Adult Programs & Events | Fall 2026
For more information, contact Kasi Friedman, Adult Program Director, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
| Adult Daytime Programs |
Current Events Discussion Group - Making Sense of Today's Headlines
Stay informed and engaged through lively, respectful conversations about the issues shaping our world. This weekly discussion group provides an opportunity to share viewpoints, ask questions, and gain insight into current events in a supportive community setting.
Thur | 12:30-1:30pm | Starting this Fall
Free and open to all
Contact Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
Jewish Book Club - Exploring Jewish Stories, History, and Culture
Join fellow readers for thoughtful discussions of books that illuminate Jewish life, history, identity, and experience. Selections include works by Jewish authors and books featuring Jewish themes, offering opportunities to learn, reflect, and connect through literature and conversation.
Mon | 12:30-1:30pm | Sept 14 & 21, Nov 2, Dec 7
Free and open to all
Contact Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
Cafe Europa - Connection, Community, and Celebration
Cafe Europa provides Holocaust survivors and their families an opportunity to gather, socialize, and enjoy meaningful programming in a warm and supportive environment. Through entertainment, educational programs, holiday celebrations, and shared experiences, participants celebrate resilience, friendship, and community.
Sept 17, Dec 9, Apr 19 | 12:00-1:30pm
Contact Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
These socialization programs for Nazi victims have been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany
Brunch & Learn - Food for Thought, Conversation for the Soul
Join us each month for a delicious kosher lunch and engaging presentation on topics that inform, inspire, and connect. Featuring guest speakers, experts, and community leaders, Brunch & Learn explores wellness, relationships, Jewish life, aging well, current issues, and lifelong learning in a welcoming social setting.
Wed | 12:15-1:30pm | Sept 23, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16
Speakers to be announced
$12/$10 JCC member - includes a bagel lunch
To receive emails about upcoming speakers, contact Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org
| Adult Programs & Events |
Better Together - Building Bridges Across Generations
In partnership with the New England Jewish Academy (NEJA), Better Together brings older adults and students together through meaningful activities, conversations, holiday celebrations, and service projects. Participants build lasting relationships, share wisdom and experiences, and strengthen connections across generations while fostering Jewish values and community.
Dates TBD
If you are a senior adult interested in participating in Better Together please contact Kasi Friedman Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
Mah Jongg: Learn, Play, and Connect
Whether you're a seasoned player or looking to sharpen your skills, Mah Jongg offers a fun and social way to challenge your mind and meet new friends. Join fellow enthusiasts for weekly games, friendly competition, and plenty of laughter.
Instructor: Ellen Ernest Jones
Session 1
Tue | 11:00am-1:00pm | Sept 1, 8, 15 & 22
$95/$80 JCC Member
Session 2
Tue | 10:00am-12:00pm | Dec 1, 8, 15 & 22
$95/$80 JCC Member
NEW! Evening Mah Jongg
Tue | 6:00-8:00pm | Sept 22, 29; Oct 6,13
$95/$80 JCC Member
Contact Kasi Friedman, 860-231-6311, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org to register.
Canasta - Cards, Strategy, and Friendship
Gather around the table for one of the most beloved card games around. Canasta players of all experience levels are welcome to enjoy friendly competition, strategic play, and social connection in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Instructor: Melinda Jacobs
Thu | 10:00am-12:00pm | Sep 17-Oct 15
$95/$80 JCC Member
Contact Kasi Friedman, 860-231-6311, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org to register.
Creative Arts Collective - Explore, Create, and Be Inspired
Discover the joy of creativity through hands-on art experiences designed for all skill levels. The Creative Arts Collective features a rotating selection of classes including watercolor painting, pottery, acrylic painting, mixed media, and more. Participants may register for an entire series or select individual classes based on their interests. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, you'll find a welcoming space to learn, create, and connect.
Instructors: Sandy Welch, Jeanne Manzelli
More Details and Dates Coming Soon
Community Flu Shot Clinic: Protect Your Health This Season
Thu. Oct 8, 8:00-10:00am & 4:00-7:00pm
In partnership with the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District, we are pleased to offer a convenient flu vaccination clinic on October 8. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and our community during flu season.
Please reserve your time slot at the Mandell JCC Member Services Center or call 860-236-4571.
Support Our Troops - Bringing Comfort through Community
Join us throughout the year as we partner with the WJB Jewish Chaplains Council to support Jewish service members and veterans. Participants will assemble holiday care packages and messages of encouragement for Hanukkah, Passover, and Shabbat, helping bring a sense of connection, tradition, and community to those serving far from home.
Stay tuned for more details on upcoming care packaging events.
Hartford Stage Series - Experience the Magic of Live Theater
Join us for an unforgettable season of professional theater through our Hartford Stage Series. Participants enjoy transportation, camaraderie, and the opportunity to experience exceptional performances at one of Connecticut's premier regional theaters. Whether you're a longtime theater lover or new to the performing arts, these outings offer engaging stories, outstanding performances, and meaningful social connections.
The series is made possible through generous grant support, helping to make the arts more accessible to older adults in our community. Transportation and show details will be provided for each performance.
Year-Long Learning Series with Our Community Rabbis
Engage. Learn. Connect.
Free & Open to All
חוג עברית
Intermediate Hebrew Conversation Group
Every Other Monday | 10:45–11:45am | Mandell JCC
Beginning October 5 | Ongoing
You know some Hebrew — now let's use it! Join us for a lively, friendly conversation group designed for intermediate speakers who want to practice, grow, and have fun doing it.
יהיה כיף! (It's going to be fun!)
בואו להשתתף — Come join us!
Everyone welcome, but registration required
Register www.mandelljcc.org/tix
For more information, contact Laurie Feldman: Laurie.nadine.feldman@gmail.com
Writing Our Own Midrash
Tuesdays | 1:00pm | Mandell JCC
October 13–December 1
Led by Rabbi Yitzchok Adler, Beth David Synagogue, West Hartford
Discover how Jewish tradition invites us to engage with biblical texts in creative and meaningful ways. Learn to draw timeless lessons from Torah while exploring the art of writing your own modern midrash.
Register: www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Turning Points in Jewish History
Wednesdays | 10:00–11:00am | Mandell JCC
October 14–December 2
Led by Rabbi David Small, Emanuel Synagogue
Explore eight pivotal moments that shaped Jewish history, identity, and culture. Gain a deeper understanding of the events and ideas that continue to influence Jewish life today.
Register: www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Voices of our Matriarchs
Thursdays | 11:00am | Mandell JCC
October 15–December 3 (No class Nov 26)
Led by Rabbi Andi Fliegel, Congregation Beth Israel
We'll examine texts both ancient and modern to take note of how our matriarchs are portrayed differently throughout the ages. In what ways do they speak for themselves and in what ways do we speak for them?
Register: www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Weekly Torah Study
Thursdays | 1:00pm | Mandell JCC
Ongoing
Led by Rabbi Tuvia Brander, Young Israel
Join a welcoming weekly study of the Torah featuring lively discussion, thoughtful insights, and meaningful connections to contemporary life.
Register: www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Jewish Wisdom
Wednesdays | 10:00am | Mandell JCC
March 10–April 14
Led by Rabbi Michael Pincus, Congregation Beth Israel
Join us as we explore life's biggest questions — not as the first generation to ask them but drawing on the strength and wisdom of Jewish tradition. What role does gratitude play in our lives? Is forgiveness important? How do we present ourselves to the world? For whom am I responsible? What is my relationship with God — and who is the God I don't believe in?
Register: www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Writing Our Own Midrash, Part 2
Tuesdays | 1:00 pm | Mandell JCC
March 9–April 13 (No class on Purim)
Led by Rabbi Yitzchok Adler, Beth David Synagogue, West Hartford
Discover how Jewish tradition invites us to engage with biblical texts in creative and meaningful ways. Learn to draw timeless lessons from Torah while exploring the art of writing your own modern midrash.
Register: www.mandelljcc.org/tix
Encountering Our Ancestors: An Exploration of Well-Known and Little-Known Characters in the Bible
Wednesdays | 1:00pm | Mandell JCC
March 10–April 14
Led by Rabbi Rosen and Rabbi Zerin, Beth El Temple
Encounter familiar and lesser-known biblical figures through the lenses of Torah, midrash, musar, and modern commentary. Each session explores a different character and the enduring lessons their stories offer.
Register: www.mandelljcc.org/tix
September - National Recovery Month
Recovery, Resilience, and Hope
In recognition of National Recovery Month, the Mandell JCC will offer programs that educate, inspire, and support individuals in recovery, their families, friends, and allies. Through speakers, wellness experiences, discussions, and community-building activities, we celebrate the many pathways to recovery while reducing stigma and fostering connection, healing, and hope.
All are welcome-whether you are personally affected by recovery, support someone who is, or simply wish to learn more about creating a compassionate and recovery-friendly community.
This fall, our Recovery & Wellness Programs will include:
SMART Recovery Meetings
Mondays at 6:30pm
Instructor: Teresa Campbell
A science-based, self-empowering recovery support program that helps participants build and maintain motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and behaviors, and create a balanced life. Open to individuals seeking support for addictive behaviors of all kinds. Meetings are guided by a trained facilitator and help participants strengthen motivation, manage urges and cravings, live a balanced life, and better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Free and open to all. Registration required.
Meetings start October 19 and will continue throughout the year.
For more information contact: Kasi Friedman at 860-231-6311 or kfriedman@mandelljcc.org.
Recovery Storytelling Circle: Finding Meaning in the Stories We Carry
Wed. Sept 9, 6:30-9:00pm
Instructor: Ephi Stempler & Kasi Friedman
Recovery is rarely a straight line, and every person's story is different. Join us for a warm, welcoming storytelling circle designed for anyone who identifies with the idea of recovery in its broadest sense. No one will ever be required to share. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and an open mind.
Free and open to all adults. Registration required.
www.mandelljcc.org/tix
For more information contact: Kasi Friedman at 860-231-6311 or kfriedman@mandelljcc.org.
Trauma-Informed Yoga for Recovery
Tue. Sept 15, 6:00-7:00pm
Instructor: Brittney Seltzer
Designed with sensitivity to the impact of trauma, this gentle yoga practice emphasizes choice, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation. Participants will learn techniques to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of safety and connection.
All levels are welcome.
Free and open to all. Registration required.
For more information contact: Sharon O'Brien, 860-231-6333, sobrien@mandelljcc.org
Nervous System Regulation through Movement: Qigong for Recovery
Thu. Sept 24, 5:30-6:30pm
Instructor: Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, PhD
Qigong is a form of energy work derived from traditional Chinese medicine. These simple, accessible exercises are designed to decrease nervous system dysregulation and increase overall feelings of wellness and balance. Through intentional focus, breath, and movement, physical and emotional harmony is fostered. Qigong can be practiced seated or standing and requires no special equipment or clothing. No prior experience is necessary.
Free and open to all. Registration required.
For more information contact: Sharon O'Brien, 860-231-6333, sobrien@mandelljcc.org
Acupuncture for Recovery
Mon. Sept 28, 6:00-7:30pm
Provider: Jen Tartakoff, LAc
Acupuncture is a powerful therapy that supports both acute detoxification and long-term recovery from substance use. It can help curb cravings, rebalance the body's internal systems for greater physiological stability, and heal the underlying emotional wounds that contribute to addictive patterns. Join us for treatment in a group setting to reconnect with a sense of peace, comfort, and well-being as you move forward on your recovery journey.
Free and open to all. Registration required.
For more information contact: Sharon O'Brien, 860-231-6333, sobrien@mandelljcc.org
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 Senior Adult programs are funded in part by the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign. |
