After a bit of a dry-spell thanks to the pandemic, we’re excited to once again be offering a variety of programs at The J. In April alone we’ve scheduled events for bibliophiles, moviegoers, history buffs, Bob Dylan fans, poetry lovers, and kids.
“In addition to our own programs like the Monday Movie Matinees and the Candy Seder for kids, we’re excited to tie in to programming by other JCCs in our region,” says Mandy Deavers, director of programming. “These collaborations — with JCCs in Nashville, Tampa, and Atlanta — are at the heart of our new virtual Author Talks series. But virtual with a twist,” she adds. “Show up at The J for the Celeste Headlee event on April 6, for example, and you just might find yourself enjoying some wine and cheese.”
The program for history lovers on April 13 will be a virtual tour of the nation’s third-oldest synagogue along with a close look at the Jewish life that surrounded it in Baltimore. And pre-K kids are sure to enjoy the Candy Seder on April 19.
“And all these programs are about more than simply the subject at hand,” Mandy adds. “They’re about gathering our community members for discussions and just plain old good company.”
Check our comprehensive list of upcoming programs; we’re pretty sure you’ll find something to enjoy (the links will take you to more details in our calendar). Send your questions to Mandy.
- Monday Movie Matinees: 1:30 p.m. every Monday (shows start at 2 p.m.). Call the Welcome Desk at 205-879-0411 for a current show schedule.
- April 6, 6:30 p.m.: Author Talk with Celeste Headlee, an internationally recognized journalist and radio host, professional speaker, and author of the bestselling book We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter. Wine and cheese provided.
- April 7, 7 p.m. (virtual): Author Talk with Louie Kemp, who first met Bobby Zimmerman at a summer camp in northern Wisconsin. Zimmerman, 12, told everyone he was going to be a rock-and-roll star. Years later, Kemp and Zimmerman — today known as Bob Dylan — remain best friends. Join us virtually to hear more from Kemp about his new memoir.
- April 13, 11:30 a.m.: Live virtual tour of our nation’s third-oldest synagogue. Refreshments provided.
- April 15, 9–11 a.m.: In collaboration with the Cohn Early Childhood Learning Center we are hosting a pre-K Passover party and need volunteers to help with each station. Please submit this interest form if you want to help.
- April 19, 4 p.m.: Candy Seder! Join us for a special pre-K seder event featuring kosher-for-passover candy, an afikomen hunt, haggadah coloring books, and tons of fun!
- April 28, 9:30 p.m. (virtual): In collaboration with the Alpert JCC of Long Beach, Yiddish Songs and Poetry of Resistance and Resilience will bring to life a selection of miraculously preserved words and music written in Yiddish during the Holocaust.