Programs and classes

The J offers many programs that address the mind, body, and soul


*Asterisks below denote daytime scheduling that might be more convenient for retirees and seniors.

Adult classes and programs (LJCC membership not required)

July 12, 10-11 a.m.

RSVP

Join us for a casual morning of learning with Stav, our young Israeli Shlicha, over coffee and bagels. Her presentation about traveling through Israel will be followed by questions and open conversation.

Read more about Stav…


June 28

Join us for a casual morning of learning with Stav, our Israeli Shlicha. Her first session, “My Israel,” invites you into Stav’s personal experience of growing up and living in Israel.

Coffee and bagels provided.

All are welcome to attend these services on Fridays at 11 a.m. unless otherwise noted. RSVP required (due two days prior); complimentary lunch included:

  • January 23, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Henkin
  • February 13, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Friedman
  • March 20, 11 a.m. with Temple Emanu-El Clergy
  • April 24, 11 a.m. with Knesseth Israel
  • May 1, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Henkin
  • August 14, 11 a.m. with TBD
  • September 25, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Henkin
  • October 9, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Friedman
  • November 6, 11a.m. with Temple Emanu-El Clergy
  • December 4, 11a.m. with Knesseth Israel

These services are co-sponsored by Collat Jewish Family Services. Read more: “New grants fund two-part Shabbat program that strengthens ties to Israel

 

At the Levite JCC, kehilah | creating community is more than a concept — it’s a core value at the heart of all we do. JBORHOOD (which we pronounce “jay-borhood”) is designed to bring together like-minded members to share fun experiences, spark new friendships, and create lasting memories.

These mini-communities will come together inside The J for interest-based events and activities inspired by our own members. Whether you’re looking to try something new, deepen relationships, or simply feel more connected, JBORHOOD invites you to find your people and expand your horizons — one meaningful moment at a time.


JBORHOOD: Junk Journaling

Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26

A collaborative art journaling club that will use recycled scraps and everyday junk. This group will meet for an hour on the dates listed. Please pre-register and bring your own journal.

JBORHOOD: Women’s Circle

Feb. 25; March 4, 11, 18

This group is open to any female looking to build community, share and create a common space, and share experiences unique to being a woman. This group will meet for an hour on the dates listed. Please pre-register. Be prepared to sit and chat. Dress comfortably.

Join the Roz Feigelson Circle of Life Knitting Group that meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. No experience necessary.

Read more about the group here

Mahjong 101: Intro

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class is designed to teach you the fundamentals of this beloved game. This hands-on three-part series teaches the basics of gameplay, including the rules, the tiles, and the strategies that make Mahjong both challenging and exciting. No experience necessary.

Join our waitlist for future classes.

Mahjong 102: Intermediate

Ready to build on the fundamentals? Our Mahj 102 class is designed for players who already know the basics and want to deepen their understanding of the game, improve strategy, and play with greater confidence and flow.

This class is ideal for anyone who has completed a beginner Mahjong course or already feels comfortable with the rules and tile basics.


Beginner Classes

  • Taught by Dawn Holloway
  • $100 for members / $150 for non-members
  • 3 classes for 2 hours each 
  • Offered quarterly 
  • Register here for our next class
  • Class limit is 12, so if you’re interested fill out the interest form and we’ll send you the registration link before the next quarter’s sessions go live

Mahjong open play Thursdays 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

  • Free and open to the public 
  • For intermediate/advanced players
  • Titles and cards provided

Mahjong cards

  • Purchase your official 2025 card at The J ($14 for small print, $15 for large)

Join Rabbi Yossi Friedman for an open conversation about all things Jewish as part of our monthly lunchtime series that explores pretty much whatever you’ve ever wanted to know about the world of Judaism.

September 8
“Who Is God?”
Exploring how Judaism understands the divine — from the biblical God of history to abstract philosophical conceptions and personal spirituality

October 13
“Why Israel?”
Unpacking the deep religious, historical, and emotional connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel, and what it means today

November 10
“A Faith That Doesn’t Recruit”
Why Judaism historically hasn’t sought converts, what the tradition actually says about non-Jews, and how that shapes Jewish identity

December 8
“One People, Many Paths”
A look at what divides and unites Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, and other Jewish movements and why the differences matter

January 12
“What Is the Talmud?”
An introduction to Judaism’s great rabbinic conversation— what it is, how it works, and why it has shaped Jewish life for nearly two thousand years

February 9
 “Jews & Success”
Examining the cultural, historical, and values-driven factors behind Jewish overrepresentation in certain fields

March 9
“The Longest Hatred”
A conversation about antisemitism — its ancient roots, recurring patterns across history, and how Jewish tradition has made sense of persecution

April 13
“Why Tell the Story Again?”
Exploring why Passover places such importance on memory, storytelling, and passing traditions from one generation to the next

May 11
“A Living Tradition”
How Judaism has adapted, reinterpreted, and reinvented itself across four thousand years

Membership not required.

This LJCC oral history program uses a live-interview format to present stories about Jewish life in Birmingham and across the South.

Complimentary tickets include lunch.

See what’s coming up, get tickets, and view past interviews.

Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Neither membership nor registration required to attend this free event.

Join us for some relaxing tai chi lessons in the senior lounge. Galina Waites will be instructing this journey into mindfulness as a partner with United Way of Central Alabama. Everyone is welcome. No prior experience required.

Send your programming questions to Director of Special Projects Zoe Weil.


Adult fitness (LJCC membership required)

Read more about both of these programs…


J Knockout

For individuals only
  • 4×45-minute personal training sessions of boxing-inspired workouts and recovery support
  • Stretch therapy
  • InBody scan
  • $328 value for just $275 (optional upgrade available)
  • Contact Fitness Director Camari Princewill (205-332-3701) to sign up

Summer Shred

For individuals only
  • 4×45-minute personal training sessions focusing on fat loss, body composition, consistency
  • Customized eight-workout plan
  • InBody scan
  • $449 value for only $275 (optional upgrade available)
  • Contact Fitness Director Camari Princewill (205-332-3701) to sign up

Check out our myriad cycling, group fitness, low-intensity, and mind-body offerings for members (reservations not required).

Take me to Group Fitness…

The J offers dozens of group fitness classes, including many that are geared specifically for seniors:

  • Aqua Aerobics
  • Body Balance
  • Chair Yoga
  • Creative Movement
  • J-Move
  • Retro Aerobics
  • Yoga (with instructor Nan)
  • Zumba Gold

Learn more and see schedules here. Send queries to Fitness Director Camari Princewill.

If you are uncertain about where to start your fitness journey or are ready to set new goals, working with a certified personal trainer could be right for you.

Our personal trainers will evaluate your current status, teach you the fundamentals of exercise technique, and recommend particular exercises specific to your needs. They will teach you how to exercise properly in order to achieve weight goals, increase strength, and perform everyday functional movements to decrease the risk of injury.

Learn more and sign up here…

Send queries to Director of Fitness Camari Princewill.

Take your workout beyond the fitness floor and into the fresh air! Join us for our new Group Fitness Pop-Up Series featuring four unique outdoor experiences designed to keep your workouts fun, fresh, and inspiring:

🌅 Sunrise Yoga Pop-Up

July 21 | 6–7 a.m.
Free for members
By outdoor pool
Instructor: Kaleen Lavin


🎵 Sound Bath Pop-Up & Evening Pool Party 6-8 p.m.

August 16
Buy your tickets (including for child care)
By outdoor pool
Instructor: Marcus Dunning (A Connected Touch Massage)

Experience one hour of guided breathing, meditation, and a restorative sound bath followed by an adults-only evening at the pool.

A sound bath is an immersive meditation experience in which participants relax while surrounded by the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other instruments. The session is designed to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation.


💪 Boot Camp Pop-Up

September 16 | 6–7 a.m.
Free for members
Levite Field
Instructor: Mary Zarate

Prepare for an energetic, military-inspired group workout featuring a mix of cardio, bodyweight exercises, strength training, and functional movements. Expect a challenging total-body workout in a motivating group environment.


🥾 Take-a-Hike Pop-Up

October 14 | 6 a.m.
Free for members
Guides: Catherine Arthur & Lillian Cole

Choose either a one-mile or five-mile hike through The J’s beautiful wooded trail system, where you’ll encounter natural terrain, gentle elevation changes, roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces… and hopefully a few small mammals and birds. Guides will lead one- and five-mile options. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and dress appropriately for the weather.


Participants of all fitness and experience levels are welcome. Just be mindful of any personal physical limitations and, if necessary, consult your physician before beginning a new fitness program.

Attend all four, get some swag

Complete all four pop-ups and be rewarded with exclusive J swag plus a $25 gift card.

For more information contact Group Fitness Coordinator Lillian Cole at lillianc@bhamjcc.org.

If you are uncertain about where to start your fitness journey or are ready to set new goals, working with a certified personal trainer could be right for you.

Our personal trainers will evaluate your current status, teach you the fundamentals of exercise technique, and recommend particular exercises specific to your needs. They will teach you how to exercise properly in order to achieve weight goals, increase strength, and perform everyday functional movements to decrease the risk of injury.

Learn more and sign up here…

Send queries to Director of Fitness Camari Princewill.

Send your fitness programming questions to Fitness Director Camari Princewill.


*Asterisks denote daytime scheduling that might be more convenient for retirees and seniors.