The J offers many programs that address the mind, body, and soul
Send your programming questions to Director of Special Projects Zoe Weil.
*Asterisks below denote daytime scheduling that might be more convenient for retirees and seniors.
Events
Sunday, March 15, 3-4:30 p.m.
Offered in partnership with CJFS
This 90-minute in-person gathering invites you to slow down and honor a loss or adversity of any kind — personal or collective. The workshop is facilitated by Dara Kosberg, an artist, storyteller, and grief and post-traumatic growth program director at Reimagine.
Monday, March 16, 6-8 p.m.
Join us for a night of storytelling with Dara Kosberg and our very own Rebecca Rothman. Doors open at 6 p.m., show begins at 6:30. Dinner available for purchase from JJ’s Sandwich Shop food truck, and free babysitting (sign up here by March 12).
Adult classes (LJCC membership not required)
Starting in September, our new four-week creative series will introduce you to a variety of artistic styles, including oil and chalk pastels, acrylics, collage, and watercolors.
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 28, 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
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.
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.
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 open play Tuesdays 5-7 p.m.
- Free for members / $5 pay-to-play for non-members
- For beginners
- Tiles and cards provided
Mahjong cards
- Purchase your official 2025 card at The J ($14 for small print, $15 for large)
Explore life stories through guided writing exercises, group sharing, and supportive feedback to inspire connection, self-expression, and a sense of l’dor v’dor | legacy through storytelling.
Last offered in fall 2025.
Join us for drinks, connection, and conversation as we spotlight local organizations making a difference. Meet others who are passionate about similar work, learn about the nonprofit’s mission, and hear from Jewish community members who are connected with the featured groups.
Stay tuned for information about our next session.
Previous sessions focused on Greater Birmingham Ministries, ¡HICA! (Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama), and Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
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 9
“Exploring Good & Evil”
Tackling the Jewish understanding of free will, the yetzer hara | evil inclination, and how the tradition sees morality and temptation.
November 11
“Chosen People?”
A discussion of what chosen-ness really means in Jewish thought: privilege, responsibility, misunderstanding, and modern perspectives.
December 9
“Jewish Identity in a Christian Culture”
A talk about what it means to be Jewish in a majority-Christian society — especially in December.
January 13
“Heaven, Hell, and the World to Come”
A return to big questions: What does Judaism say about the afterlife, the soul, and the messianic era?
February 10
“Angels, Demons & Dreams: Mysticism in Judaism”
An engaging session on Kabbalah, supernatural beliefs, and how traditional Judaism approaches mystical ideas.
March 24
“Why So Many Rules?”
A lighthearted but deep dive into mitzvot: Are they divine commandments, cultural practices, or spiritual tools?
May 12
“Why Do Bad Things Happen?”
How does Judaism confront suffering, injustice, and tragedy?
Join us for for a hands-on quilting class led by Bib & Tucker Sew-Op. Throughout the four-week course participants will help create a Levite JCC community quilt to be displayed in our building.
No prior quilting experience needed, and all materials are included in the class fee.
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.
In partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Office of Service Learning and Undergraduate Research, The J is excited to offer a helpful course to support members with using smartphones and other technology.
Each class will include a short lesson on a specific topic, followed by time to ask questions or get help with your own devices.
‘TA Nosh of Yiddish: A Little Taste of a Big Tradition
Adult fitness (LJCC membership required)
Check out our myriad cycling, group fitness, low-intensity, and mind-body offerings for members (reservations not required).
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.
Send queries to Director of Fitness 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.
Send queries to Director of Fitness Camari Princewill.