musical performance on outdoor stageAdults

KlezFest is back! CNY’s largest Kosher Jewish Cultural Festival of the year is almost here

Mon 08/26/24By

 

Hughie Stone-Fish, MC for Klezfest

KlezFest is set to be the biggest and best one yet! This will not be your typical KlezFest, said Event Coordinator Alec Erlebacher, but a transformed music and food festival, as a number of exciting additions are planned for this event that the community has come to love.

As the only kosher Jewish festival in upstate New York, the entire community is invited to the celebration on Sept. 15 from 12 to 4 p.m at the JCC. Delicious food, fun games and activities, and lively music will be the highlights of this event designed to uplift the community and introduce newcomers to Jewish culture.

“I want KlezFest to give people a taste of Jewish culture and allow them to explore any questions or curiosities in a safe environment,” said Erlebacher. “I hope this event appeals to both Jewish people and those in the broader community, and that we can all feel welcomed to attend and embrace the fantastic food and music we have to offer.”

 

Daniella Rabbani of The Klezmers

He added that some of the desire to revamp this event was due to the rise in antisemitic incidents across the country. “I want KlezFest to counteract the hate so many have experienced and be a space for peace, unity, and celebration.”

Attendees can enjoy the weather as the talented Emmy award-winning songwriter and music producer Hughie Stone-Fish emcee’s the festivities. The electrifying musical lineup will feature a variety of artists with Daniella Rabbani and Dan Nadel of The Klezmers headlining the event. Challah, latkes, matzah ball soup, rugelach, and other classic kosher Jewish foods will be on the new expansive menu this year!

 

Dan Nadel of The Klezmers

Those up for some friendly competitions can sign up for the kugel bake-off, and participate in a blind taste test between Half-Moon and Black & White cookies. “I really hope this brings the community together so please spread the word to encourage others to attend,” Erlebacher added. “If you or someone you know is curious about Jewish cuisine & culture, this will be upstate New York’s ‘Jewish event of the year’ where everyone is welcomed!”

 

Traditional kugel

We encourage anyone interested in participating in the kugel bake-off to arrive no later than 12:30pm. All entries must be received by 12:45pm and the bake-off will begin at 1pm.

To stay up to date on KlezFest, follow us at facebook.com/KlezfestCNY or reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

2024 KlezFest Flyer

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2024 KlezFest Vendor Form

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2024 KlezFest Sponsor Form

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2024 KlezFest JCC Menu

2024 KlezFest Entertainment Lineup

2024 KlezFest Social Media

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Announcements & Notices

The JCC receives Donation from Matthews Children’s Foundation

Thu 08/22/24By

The JCC of Syracuse received $1,000 donation from the Matthews Children’s Foundation. The Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to support children. The JCC’s Children’s Programming has received continued support for a number of years from the Matthews Children’s Foundation. 

Pictured is the JCC’s Executive Director, Marci Erlebacher and Immediate Past President, Steven Sisskind.

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popcorn bucket with movie clapper and lights in backgroundAdults

Movies and a Watch Party are Coming to the JCC!

Fri 08/16/24By

Did you know summer doesn’t officially end until September 21? Make sure you don’t sleep on the last days of summer – join us at the JCC for an End of Summer Party with food, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, and the ultimate summer movie Dirty Dancing on Thursday, September 12, 6:30 – 9pm.

Calling all fans of Veronica Mars and The OC! In case you didn’t hear, there’s a Kristin Bell-Adam Brody comedy series coming to Netflix. Nobody Wants This is based on “the one good decision” show creator Erin Foster ever made: “falling for a nice Jewish boy”. In the series Bell plays an outspoken, agnostic woman and Brody is an unconventional rabbi.

Basically, the early 00s-teen crush mashup we didn’t even know we wanted, but now can’t wait for. Join us at the JCC for a Watch Party of the first episode on Thursday, September 26 at 7 pm.

 

With our Cult Classic Film Series, it’s time to revisit (or discover) some of your favorite Jewish comedies.

Thursday, October 10, 6:30 pm: After Best in Show but before Schitt’s Creek, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara starred in the comedy, For Your Consideration. In this star-studded cast which includes Parker Posey, Ed Begley Jr., John Michael Higgins and Jennifer Coolidge (just to name a few) three actors learn that their respective performances in the film Home for Purim, a drama set in the mid-1940s American South, are generating award-season buzz.

 

November, Date TBA: In the face of her brother getting engaged and her best friend starting a family, Jessica Stein remains hopelessly single – creating the crux of Kissing Jessica Stein. While browsing the personal ads (it is 2001 after all), Jessica unexpectedly stumbles on an intriguing ad in the  “women seeking women” section. On a whim, she decides to answer it, and unexpectedly clicks with downtown hipster, Helen. With conventional gender roles absent, the two women proceed to muddle through an earnest but hilarious courtship, making up the rules as they go.

 

 

Thursday, December 12, 6:30 pm: Gene Wilder, Harrison Ford, and the wild, wild West – oh my! In the 1979 comedy The Frisco Kid Gene Wilder plays Rabbi Avram Belinski, a newly graduated rabbi on his way from Poland to San Francisco. Having graduated at the bottom of his class, Rabbi Bellinski isn’t cut out to make this journey alone and through a series of mishaps ends up befriending a train robber (Harrison Ford) who agrees to get him to San Francisco.

 

Horror Film Night – With a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Vigil is a supernatural horror film not to be missed. Steeped in ancient Jewish lore and demonology, The Vigil is set over the course of a single evening in Brooklyn’s Hasidic Borough Park neighborhood. Join us at the JCC in October (date TBA) and feel the creepy crawlies with other horror fans.

Be sure to look out for information regarding the JCC’s upcoming Film Festival!

All above events are onsite at the JCC of Syracuse. Registration is required: jccsyr.org/cp. Please register for each event individually. Have questions? Email Raven DiSalvo-Hess at [email protected].

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group of children sitting on playground equipment with teacherChildren & Teens

A New School Year Means New Adventures at the JCC

Mon 07/29/24By

At the JCC, September is a special time of year as children throughout the community are welcomed back to participate in fall programs and activities. With options available for children as young as six-weeks-old to 6th grade, there’s something for everyone. 

“We love the start of a new school year because it’s a time for children to start new adventures in their classrooms and an opportunity to make new friends,” said Pam Ranieri, director of Children’s Programming at the JCC. 

For the youngest learners who are adjusting to a school environment, the Jerome & Phyllis Charney Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) offers children the chance to connect with other students, learn new skills, and explore their interests. Through various subjects and activities including art, language, literacy and math, this program allows for children ages six-weeks to 5-years-old to develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually as they ultimately prepare for kindergarten. 

For school-age learners entering grades K – 6th, Before Care and After Care are available for families in the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Jamesville-DeWitt, and Fayetteville-Manlius school districts. Each weekday, Before Care begins at 7 am, and After Care is available from 3 pm to 6 pm. Transportation is available for all Fayetteville-Manlius students, and buses for those in the Jamesville-DeWitt elementary schools go directly to the JCC. Students can choose how to spend their time in both programs whether they decide to complete homework, participate in gym activities, work on crafts, and more. 

ECDP and the School-Age Before and After School Programs are open to families that are members of the JCC. 

Another option for children to get active this fall is by taking Enrichment classes. These classes are available to children ages 3 to 6th grade and include gymnastics, dance, rookie sports, and school age karate. Classes are open to the entire community, with discounts available for families that are members of the JCC.  

“Our program really grows with the family,” said Amy Bisnett, associate director of Children’s Programming. “We have children here who start as infants and grow with the program through Pre-K graduation, the Before and After School program and summer camp! Some even become camp counselors as teens, so their first job is with the JCC. We take pride in being a home for these children. We allow them to develop and grow in a supportive community with peers.” 

For more information and to register, visit the JCC’s website jccsyr.org or reach out to Pam Ranieri at 315-443-2360 or [email protected].  

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Announcements & Notices

JCC of Syracuse Grateful to Receive Security Grant

Thu 07/25/24By

Thanks to our partner, the Jewish Federation of CNY, The Jewish Community Center of Syracuse is the proud recipient of a $25,000 security grant from the Tepper Foundation’s National Emergency Security Fund and the Jewish Federations of North America.

This grant will help us bolster security for our Jerome & Phyllis Charney Early Childhood Development Program as well as JCC Camp Romano, as we are committed to creating safe spaces for our children in Jewish Syracuse. Together, we will stand against hate and intolerance and build a stronger community for all.

 

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photo of two gymnasts on balance beamChildren & Teens

Youth Athletics Program at the JCC to offer Exciting Opportunities!

Wed 07/03/24By

The JCC’s exciting Youth Athletics program offers children the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled fall. These classes provide numerous benefits, from improving health and fitness to forming new social connections.

Classes are open to the entire community and begin Monday, Sept. 9. Classes cater to children from preschool age through school age, and convenient before class care options are available. Transportation is also available for children in the F-M schools, all public schools within the Jamesville-DeWitt School Districts, and the Ed Smith School. 

“Sports offer children incredibly valuable lessons and opportunities to grow,” said Sherri Lamanna, director of gymnastics, dance, and the Early Childhood Development Programs (ECDP) physical education. “It helps them develop organization skills, teaches them how to stick to schedules, fosters sportsmanship, and so much more.” 

Here’s a list of Youth Athletics’ offerings:

four youth female gymnasts posing with medals and trophies

Gymnastics

Children of all levels are welcome to learn the foundations of gymnastics, including floor, beam, bars, and vault. For more advanced gymnasts, the JCC also offers Team/Pre-Team Gymnastics which athletes are required to try out for or gain approval from a coach to join. Furthermore, the team competes against other local programs. 

Tumbling Tots 

Tumbling Tots is the JCC’s pre-gymnastics class for 3-year-olds. Children learn the basics of beam, bars, and tumble tracks.

 

Dance Program

Children of all ages can choose from a variety of dance classes including ballet, tap, jazz, and pre-ballet, for the youngest dancers. Dance classes allow children to express themselves in a unique way while working on flexibility, strength, and coordination. 

Karate

Children will kick into action in this program by learning the beginning ranks of CNY Karate Goju Ryu style. Offering a mix of hard and soft techniques, these Karate classes allow children to work on their fine motor skills and self-discipline. 

brunette boy jumping through hoop

Ninja Warrior

Like the popular competition show, Ninja Warrior classes put children’s skills to the test through the JCC’s obstacle course. Participants will work on their strength, agility, and problem-solving by jumping, swinging, climbing, and more. 

Rookie Sports 

Fun and sportsmanship are at the center of Rookie Sports. Children enhance their fine motor skills by practicing throwing, catching, kicking, and running. 

For more on Youth Athletics, contact Sherri Lamanna at [email protected] or 315-445-2040 x126. 

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Adults & Seniors

The JCC Pool is Now Open for Summer

Tue 06/04/24By

With the sizzle of summer approaching, celebrate with a trip to the JCC pool. A family fun atmosphere open to all with two heated pools for members to enjoy. 

The 2024 pool season began Saturday, May 25 and ends Monday, Sept. 2. Pool hours will vary throughout the season to adjust for the camp schedule, holidays, swim team and lessons. See the full details on hours and schedules below. 

“We look forward to the start of the summer each year,” said Amy Bisnett, associate director of Children’s Programming at the JCC. “We love to see kids participating in swim lessons and seeing their growth throughout the summer. It’s a great family and social activity to meet with friends and bask in the nice weather.”

At the heart of The JCC’s summer offerings, the pool also serves campers, swim team members, and those taking lessons. All children 18 months and older who participate in the Summer Camp take Red Cross certified swim lessons. These lessons are tailored to encourage comfort and confidence in the water.

For a more personalized touch, semi-private and private swim lessons are also available. These 30-minute lessons are offered each day from July 1 to Aug. 23 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on weekdays and 8am to 11am on weekends. “Our lessons are for all levels of ability,” said Pam Ranieri, director of Children’s Programming at the JCC. “The lifeguards are in the water with the class, so they are very hands on.” 

Additionally, any lifeguards looking to join the JCC team can reach out to learn more about available jobs. To join the pool and sign up for lessons, or for more information email [email protected]. 

Another opportunity at the pool is the swim team. Strong swimmers are encouraged to join the J-Rays swim team. The team practices from July 1 to Aug. 23 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays before the camp day begins. Children work on stroke development, endurance, and team work while they train to participate in a mini inner squad team meet. For more information and to join the team contact [email protected]. 

The fun is not only reserved for children, adults can also sign up for Aqua Fit to add a fun exercise class to their routine. Set to music, Aqua Fit offers a low impact workout to improve both cardiovascular health and strength. Members can take classes for free, and nonmembers can join for a fee of $10. Classes are led by a certified Aqua Fit trainer and all fitness levels are welcome to get a good outdoor workout in the heated pool. For more information reach out to Paula Pacini at [email protected].

Make a splash at the JCC pool all summer long.

Pool Hours

May 25 – June 30

Mon – Fri: 9am to 7pm

Sat – Sun: 11am to 7pm

Lap Swim (M-F): Ends at 12pm

July 1 – Aug. 23 (Mon – Fri)

Lap Swim: 7:15am to 8am

Swim Lessons: (Mon – Fri)  3:30pm to 4:30pm / (Sat & Sun) 8am to 11am

Open Swim: (Mon – Fri) 4:30pm to 8pm / (Sat & Sun) 11am to 7pm

Aug. 24 – Sept. 2

Sun – Fri: 9am to 7pm

Sat: 10am to 7pm

Lap Swim (M-F): Ends at 12pm

Holiday Hours (May 27, July 4, and Sept. 2): 11am to 7pm

Aqua Fit Hours

Tuesdays: 8am to 8:45 am

Thursdays (June 6, 13, 20, and 27): 10:15am to 11:am

Thursdays (July 11 – Aug. 29): 8am to 8:45am

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Tzofim Friendship Caravan Forming the Star of DavidChildren & Teens

Tzofim Friendship Caravan Returns to the JCC!

Wed 05/22/24By

The Tzofim Friendship Caravan is back to celebrate Jewish culture and heritage throughout the U.S. and will stop at the JCC as part of their tour. The visit will include a day spent with campers, plus a chance for the entire Syracuse community to get in on the fun with a special free performance.

“This group brings a piece of Israel here and now it’s more important than ever to provide that connection,” said Pam Ranieri, director of Children’s Programming at the JCC. “The visit is not only educational, but also a great opportunity for the children and the community to immerse themselves in their culture by being in community with these talented young people.” 

Using song, dance, and story, the Tzofim Friendship Caravan is a group of 10 teens from Israel who are selected to share their culture across the U.S. through performance. As a fun and unique way to teach others about Israeli culture, the group visits various locations throughout their national tour including schools, camps, and synagogues. Now in existence for more than 50 years, this year’s tour is dedicated to the theme “Am Yisrael Chai.” 

The Caravan will kick off their visit to the JCC by spending the day with campers and participating in some activities. The highlight of their camp visit will be an engaging performance which includes songs in Hebrew, English, and Yiddish. Later in the day the group will also visit with seniors participating in the JCC’s Senior Dining Program to share a meal.  

The community is encouraged to participate in the festivities by singing and dancing along during the performance at the JCC. The show is free and open to the public. Even if you’ve seen the Caravan before, no two shows are the same which means everyone will enjoy the performance. 

“We are very excited for the Syracuse community to come together and appreciate Israel and all it has to offer,” said Amy Bisnett, associate director of children’s programming at the JCC. For more information about the Tzofim Friendship Caravan’s visit, reach out to the JCC at 315-445-2360 or visit jccsyr.org.

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Adults

Everyone Can Run!

Mon 01/29/24By

Presented by the Syracuse Chargers Track Club and hosted by the JCC of Syracuse, this FREE six-week program is designed to take you from walking to running! Everyone Can Run Beginners’ Program is a free training program lead by Greg Tuttle, a USATF certified coach.

Join us Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the JCC. Classes begin February 7 and continue February 14, 21, 28 and March 6, 13.

Download the Flyer
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Children & Teens

Register for JCC Summer Camp 2024

Wed 01/24/24By

Registration for 2024 Summer Camp will begin on March 1.

Warmer weather is approaching, which means it’s time to register for Summer Camp at the JCC!

“We are very excited to get ready for Summer Camp this year,” said Amy Bisnett, associate director of Children’s Programming at the JCC. “It’s always a special time of year, and this summer we have some exciting new camps, weekly themes, activities and field trips.” The entire Camp from early childhood, school age and tween/teen follow the weekly theme with age -appropriate activities for everyone!

New this year for our school-age children: Zoo Explorers Camp and Wizardry School Camp! Wizardry campers will experience the fun and magic of the fictional school brought to life. Students will create their own wands, compete in Wizardry games and learn magical new tricks. Zoo Explorers was made for children who are animal enthusiasts. Campers will deepen their knowledge of animal species, create their own zoo, and visit local ones.

These new camps are offered through the JCC’s School-Age Camp (for children in grades 1-6). For this age group families can choose between traditional Nitzanim Day Camp which follows a weekly theme of activities, and weekly field trips, or Specialty Camps to explore a particular area of interest. From gaming to horseback riding, karate to gymnastics, we truly have a camp for every child. All school age camps include daily Red Cross swim lessons with additional free swim time each day.

The JCC also offers Early Childhood Camp (for children 6 weeks to 5-years old), which runs for eight weeks and offers both indoor and outdoor activities as well as daily Red Cross swim lessons for children 18 months and older. This is a great introduction for young children to what summer camp can offer with special activities, swimming, new friendships and more. This allows our children of all ages to experience the true magic of camp!

We are proud that we are one of the only camps in central New York that offers a day camp for 7 – 10 grades. Our SyraCrusin’ Teen Travel Camp runs for 5 weeks each summer. Campers can choose to attend one week or all 5. The groups form a connection as they travel to different destinations each day, with no two days the same. The types of field trips are endless and can include area parks, bowling, laser tag, swimming, museums, putt putt and more. Each week they will travel to an amusement park as well. One thing that really makes SyraCrusin’ special is that the group spends time volunteering and giving back to the community each week.

Making its highly anticipated return this year will be the Israeli Scouts Shaliach. The Shaliach, also known as Israeli Scouts, are two teen ambassadors from Israel that will come and spend the summer here at the JCC. This is a unique opportunity to connect our children to Israel as the scouts lead many activities throughout the summer. They will offer daily culture-based activities for the entire Nitzanim Camp program. “We are looking forward to hosting the Shaliach once again this summer at the JCC” says Pam Ranieri, director of Children’s Programming. “This will be the first year since 2019 that we have been able to bring them back to the JCC of Syracuse. They bring such energy to the daily camp program, and we can’t wait to meet our scouts for this year!” During their time at the JCC, the Shaliach will spend each week with a different host family. We are currently looking for families for our Scouts, for more information please contact Amy Bisnett, [email protected].

The Israeli Friendship Caravan will also be visiting us again this summer. The Israeli Friendship Caravan is teens from Israel, like the scouts, that travel across the US and Canada visiting many different camps. They put on a full singing and dancing performance for the campers and another in the evening open to the community. This is one of the most anticipated days in camp and all of our campers enjoy the show. The show is expected to be in the beginning of August.

The camp day runs from 9:00am – 4:00pm with both Early and Late Care available, expanding the hours to 7:00am – 6:00pm for those that need the extra time. Camp runs from July 1 – August 23. Camps are open to both members and non-members of the JCC, although members receive a large discount. Depending on the number of children and number of weeks enrolled, the entire membership fee can be saved on camp tuition. It really pays to become a member! For more information on how to become a member and all the benefits included please contact our membership director Nick Finlayson.

To register and learn more about the JCC’s camp offerings, visit www.jccsyr.org/summer-camp/ or reach out to Amy Bisnett at 315-445-2360 or [email protected].

View the 2024 Summer Camp Guide
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