate instruction in a combination of disciplines, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater and tap. Students will learn a piece to showcase at our Spring performance in May.
Preschool Dance (Ages 3 – 5)
Mondays | September 9-January 27 | 3:45 – 4:30P M
$635/members | $655/public
Skip days: December 23, 30; January 20
Tuesdays | September 10-January 28 | 3:45 – 4:30 PM
$635/members | $655/public
Skip days: December 24, 31
K – 1st Grade Dance | (Ages 5 – 7)
Tap and Jazz | Mondays | September 9-January 27 | 4:45 – 5:45 PM
Ballet | Tuesdays | September 10-January 28 | 5:30 – 6:15 PM
$680/members | $700/public
Skip days: December 23, 24, 30, 31; January 20
2nd – 5th Grade Dance (Ages 7 – 11)
Tap and Jazz | Mondays | September 9-January 27 | 4:45 – 5:45 PM
Ballet | Tuesdays | September 10-January 28 | 4:45 – 5:30 PM
$680/members | $700/public
Skip days: December 23, 24, 30, 31; January 20
NEW THIS YEAR!
Middle School Dance
Mondays | September 9-January 27 | 5:45 – 6:45PM
$680/members | $700/public
Skip days: December 23, 30; January 20
High School Dance
Mondays | September 9-January 27 | 6:45 – 7:45PM
$680/members | $700/public
Skip days: December 23, 30; January 20
In-person and virtual private instruction available in a variety of instruments including piano, percussion, strings, and woodwinds.
For details, visit benderjccgw.org/musiclessons.
Programs and dates are subject to change. Please visit benderjccgw.org for up-to-date listings.
All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767, to discuss support and accommodations.
www.ProActionPT.com
BENDER–DOSIK PARENTING CENTER
Jennifer Radosh, Director of JFamily Programs
301.348.3848 | jradosh@benderjccgw.org
HIGH HOLIDAY EVENTS
Apples and Honeys
Thursday, October 3 | 10:00–11:30 AM
$30/adults | $15/kids (2–17) | Infants participate for free!
I’m Sorry Day
Saturday, October 12 | 10:00–11:30 AM
$30/adults | $15/kids (2–17) | Infants participate for free!
Sukkah Village
Saturday, October 19 | 5:45–8:00 PM
$15/adults | $10/kids (2–17) | Infants participate for free!
Bim Bom Bags: High Holidays
A High Holidays-themed box of interactive activities hand-delivered to your home!
$18/bag member | $20/bag public
Purchase deadline: Wednesday, September 25
Bag delivered: Thursday, September 26 - Tuesday, October 1
PARENT AND CHILD PROGRAMS
Abrakadoodle’s Twoosy Doodlers
Sundays | September 8–November 10 | 9:30–10:15 AM
$260/member | $270/public
Baby and Me Yoga
Mondays | September 16–November 11 | 8:45–9:30 AM
$235/member | $245/public
Books and Bubbles
Wednesdays | September 11–November 13 | 10:30–11:00 AM
$75/member | $85/public
Music Together
Saturdays | September 14–November 16
Choose from two convenient class times:
• 9:00–9:45 AM
• 10:00–10:45 AM
$244/first child. (reduced fees for siblings)
Skip day: October 12
Rhythm ’N’ Ruach
Choose from two convenient class times: Tuesdays | September 10–November 12 | 4:00–4:45 PM
$260/member | $270/public
Thursdays | September 12–November 14 | 10:00–10:45 AM
$185/member | $195/public
Skip days: October 3, 17, 25
Shabbat Playgroup
Fridays | September 13–November 15 | 10:30–11:00 AM | Free
Skip days: October 4, 11, 18, 25
Lauren Dworkin, Director
301.348.3837 | ldworkin@benderjccgw.org
ADULT PROGRAMS
Infertility & Mental Health
Thursday, September 26 | 6:00–7:30 PM | Free
Fern Weiland Presents Bender JCC’s Parenting Lecture Series
Fridays, October 18–May 2 | Free
Your Parenthood Journey and Mental Health
Tuesday | September 10 | 6:30–7:30 PM | Free
Mom’s Pickleball
Indoors- Wasserman Gymnasium
Sundays | September 8 – 29 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Mondays | September 9 – 30 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM
$80/members | $100/public
JEWISH FAMILY AMBASSADOR PROGRAM benderjccgw.org/jfa
The Bender JCC welcomes parents raising Jewish children into our community. Our Jewish Family Ambassadors (JFAs) are here to listen, share, and connect you to other families and opportunities in our Jewish community. If you live in Montgomery County and are raising a Jewish child up to five years old, please register at benderjccgw.org/jfa.
BENDER–DOSIK GRANDPARENTING CENTER benderjccgw.org/grandparenting
The Grandparenting Center is dedicated to strengthening and celebrating the grandparenting experience. Series begins November 17.
DELIVERING GOOD NETWORK Volunteer Opportunities
The Delivering Good Network is the Bender JCC’s centralized and sustained social action effort focusing on five key areas of impact: environment, housing, hunger, immigrants, and inclusion. Visit benderjccgw.org/dgn for more information.
All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767, to discuss support and accommodations.
Frieda Enoch, Director
301.348.3809 | fenoch@benderjccgw.org
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR ACTIVE ADULTS (60+)
‘Sip & Share’ Women Connect
Mondays | September 16; October 7, 21; November 4, 18
1:00–2:00 PM | Free
Cinema J: Ask Dr. Ruth
Tuesday, September 10 | 1:30 PM Matinee | $12
Leisure World Club House II (Non–residents welcome) ~OR~
Thursday, September 19 | 7:00 PM | $15
Kreeger Auditorium @ Bender JCC
Rosh Hashanah Seder
Wednesday, September 18 | 6:00–8:00 PM | $36
Co–sponsored by Magen David Sephardic Congregation
Excursion: Brunch Cruise on the Potomac
Sunday, October 13 | 10:00 AM Departure
Two pick–up sites: Leisure World; Bender JCC
$165 (Includes cruise, food & transportation)
Coffeehouse: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
Tuesday, October 15 | 7:00–8:30 PM | $40
Fall Into Arts Concert: Six13 A Cappella
Wednesday, November 6 | 7:00 PM | $40
Co–sponsored by Arts & Culture Dept.
Cinema J: Running on Sand [2 options]
Tuesday, November 12 | 1:30 PM Matinee | $12
Leisure World Club House II (Non–residents welcome) ~OR~
Thursday, November 14 | 7:00 PM | $15
Kreeger Auditorium @ Bender JCC
BENDER–DOSIK GRANDPARENTING CENTER benderjccgw.org/grandparenting
The Grandparenting Center is dedicated to strengthening and celebrating the grandparenting experience. Series begins November 17.
All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767, to discuss support and accommodations.
Tiferet: Handmade Judaic Textiles by Ruth Simon
September 13–October 20 | Goldman Art Gallery open when the Bender JCC is open
Reception (open to all)–September 15 | 12:00–3:00 PM
Talit and Tea Talk by Ruth Simon Friday, September 13 | 1:00–2:30 PM | $15
CLASSES/GAMES
Beginner Mah Jongg (Fall Session 1)
Mondays | September 9, 16, 23, 30 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
$100/member | $110/public
Beginner Mah Jongg (Fall Session 2)
Mondays | October 7, 14, 21, 28 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
$100/member | $110/public
Beginner Mah Jongg (Fall Session 3)
Mondays | November 4, 11, 25; December 2 | 10:00 AM –12:00 PM
$100/member | $110/public
Skip day: November 18
Canasta
Tuesdays | October 15, 22, 29; November 12, 19, 26
10:00 AM –12:00 PM
$150/member | $160/public
Skip day: November 5
Memoir Writing
Mondays | September 9, 16, 23, 30; October 7, 21 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
$110/member | $120/public
Skip day: October 14
Scrabble
Fridays | September 6, 20; October 4, 18; Nov ember 1, 15
1:00 –3:30 PM
No registration needed–Open to all
Biblical Archaeology Forum (BAF)
September 11 | 8:00–9:00 PM
October 9 | 8:00–9:00 PM
November 17 | 8:00–9:00 PM Contact Donald Kane for more information: baf.jccgw@gmail.com
Fall Into Arts Concert: Six13 A Cappella
Wednesday, November 6 | 7:00 PM | $40 Co–sponsored by Coming-of-Age Dept
U.S. Citizenship
Tuesday, October 1-December 10|10:00 AM -12:00 PM | Free Skip date: November 5
Wellness Wednesdays - Selma Sweetbaum Senior Nutrition Program
Wednesdays | September 4-June 11 | 10 AM-12:45 PM
Marcie Blackman, Director
LESSANS FAMILY LITERARY SERIES
SEASON OPENER: Larry Tye–The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America Thursday, November 7 | Reception 6:00–6:45 PM
Book Presentation 7:00–8:00 PM | $18
BOOK LOVERS BRUNCH
Susan Coll–Real Life and Other Fictions Friday, November 8 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM| $30
Benyamin Cohen, The Einstein Effect Thursday, November 14 | 7:00 PM | $18
MEN’S CLUB
What’s All This About Supply Chains?
September 24 | 1:15-2:15 PM
For more information, contact David Gross at davidgross543@gmail.com or 202-744-9047.
The Health of Presidents and Presidential Candidates Tuesday, October 1 | 1:15- 2:15 PM
For more information, contact Raymond Scalettar at Rscalettar@ msn.com or 301-526-6950.
CONCERTS
Mt. Vernon Virtuosi Sunday, October 27 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM (family concert) 2:00–3:00 PM (general public concert)
Polinger Artists of Excellence Concert Series 2024–2025
Season Opener: Borromeo Quartet and Henry Kramer
September 22 | 7:00 PM
$50/ticket
$250/Polinger VIP Experience season tickets (7 concerts!)
For a list of all concerts in the series, visit benderjccgw.org/aoe
Rivka Degani, Director
Hebrew–Advanced Hebrew
Mondays | September 9–January 20 | 6:30–8:30 PM
$585 (Zoom only)
Wednesdays | September 4–February 12 | 9:00–11:00 AM
$585 (Hybrid)
Skip days: October 2; December 25; January 1
Wednesdays | September 4–February 12 | 7:00–9:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee) (Zoom only)
Skip days: October 2, December 25, January 1
Thursdays | September 5–January 30 | 7:00–9:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee) (Zoom only)
Skip days: October 3; November 28
Hebrew-Aleph (Hybrid)
Mondays | September 9–January 20 | 6:00–8:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee)
Wednesdays | September 4–February 12 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee)
Skip days: October 2; December 25; January 1
Hebrew–Aleph Plus (Hybrid)
Tuesdays | September 3– January 21–4:00–6:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee)
Skip day: December 24
Hebrew-Bet (Hybrid)
Mondays | September 9–January 20 | 4:00–6:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee)
Hebrew-Gimel
Thursdays | September 5–January 30 | 6:00–8:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee) (Hybrid)
Skip days: October 3, November 28
Hebrew-Gimel Plus
Mondays | September 9–January 20 | 4:00–6:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee) (Zoom only)
Wednesdays | September 4–February 12 | 6:00–8:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee) (Hybrid)
Skip days: October 2; December 25; January 1
Hebrew–Hey
Tuesdays | September 3–January 21 | 6:00–8:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee) (Hybrid)
Skip day: December 24
Thursdays | September 5–January 30 | 4:00–6:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee)
Skip days: October 3; November 28
Fridays | September 6–January 31 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
$660 (Includes $75 website curriculum fee)
All Bender JCC programs are open to everyone. Contact Kate Falls, Director of Inclusion, at kfalls@benderjccgw.org or 301.348.3767, to discuss support and accommodations.
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 7:00 PM
We look forward to honoring local athletes and leaders and supporting Lessans Camp JCC, an inclusive summer camp for children and young adults of all abilities.
Art Explorers (grades K–2)
Mondays | September 9–November 11 | 4:30–5:15 PM
$240/member | $250/public
Real World Ready (13–21 years old)
Tuesdays | September 10–November 12 | 4:30–6:00 PM
$240/member | $250/public
Brain Builders (Pre–School)
Wednesdays | September 11–November 13 | 3:45–4:30 PM
$240/member | $250/public
Skip days: October 2
Brain Builders (grades K–2)
Wednesdays | September 11–November 13 | 4:45–5:30 PM
$240/member | $250/public
Skip day: October 2
Ready, Set, Cook! (grades 3–5)
Thursdays | September 12–November 14 | 4:45–5:30 PM
$240/member | $250/public
Skip days: October 3, 17, 24
Empowering Friendship (13–21 years old)
Sundays | September 8–November 10 | 12:00–1:30 PM
$240/member | $250/public
Skip day: September 22
Shavim Soccer Experience Day (12–21 years old)
Sunday, September 8 | 10:00–11:30 AM | Free
Shavim Soccer 2024–25 Season (12–21 years old)
Sundays | September 15–June 1 | 10:00–11:00 AM | Free
J CIRCLE
Community, connections and friendships are essential to our happiness. For many adults, finding avenues to make friends can be challenging. J Circle is a series of programs designed to foster new friendships and a deeper sense of community at the Bender JCC. J Circle will encompass a variety of experiences for adults with disabilities. J Circle membership includes, priority enrollment at a discounted rate.
J Circle membership for all programs:
$150/Bender JCC member | $185/public
J Circle pricing for individual programs:
$35/Bender JCC member | $40/public
Let’s Do Lunch! (Free Program)
Monday and Wednesday | September 9–November 13
12:00-1:30 PM
Skip day: October 2
Mix and Mingle (Free Program)
Thursdays | September 12–November 14 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Skip days: October 3, 17, 24
September: Harvest Party Thursday, September 12 | 5:00–7:00 PM
October: Dinner in the Sukkah Tuesday, October 22 | 5:00–7:00 PM
November: Friendsgiving Tuesday, November 5 | 5:00–7:00 PM
December: Chanukah Party Thursday, December 19 | 5:00–7:00 PM
January: New Years Party Tuesday, January 7 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Irene and Abe Pollin Humanitarian Award
Greater Washington Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
Bonnie Berko • Barry Goldbergz”l • Matt Mervis • Stu Milner
Mike Richman • Greg Rosenbaum
Hyman M. and Phillip D. Perlo High School Athletes
Aiden Abergel | Jessica Berger | Charlie Buckles
GiGi Gordon | Nathan Szubin | Stevie Zonarich
Dinner of Champions Co-Chairs
Danielle and Aaron Jeweler
Preschool for Students 1-5 Years Old
Inspiring a lifelong connection to Judaism through an emergent, play-based education.
Be the first to apply. Join the 2025/26 waitlist. SCAN THE QR >>
• School Day Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Extended Care Hours: 4:00 - 5:30 PM
• Bender JCC Family Membership included with full day preschool enrollment.
• Conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland 6125 Montrose Road | Rockville, MD, 20852 | benderjccgw.org/ECC
Mondays – Fridays 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Register at benderjccgw.org/club-j
Contact clubj@benderjccgw.org for more information.
Club J provides a safe place for children to unwind after school, socialize with friends, complete homework with staff assistance, and stay active through a variety of recreational activities. We offer flexible program options to meet the needs of busy parents, all in a warm, welcoming, environment.
MCPS provides bus transportation from:
• Luxmanor Elementary School
• Farmland Elementary School
Supervised walkover from:
• CESJDS
• Feynman School
Coverage available for:
• Winter & Spring Break
• School Closure Days
Licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education.