Jewish Life & Learning
Jewish life is woven into everything we do at the Mid-Island Y JCC. Whether you’re looking to explore your roots, deepen your practice, or simply connect with others through shared traditions, we are here to offer meaningful experiences for every stage of life.
Our doors are open to everyone, if you are well-versed in Jewish customs or just starting to learn. Through learning, celebration, reflection, and community, we create spaces where individuals and families can discover what Judaism means to them in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
We proudly partner with local synagogues and Jewish organizations to strengthen our community and build lasting connections locally, with Israel, and with Jewish communities around the world. Come learn, celebrate, and grow with us.
Menorah and trees stained glass window

Teen Leadership Program

Teens for Israel is your chance to explore Israel beyond the headlines- through its food, music, culture, and complex conversations.

Sundays | 5:30-7:00 pm
November 15, 2026
December 13, 2026
January 10, 2027
February 7, 2027
March 14, 2027
April 11, 2027

Dinner will be provided

Register Here

Jewish Programs

Programs listed below are eligible for UJA on the Way transportation.

Join us for a screening of We Are From Here. The film follows Rabbi Gadi Capela, a Columbia University student during the October 7 riots, as he shares his family’s exodus from Yemen during Operation On Wings of Eagles. Highlighting the experiences of over a million Middle Eastern Jews, the film challenges the narrative of Jews as foreign colonialists, emphasizing their indigenous roots and enduring connection to the Land of Israel.

The screening will be followed by a conversation with Rabbi Gadi Capela.

Sunday, November 8, 2026
2:00-4:00 pm

Members: $10
Non-Members: $15

Register Here

Different faiths. Shared values. Meaningful conversation.

A casual gathering for women of all religious and spiritual backgrounds to build bridges by discussing the values held dear within each of our traditions.

Bring your own lunch! We will provide the space and the conversation starters.

Mondays | 1:15-2:15 pm
November 2, 2026
December 7, 2026
January 4, 2027
February 1, 2027
March 1, 2027
April 5, 2027
May 3, 2027
June 7, 2027

Register Here
Join the Mid Island Y JCC and a host of guest presenters for interesting and relevant lectures and discussions related to Judaism and Jewish Culture.

Weekly On Tuesdays | 12:30-1:30 pm

  • October 27, 2026 – Eric Post from AJC on the Fight Against Antisemitism

  • November 3, 2026 – Accidental Gangster: Tales of a Jewish Booze Runner During Prohibition presented by Harriet Grayson, Author
  • November 10, 2026 – Harvey Sachowitz and Howard Ehrlich: Memories of the Borscht Belt
  • November 17, 2026 – Jews and ESP: What Tradition and Modern Research Tell Us presented by Professor Sally Drucker
  • November 24, 2026 – Was Christopher Columbus Jewish? And Other Jewish Mysteries Solved presented by Rabbi Debra Bennet, Director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Manes JCC

This series is supported in part by funding from the Institute for Adult Jewish Studies.

Free for Members, $5 for non-members

Let’s dance Rikudei Am — the traditional Israeli circle dances – that bring people together through music, culture, energy, and community. These dances are a huge part of Israeli culture and are all about connection, joy, and celebrating together.

Tuesdays | 7:00 – 8:30 pm

October 20, 2026
November 10,2026
December 8, 2026
January 12,2027
February 9,2027
March 16,2027
April 13, 2027
May 18,2027
June 8, 2027

$10 Members/class
$18 Non-members/class

Register Here
Always wanted to learn how to speak Hebrew? Now is your chance! Join us for an 8 week introduction to Modern Hebrew. No previous knowledge required.

Tuesdays | 7:15 – 8:00 pm

October 13, 20, 27, 2026
November 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026
December 1, 2026

$180 members | $220 non-members

Register Here

The Untold History of America’s Jewish Women

For over two centuries, Jewish women have been at the forefront of social change and religious evolution. This course traces the last 250 years of American history through the eyes of the women who lived it.

Taught by Rabbi Debra Bennet

Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00 pm

October 14, 21, 28, 2026
November 4, 2026

Register Here

Israel Programs

Programs listed below are eligible for UJA on the Way transportation.

How Israel Votes and Why It’s Different from the U.S.

Sunday, October 18, 2026
3:00 pm

Register Here

Sunday, October 25, 2026
2:00 pm

Register Here

In this series, we explore the unique experiences & perspectives of Second Generation (2G) Survivors.


Mon, December 2, 2026 | 7:00 pm | Helping our Neighbors: Tzedakah Project
Mon, January 4, 2027 | 10:00 am | Challah Bake
Mon, February 1, 2027 | 7:00 pm | Screening of Never Alone
Mon, March 1, 2027 | 10:00 am | Helping Our Neighbors: Tzedekah Project
Mon, April 5, 2027 | 7:00 pm | Panel Discussion
Tues, May 4, 2027 | 7:00 pm | Yom Hashoah Commemoration
Mon, June 7, 2027 | 10:00 am | Reflections and Discussion

A documentary of courage, community, and the fight to bring every hostage home.
Director of the film, Michael Jolls will be present and will introduce the film.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
7:00 pm

At The Suffolk JCC
74 Hauppauge Rd
Commack, NY 11725

Register Here

Israel’s Children in an Ongoing War – Healing in an Unpredictable Storm

Come hear Chava Moss Kleinman, MSW, share insights into the ongoing impact of war and terror on Israel’s children. Learn how her organization, Shiloh: Israel Children’s Fund, helps children & families rebuild a sense of safety, resilience and hope, and how you can be a part of it.

For more information, go to: www.israelchildren.org

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
6:30 pm

Register Here

Come join us as we explore films, listen to Israeli music, and engage in open, thoughtful conversations. Whether you are looking to connect with your roots, prepare for a trip, or simply understand the complex, beautiful tapestry of modern Israeli life, this class will spark your curiosity and broaden your perspective.

Taught by our very own Miri Kessar

Thursdays
October 15, 2026 | 6:30-8:30 pm
November 19, 2026 | 6:30-8:30 pm

Free To The Community

Register Here

Jewish Support Programs:

• Partners In Caring: A partnership of UJA-Federation of New York, the Mid-Island Y JCC and community synagogues, brings a wide array of social services to the Jewish community by a team of qualified social workers.

Learn more about Partners In Caring in the Support Services section.​