Sid Jacobson JCC's Creative Connections

SID JACOBSON JCC’S

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS ARTSPACE • CLUBS • COMMUNITY THEATRE • CRAFTS • CULTURE • GAMES JEWISH LIFE • LITERARY ARTS • MOVIES • TRIPS • VERVE

JODI & ROBERT ROSENTHAL AUTHOR BREAKFAST + BOOK SIGNING SERIES Hear from bestselling authors as they discuss their latest novel, answer your questions, and sign your book! Programs also available via livestream.

Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/authorbreakfast PRICING COMPLETE SERIES OF 5: $200 members $225 nonmembers

3 FALL PROGRAMS: $150 members $165 nonmembers

2 SPRING PROGRAMS: $110 members $120 nonmembers

Individual Program: $65 members/nonmembers Please note that refunds will not be issued for any missed programs THE ART SPY BY MICHELLE YOUNG This riveting untold story shares how one woman infiltrated the Nazi leadership in Paris during World War II to save the world’s most treasured masterpieces.

Thursday, October 16, 10:30am SIX DAYS IN BOMBAY BY ALKA JOSHI The newest novel from this New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist takes readers on a journey from Bombay to across Europe to uncover the truth behind a famous painter’s mysterious death.

Thursday, November 13, 10:30am SUCH GOOD PEOPLE BY AMY BLUMENFELD Blumenfeld, a Roslyn resident, weaves the past and present together in this heartfelt novel, while also examining the bonds of family and friendship.

Thursday, December 4, 10:30am FAGIN THE THIEF BY ALLISON EPSTEIN A reimagining of the world created by Charles Dickens, seen through the eyes of Jacob Fagin—Victorian literature’s notorious villain.

Thursday, March 26, 10:30am TYPEWRITER BEACH BY MEG WAITE CLAYTON An unforgettable historical novel told across dual timelines, centered on the unlikely friendship between a screenwriter and a young actress hoping to be Alfred Hitchcock’s next star.

Thursday, May 7, 10:30am Brought to you by our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts—Literary Arts Programs supported by Jewish Book Council

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IRENE & RONALD COHEN SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER SERIES Today’s most fascinating novelists speak on their most recent works.

Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/spotlightspeaker THE SWORD OF FREEDOM BY YOSSI COHEN, FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE MOSSAD MODERATED BY FORMER CONGRESSMAN STEVE ISRAEL Yossi Cohen, who led the Mossad from 2016 to 2021, offers a revealing look into Israel’s defense strategy in his new book, The Sword of Freedom.

In a discussion with Steve Israel, Cohen explores Israel’s resilience amid ongoing conflict and his pivotal role in shaping the nation’s modern security approach.

Tuesday, September 16, 6:30-8:30pm $50 per person $75 per couple Price includes one copy of the book Brought to you by our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts—Literary Arts

LINDA & GERALD MARSDEN PARTNERS WITH THE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Our popular book events go beyond the walls of SJJCC to our partners’ locations!

Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/partnerswiththecommunity ONE OF THEM BY KITTY ZELDIS A powerful and moving story of secrets, friendship, and betrayal that follows two young women at Vassar College in the years after World War II. At Temple Sinai 425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights Tuesday, October 21, 11am PARIS UNDERCOVER BY MATTHEW GOODMAN A gripping account of two women in Nazi-occupied Paris who created a daring escape line to rescue dozens of Allied servicemen.

At Melville Jewish Center 2600 New York Avenue, Melville Tuesday, April 28, 7:30pm Brought to you by our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts—Literary Arts

Programs supported by Jewish Book Council

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JODI & ROBERT ROSENTHAL IN CONVERSATION WITH...

Engaging discussions with today’s bestselling authors!

Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/inconversation WHEN WOMEN GET SICK BY REBECCA BLOOM Bloom, originally from Great Neck, gives women the tools to make informed decisions in all aspects of their healthcare journey.

Tuesday, October 14, 10am Free for NMCWC participants / $10 members / $15 nonmembers Presented in collaboration with our Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center WHAT YOUR BODY KNOWS ABOUT HAPPINESS BY JANICE KAPLAN Happiness isn’t just a state of mind; it’s also a state of body! Through scientific research and tips from experts, Kaplan shares strategies to understand your body in a whole new way.

Wednesday, December 3, 7pm $18 members / $36 nonmembers Presented in collaboration with our Gayle Berg Center for Resilience TALES OF JEWISH JOY WITH SARA GOODMAN CONFINO, JACQUELINE FRIEDLAND, JEAN MELTZER, AND JANE L. ROSEN

A thought-provoking discussion featuring four bestselling historical and contemporary fiction authors exploring the art of writing Jewish stories, and how the literary landscape has changed since October 7th.

Tuesday, February 24, 7pm Presented in collaboration with our Ruth & Saul Weinberger Center for Jewish Life + Learning SESAME BY RACHEL SIMONS From the co-founder of Seed + Mill, learn about the rich history of the tiny sesame seed, its cultural impact, and delicious ways to incorporate it into recipes.

Wednesday, March 11, 7pm Brought to you by our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts—Literary Arts Programs supported by Jewish Book Council 4

CLUBS, CULTURE & CONNECTION Form a community, be moved, and engage in various art forms that convey messages, meaning, and emotion!

Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/culture PAINT & SIP Unleash your creativity in a relaxed, social setting with a fresh twist on the classic paint night! Instead of traditional canvases, you’ll transform everyday objects—like vases, glassware, and trays—into personalized works of art. Enjoy a glass of wine (or your favorite beverage) as you paint, sip, and connect with others. No experience necessary—just bring your imagination!

Wednesdays, 7-9pm September 17, November 12, January 21, March 25, May 13 $40 members / $50 nonmembers per event Brought to you by our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts BOOK CLUB Share your thoughts on today’s bestselling novels, moderated by Long Island’s Book Club Lady, Nicole Yablans!

Thursdays, 7-9pm September 18 and November 13 $20 members / $30 nonmembers per event Brought to you by our Center for Adult Programming Funded in part by UJA-Federation of New York’s Verve 55+ Living COMMUNITY BABKA BAKE Experience the joy of hands-on baking as you craft your own babka—a sweet, twisted loaf full of flavor and tradition. With expert guidance, you’ll learn how to prepare and shape this beloved treat to take home and bake.

Monday, September 29, 6:30-8pm $18 members / $36 nonmembers Brought to you our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts, Ruth & Saul Weinberger Center for Jewish Life + Learning, and Center for Adult Programming WALKING CLUB Lace up your sneakers and join us as we walk the grounds of the Nassau County Museum of Art, right across the street from SJJCC! Indoor strolls take place during inclement weather.

Thursdays, 9:30am Brought to you by our Center for Adult Programming Funded in part by UJA-Federation of New York’s Verve 55+ Living 5

INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING Learn the basics of drawing in a welcoming, beginner-friendly setting.

This class covers essential techniques like shading, perspective, and line work. Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or reconnecting with a forgotten passion, enjoy guided instruction and hands-on practice.

4 sessions Begins Monday, November 3, 7-8:30pm $160 members / $200 nonmember For more information, visit sjjcc.org/drawing Brought to you by our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts.

TRIPS Experience culture through our day trips!

Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/trips A DAY AT PLANTING FIELDS Step into a bygone era with an exclusive docent-led tour of the historic Main House, where you’ll discover hidden gems and exquisite details not open to the general public. After, we’ll stroll through the stunning landscapes of Planting Fields’ many gardens. Catered lunch is included; participants are responsible for their own transportation; parking vouchers included.

At Planting Fields 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay Monday, September 29, 11am $100 per person NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN’S VAN GOGH’S FLOWERS Experience the magic that inspired Van Gogh’s masterpieces with botanical displays and large-scale art at NYBG’s exhibit. See his artwork brought to life through breathtaking floral arrangements. After the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch at Ann & Tony’s on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Trip includes NYBG tour, lunch, and round-trip transportation from the JCC. Wednesday, October 22, 9:15am $165 per person Brought to you by our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts

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COMMUNITY THEATRE Where stage dreams are made and theatrical visions come to life in smash-hit productions for all ages!

For more information, visit sjjcc.org/theatre SID JACOBSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS PRESENT MARY POPPINS Step into the magical world of Mary Poppins, the enchanting musical that has captivated audiences for decades! This spectacular production blends whimsy, magic, and unforgettable songs like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and A Spoonful of Sugar.

PERFORMANCES: Saturdays Sundays January 24 January 25 January 31 February 1 Brought to you by our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts—Community Theatre

GAME WORKSHOPS Learn something new or expand on your skills!

Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/gameworkshops FALL CANASTA TOURNAMENT Enjoy a day of Canasta at our tournament supervised by Judy Umansky! Prizes awarded to the first, second, and third place teams. A partner is needed to participate.

A light breakfast and lunch will be served.

Wednesday, November 12, 10am-3pm $100 members / $125 nonmembers MAH JONGGG WITH INSTRUCTOR JUDY UMANSKY BEGINNER MAH JONGG MAH JONGG CLINIC Learn to play using the official rules of For those who know the basic rules, the National Mah Jongg League. vocabulary, and want advice and advanced 8 sessions strategies for improving their game.

Begins Tuesday, October 14, 7-9:30pm 8 sessions Begins Monday, Begins Thursday, October 16, 10am-12:30pm October 20, 10am-12:30pm $200 members / $280 nonmembers $200 members / $280 nonmembers

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CANASTA WITH INSTRUCTOR JUDY UMANSKY BEGINNER CANASTA CONQUERING CANASTA Learn the rules, strategies, and scoring Polish your skills while learning advanced with hands-on play. strategies.

8 sessions 8 sessions Begins Thursday, October 16, 7-9:30pm Begins Tuesday, October 14, 10am-12:30pm Begins Friday, October 17, 10am-12:30pm $200 members / $280 nonmembers Begins Monday, October 20, 4-6:30pm $200 members / $280 nonmembers BRIDGE WITH INSTRUCTOR ELLIOT DIAMOND BEGINNER BRIDGE 1.0 BEGINNER BRIDGE 2.0 Haven’t played bridge For those who have basic before? Join this class to knowledge of bridge and learn all about the game! taken Beginner Bridge 1.0.

8 sessions 8 sessions $200 members $200 members $280 nonmembers $280 nonmembers

ADVANCED BEGINNER/ INTERMEDIATE BRIDGE Students should have knowledge of bidding and play of hand.

8 sessions $200 members $280 nonmembers

Brought to you by our Center for Adult Programming Programs funded by Goidel Law Group

VERVE 55+ LIVING Welcome to VERVE, the community for fun, spirited, and active adults 55+! Whether you’re still working, semi-retired, or fully retired, there are lots of ways to get involved and meet new friends.

Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/verve SINGLES CAFÉ V55 Mix and mingle at The Café at Sid Jacobson JCC with activities, music, and food!

First Thursday of the month.

6:30-8:30pm November 6 and December 4 $20 members / $30 nonmembers per event Brought to you by our Center for Adult Programming Funded in part by UJA-Federation of New York’s Verve 55+ Living

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ARTSPACE View exhibits of established and emerging local artists in our 90-foot gallery!

For more information, visit sjjcc.org/artspace KATHY JACOBSON On display September-November Kathy Howard Jacobson is a New York-based photographer.

Her work is largely comprised of street photography, photojournalism, portraiture, and most recently, abstracts, or what she refers to as “The beauty in details unseen”.

Kathy has been photographing since the mid-1970s, earning an undergraduate degree and an MFA in Photography, and went on to work professionally as a multi-image/special effects photographer and pursue her fine art photography.

Kathy’s projects of note include her photographic essays on Homelessness, New York City’s Garment Center and Chinatown, a collection of portraits made with Polapan film, and her collection of “Urban Paintings”. Her images of urban walls are an artistic record of the social/political and cultural issues that she has been documenting for decades.

In her most recent work, Kathy turns inward, exploring deeply personal themes. She captures an intimate vantage point from a French country bedroom, transforms distorted reflections into seascape watercolors, and finds beauty and abstraction in unremarkable, everyday environments.

Brought to you by our Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts

LONG ISLAND JEWISH HISTORY MUSEUM For more information, visit sjjcc.org/jewishmuseum Brought to you by Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts 9

ENTERTAINMENT & CRAFTS REEL PSYCHOLOGY Great films don’t just tell stories—they illuminate the human experience. Through compelling cinema and thoughtful conversation (with popcorn!), we’ll reflect on the emotions, challenges, and connections that shape what it means to be human—both on-screen and off.

Tuesdays, 1-3:30pm FALL THEME: PRODUCTIVITY WINTER THEME: GRATITUDE September 16 December 16 October 21 January 20 November 18 February 17 Free to members / $10 nonmembers CRAFT A MOMENT FOR SELF-CARE Sometimes self-care means slowing down, getting creative, and making something with your own hands! Each session offers a simple, meaningful project designed to help you pause, connect, and reset.

No experience needed; supplies included.

Thursdays, 2:30-3:30pm FALL THEME: PRODUCTIVITY WINTER THEME: GRATITUDE September 25: Pause + (Decoupage) Plate December 18: Watercolor Card Collection October 23: Diamond Printing January 22: Personal Coloring Book Project November 20: Ready, Set, Journal February 26: Stitched with Love Three-pack seasonal series: $20 members / $40 nonmembers Brought to you by our Gayle Berg Center for Resilience SABRA SCREENS: KUGEL If you loved the Israeli TV show Shtisel, don’t miss Kugel!

This engaging prequel follows Nuchem and Libbi’s journey in 1990s Antwerp, Belgium.

8 sessions Begins Tuesday, October 22, 5:30-6:30pm $40 members / $50 nonmembers for full series (8) $10 members / $12 nonmembers per episode Each episode will have two scheduled showings, with rescreenings available for any missed viewings Brought to you by our Randie Waldbaum Malinsky Center for Israel, Ruth & Saul Weinberger Center for Jewish Life + Learning, and Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts Funded in part by UJA-Federation of New York’s Verve 55+ Living

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JEWISH LIFE & LEARNING We offer comprehensive programs infused with Jewish values, traditions, and culture.

Through these core values, we strive to create a vibrant and supportive community that is both inclusive and accessible to all.

For more information, visit sjjcc.org/centerforisrael SWEET START TO 5786 Celebrate the Jewish New Year with a taste of tradition! Dip an apple in honey to welcome sweetness, hope, and fresh beginnings.

L’shana Tova U’Metuka!

No registration needed; just stop by!

Wednesday, September 17, 10am-2pm Brought to you by our Randie Waldbaum Malinsky Center for Israel and Ruth & Saul Weinberger Center for Jewish Life + Learning FUN IN THE SUKKAH Decorate our Sukkah!

Tuesday, October 7-Wednesday, October 15 Join us for pizza and dessert, wave the lulav and etrog, and help us decorate!

Wednesday, October 8, 5pm SHABBAT DINNERS Come celebrate Shabbat with community! Share in blessings, candle lighting, and a meal with friends, both old and new.

Fridays, 5pm March 27 Saturdays, 5pm October 10 April 17 January 17 November 21 May 15 February 28 December 12 $30 members / $40 nonmembers per dinner Advance registration required at sjjcc.org/shabbat Brought to you by our Ruth & Saul Weinberger Center for Jewish Life + Learning

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CREATIVE CONNECTIONS CALENDAR SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER

16 16

3

17 18 25 29 29

Reel Psychology Spotlight Speaker: The Sword of Freedom

by Yossi Cohen Paint + Sip Book Club: Going Home by Tom Lamont Craft a Moment for Self-Care Trip to Planting Fields Community Babka Bake

OCTOBER 9 10 14 14 16 21 21 22 22 23

Paint + Sip Shabbat Dinner In Conversation with: When Women Get Sick by Rebecca Bloom Canasta + Mah Jongg classes begin Author Breakfast: The Art Spy by Michelle Young Partners with the Community: One of Them by Kitty Zeldis Reel Psychology Trip to New York Botanical Gardens Sabra Screens: Kugel begins Craft a Moment for Self-Care

NOVEMBER 3 6 12 12 13 13 15 18 20

Introduction to Drawing begins Singles Café V55 Fall Canasta Tournament Paint + Sip Author Breakfast: Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi Book Club Shabbat Dinner Reel Psychology Craft a Moment for Self-Care

4 4 12 16 18

In Conversation with: What Your Body Knows About Happiness

by Janice Kaplan Author Breakfast: Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld Singles Café V55 Shabbat Dinner Reel Psychology Craft a Moment for Self-Care

JANUARY 17 20 21 22

Shabbat Dinner Reel Psychology Paint + Sip Craft a Moment for Self-Care

FEBRUARY 17 24

26 28

Reel Psychology In Conversation with: Sara Goodman Confino, Jaqueline Friedland, Jean Meltzer, and Jane L. Rosen Craft a Moment for Self-Care Shabbat Dinner

MARCH 11 25 26 27

In Conversation with: Sesame by Rachel Simons Paint + Sip Author Breakfast: Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein Shabbat Dinner

APRIL 17 28

Shabbat Dinner Partners with the Community: Paris Undercover by Matthew Goodman

MAY 7 13 15

Author Breakfast: Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton Paint + Sip Shabbat Dinner