Adult Programs & Events | Spring 2026
For more information, contact Kasi Friedman, Adult Program Director, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
| Adult Programs & Events |
Technology Help Clinic for Seniors
In honor of a Bar Mitzvah celebration
Wed. May 13, 1:00-4:00pm | Mandell JCC
Join us for a friendly Technology Help Clinic where we’ll help senior adults feel more confident using their everyday devices. Bring your smartphone, tablet, Kindle, or laptop, and our volunteers will provide one-on-one assistance. Whether you want to learn the basics or solve a specific problem, we’re here to help.
Come learn, ask questions, and enjoy a welcoming environment where no question is too small!
Sign up for a slot during between 1:00-4:00pm. RSVP Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311 or Member Services, 860-236-4571.
Build a Hydroponic Bucket Garden
A Multigenerational Hands-On Class
Sun. May 24, 10:00am | Mandell JCC
Learn how to grow plants without soil by building your own hydroponic bucket garden! This fun, hands-on workshop is designed for all ages, making it a great experience for kids, parents, and grandparents to learn together.
In partnership with Levo International, leaders in sustainable hydroponic innovation.
$TBA JCC Members per bucket.
For more information contact Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
Sound Healing
Wed. May 20, 6:00-8:00pm | Mandell
Instructor: Kelvin Young
Join Kelvin Young for a restorative sound healing experience using soothing vibrations to calm the nervous system, release tension, and support reflection and renewal. Open to all, this peaceful session offers a supportive space for grounding, balance, and hope, with a special intention for those in recovery and their supporters.
Free and open to All
| Adult Daytime Programs |
Brunch & Learn Speaker Series
Join us monthly for interesting and informative guest speakers from our community, who will stimulate your mind on a variety of topics.
Wed | 12:15-1:30pm | Mar 25, Apr 22, May 20
Speakers to be announced
$10/$8 JCC member includes a bagel lunch
To receive emails about upcoming speakers, contact Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org
Current Events Discussion Group
Drop in any Thursday for a lively discussion on news from the week’s headlines – a great way to keep abreast of current events both locally and around the world.
Thu | 1:00-2:00pm | Ongoing
Free and open to all
Contact Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
Critical Conversations for Interfaith Dialogue
Facilitator: Audrey Lichter
Critical Conversations is a five-part curriculum based on the book In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism by Scott A. Shay, founder and Board President of Chai Mitzvah.
Each topic is designed to spark open and meaningful discussion that will encourage critical thinking.
The topics covered include:
• What is Modern Day Idolatry? (Lies About Power)
• How Do We Reconcile Faith in the Presence of Evil?
• Why Have Faith and Why Pray?
• Can Science and God Coexist?
• Is the Bible Real or Bogus?
Wed | 1:00-2:30pm | Sept 10, Nov 5, Dec 3, Jan 7, Feb 25, Mar 11, Apr 15 & 29
$75/$60 JCC Members
Includes book and materials
To register, contact Kasi Friedman, 860-231-6311, kfriedman@Mandelljcc.org or JCC Member Services, 860-236-4571
JCC Afternoon Book Club
Join us monthly for friendly and thought-provoking discussions on books of Jewish content or by Jewish authors. Books TBD.
Mon | 1:00-2:00pm | Apr 6, May 4
Free and open to all
Contact Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
Israeli Folk Dancing
Weekly instruction followed by open dancing.
No partner necessary.
Instructor: Marla Cohen
Tue | 7:00-9:00pm | Ongoing
Free and open to all
For more information, twinkletoesmarla@aol.com or 860-490-8336
JCC Book Lovers Club
Join our evening book club for great discussions and great people! Meets monthly,
Wednesdays at 7:00pm
Dec 17, Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18 – Kasi is talking to Leslie about additional dates
Books TBD
Free and open to all
For more information, contact Dana Bock Decoteau, danabockdecoteau@gmail.com
BrainSavers – Because Gray Matters!
BrainSavers is an evidence-based program and focuses on the brain and body to help create a lifestyle for seniors that can stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia. This instructor led program encompasses six lifestyle components to prevent Alzheimer’s: physical fitness, cognitive fitness, stress management, healthful nutrition, quality sleep, and social engagement.
Tue | 1:00pm | April 7-June 23 | Main JCC or
Thu | 11:00am | April 9-June 25 | Fitness Center at St. Francis
$150 community members/free for JCC members
Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s
This exercise class is specifically designed to address Parkinson’s symptoms such as slow or small movements, imbalance, stiffness, flexed posture and respiratory weakness. Our scientifically based curriculum can be adapted to any level of Parkinson’s and can allow you to take control, build confidence, and feel stronger.
Mon & Wed 11:00-11:45am; Fri, 11:15am-12:00pm
Scholarships available if needed. Contact Lindsey Brush or Sharon O’Brien at rocksteadyjcc@gmail.com or call 860-231-6333
Surgical Spotlight
A Saint Francis Hospital education series empowering patients through knowledge and care.
Wed. 5:30-6:30pm | Hybrid classes
May 20: Preventing the Unexpected: Carotid Disease and Stroke - Kristofer Bagdasarian, MD
May 27: Basics of Surgical Treatment for Breast Cancer – Sasha Douglas, MD
June 10: Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer - Ryan Dorin, MD
August 5: Pelvis Floor Dysfunction - Nani Moss, MD
Free and open to all. Registration Required.
Café Europa
A social group for Holocaust survivors
Includes a kosher lunch. Transportation can be arranged if needed.
Tues | 12:00-1:30pm | Mar 22 and Jun 2
Contact Kasi Friedman, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6311
HARTFORD STAGE WEDNESDAY MATINEESSingle tickets are available for these spring shows! Includes bus transportation from the Mandell JCC.
May 6 - Native Gardens
By Karen Zacarias
Director TBA
Jun 24 - Sweeney Todd
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler
Based on an adaptation by Christopher Bond
Directed by Rob Ruggiero A Co-Production with TheaterWorks Hartford
Bus Departs JCC at 1:00pm
Contact Kasi Friedman, 860-231-6311, Kfriedman@mandelljcc.org
Hope in Recovery
Programs made possible through the town of West Hartford Prevention Partnership
Strings of Hope – An evening of connection for family and friends impacted by addiction
Thu. May 7, 6:00-8:00pm
Instructor: Colby Wyckoff, Kasi Freidman and Chris P.
Together we will learn how to create a Knotamala breathing necklace and mantra bracelets—simple tools that encourage mindful breathing, meditation, and grounding during challenging moments. All materials are provided and a light dinner is included.
Free and open to all. Registration Required.
Trauma-Informed Yoga
Thu. May 14, 6:00-7:00pm
Instructor Brittany Seltzer, CYT
Join us as we promote healing and resilience through yoga. We will focus on body awareness and mindfulness as we use gentle, accessible poses incorporating breathwork to help regulate emotions and stress. Survivors will engage in the present moment, noticing sensations, and shifting the focus and power from external to internal. All levels welcome to our safe space.
Free and open to all. Registration Required.
Sound Healing for Those in Recovery and their Supporters
Tue. June 2, 5:45-7:00pm
Instructor: Kelvin Young
Join Kelvin Young for a restorative sound healing experience using soothing vibrations to calm the nervous system, release tension, and support reflection and renewal. Open to all, this peaceful session offers a supportive space for grounding, balance, and hope, with a special intention for those in recovery and their supporters.
Free and open to all. Registration Required.
< Adult Programs & Activities | < Program Guide Index
 Senior Adult programs are funded in part by the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign. |
