• By Mabel Pais

Featuring

Author JAI CHAKRABARTI

Banned Books Panel with PEN AMERICA

Author CHELSEA CLINTON

Wed, Feb 1, 7 pm – In Person

Jewish Food Society Storytelling Event

Jewish Food Society presents ‘The Story That Changed My Life,’ a live taping of their award-winning storytelling podcast, ‘Schmaltzy.’ Hear stories from authors and luminaries, followed by a lively roundtable discussion led by Schmaltzy host Amanda Dell. Book signing to follow, and like all Schmaltzy events, enjoy drinks and bites inspired by the stories.

Sun, Feb 5, 11 am – In Person

Ha’Keves haShisha Asar in Concert

This special event will feature a concert of the classic Israeli children’s story and album Ha’Keves haShisha Asar (‘The Sixteenth Sheep’). Together with host Elad Kabilio of MusicTalks, Yoav Eshed on guitar, Alon Nir on double bass, and Eviatar Slivnik on drums, this performance will celebrate the incredible 1978 collaboration of author Yonatan Gefen and composer Yoni Rechter, which created a unique piece of art that speaks volumes to children and adult alike. Songs will be performed in Hebrew.

Mon, Feb 6, 7 pm – In Person

Author Allegra Goodman in Conversation with Literary Agent Julie Barer P

The Book Group’s Julie Barer, host of the JCC’s Authors in Quarantine series, was inspired by the writing of author Allegra Goodman to go into a career in books and, in a turn of events, eventually became her literary agent. Allegra, whose latest novel Sam is January 2023’s ‘Read with Jenna’ pick, sits down with Julie to talk about the book and each of their respective careers.

Tue, Feb 7, 4:30 pm – In Person

Storytime in the Lobby with Amy Rosenfeld F P

Storyteller: Amy Rosenfeld

Amy Rosenfeld has been the Librarian at the Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School for 11 years. She enjoys exploring different themes with the children during story times, and strives to find new books pertaining to diversity and inclusion to add into the growing school library.

Amy adapted a children’s book, ‘Daniel and Max Play Together,’ which was published in December of 2021.

Thu, Feb 9, 7 pm – In Person

Banned Books Panel with PEN America

PEN America champions the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Join PEN America’s Director of Free Expression and Education Programs Jonathan Friedman, in a timely and important panel discussion with frequently banned authors and topic experts. The panel will include prolific YA author David Levithan (‘Boy Meets Boy,’ ‘Nick & Nora’s Infinite Playlist,’ ‘Dash & Lily’) and additional guests to be announced.

Mon, Feb 13 at 7 pm – In Person

Chelsea Clinton in Conversation with Abigail Pogrebin

New York Times bestselling author Chelsea Clinton’s latest book, ‘Welcome to the Big Kids Club,’ is the essential guide for kids welcoming the newest member of their family. Chelsea sits down with JCC staple Abigail Pogrebin to talk about the book, as well as Clinton’s influential, bestselling, and life-changing ‘She Persisted’ series. Tickets include a signed copy of the book.

Tue, Feb 14, 4:30 pm – In Person

Storytime in the Lobby: Drag Queen Story Hour with Abbi Gezunt F P

Storyteller: Abbi Gezunt | Abbi Gezunt (Yochai Greenfeld) is a Jewish mother from the Five Towns of Long Island who devotes her precious time to creating sensible educational Jewish entertainment. Her Jewtorials can be found online and her Jewish drag shows are the latest sensation at the JCC. Appropriate for ages 6+.

Wed, Feb 15, 5–8 pm – In Person

Altered Book Workshop

Instructor: DJ O’Connel | In this fun workshop, repurpose old books by turning them into personal journals using paint, paper, recycled items, fabric, and ink. Books will be semi-destroyed in the transformation process. Beginners welcome. May not be suitable for children under age 10. All materials will be supplied—just bring your imagination.

Thu, Feb 16, 7 pm – In Person

Michael Winograd Plays Tanz: A Live Album Recreation

Join Brooklyn musician Michael Winograd and his stellar band for a performance of ‘Tanz,’ a recreation of the 1956 album featuring clarinetists Sam Musiker and the King of Klezmer Dave Tarras. Ahead of its time, ‘Tanz’ was a landmark recording, pushing the boundaries of Jewish music. Now celebrated as one of the greatest Klezmer records, more than six decades later, ‘Tanz’ comes to life in this live performance and concert filming.

Tue, Feb 21, 4:30 pm – In Person

Storytime in the Lobby

Storyteller: TBD

Wed, Feb 22, 7 pm – In Person

Author Jai Chakrabarti in Conversation with Jewish Book Council’s Becca Kantor

National Jewish Book Award winner Jai Chakrabarti (‘A Play for the End of the World’) had his life changed when he discovered Bernard Malamud’s ‘The Magic Barrel’ at a used bookstore in a suburb of India. This year is the 65th anniversary of the book’s publication, as well as the 65th anniversary of Bernard Malamud receiving the National Jewish Book Award for another work of his, ‘The Assistant.’ Becca Kantor, editorial director of the Jewish Book Council (which administers the National Jewish Book Award), talks to Jai about his newest book and the impact and legacy of Malamud’s work.

Thu, Feb 23, 7 pm – Virtual

Join JCC for a rebroadcast of the very first ‘Books That Changed My Life’ event: an intimate conversation between prolific writers Elizabeth Gilbert (‘Eat Pray Love,’ ‘City of Girls’) and Maggie Smith (‘Good Bones,’ ‘Goldenrod’), inspired by Gilbert’s bestselling book ‘Big Magic,’ a book that changed Smith’s life. The live stream of this event was recorded in April.

Sun, Feb 26, 11 am – In Person

‘Dot Dot Dot: A New Musical’

Based on the Creatrilogy series of books, ‘The Dot, Ish & Sky Color’ by Peter H. Reynolds

An exciting new musical based on the Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books (‘The Dot, Ish, and Color Sky’) by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds that celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected. Written by Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond. A TheaterWorksUSA Production. Appropriate for ages 5+.

Mon, Feb 27, 7 pm – In Person

In Conversation with Claudia Fleming, Executive Culinary Director, Daily Provisions

Acclaimed pastry chef Claudia Fleming, executive culinary director for ‘Daily Provisions,’ will discuss her latest cookbook, ‘Delectable: Sweet & Savory Baking,’ as well as books that changed her life. Conversation partner will be announced soon.

Every Tues at 4:30 pm – In Person

Storytime in the Lobby

Every Tuesday at 4:30-5:15 from Jan 10 to Feb 28 will be storytime in the lobby library. Join JCC for special guests including drag queen Yuhua Hamasaki, WonderSpark Puppets, JCC staff members, and more. Storyteller to be announced.

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Learn more at mmjccm.org 

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality