Program Description: Join the Ladies Who Hike for an easy/moderate hike on the beautiful Harris Lake!

Please bring peanut butter and jelly to donate to the Food Pantry.

Where: Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr, New Hill, NC 27562

When: Sunday, February 23 from 9:30-11:30am

For more information: leslie.needham@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register.

Program Description: Join Coach Lori for conditioning and stroke instruction to stay in shape. Year round swim is open to both J-Rays swimmers and the general community.

Where: Optimist Park Pool, 5900 Whittier Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609

When: Sundays, February 23-March 16

Cost: JCC Members–$100 / General Community–$125 per day

Click here to register.

Program Description: “My Childhood During WWII as a US Army Brat” with Laura Gutman

Laura Thurston Gutman, author of the 2024 memoir "Army Brat," lived her childhood folded into the middle of the US Army from before the attack on Pearl Harbor, throughout World War II, into the war's immediate aftermath, and up to the start of the Vietnam War. Her family was posted to many historically pivotal places and events of that era, including Hawaii where from her backyard she witnessed the attack on Pearl Harbor and life in post war Germany under Russian hostility. Laura's presentation will blend the nature of her childhood life with the unfolding of history during her father?s military assignments as a liaison officer in the US army.

Laura Gutman is a retired pediatrician living in Durham. A graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine in 1962, she is the author of the 2024 memoir, “Army Brat.”

Where: David R. Kahn Community Campus

When: Wednesday, February 26 from 12:30-2:30pm

Cost: JCC Members Free, General Community $18

Registration Deadline: February 21

For assistance registering: registrar@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register.

Join the Friends of the Judaic Art Gallery for a modern masquerade Purim celebration.

The Purim story is replete with mystery and surprise. Esther masquerades to the Persian court, becomes queen, foils Haman’s evil plot, and saves the Jewish people. In Hebrew the name Esther means hidden.

For this year’s Purim celebration, we encourage you to disguise your identity, whether dressed in cocktail attire, black tie, or

… cloaked in French or Venetian masquerade regalia for a timeless look of elegance.

… veiled in a vintage ensemble for a retro nod to mod fashions.

shrouded in an antistyle genre of punk rock, grunge, or goth garb to unleash your inner rebel.

Embrace your mysterious alter ego—dress up, wig out, and arrive masked for a modern masquerade.

What awaits after you make your grand reveal

• Sparkle and bling station: Have your face painted and bedazzled to replace your mask.

• Glitter bar: Sip shimmering cocktails, beer, and wine.

• Savory and sweet delights: Nosh on delectable bites that satisfy every craving.

• Glitz ’n’ glam photo booth: Step into the spotlight with fun props and strike a pose.

• Dance floor extravaganza: Shake and shine under the disco lights as you dance the night away!

Space is limited; advance tickets are required. Per IRS advisory no portion of the admission is tax deductible unless otherwise noted. For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, contact Billy Wilson at (919) 664-6824 or bwilson@ncartmuseum.org.

All proceeds benefit the Judaic Art Fund.

Click here to register.

Program Description: Join PJ Library for a fun morning of play at Little Doodles Play Cafe!

Where: Little Doodles Play Cafe, 11 W 3rd St, Wendell, NC 27591

When: Sunday, March 2 from 9-11am

For more information: stefanie.shapiro@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register.

Kalimian Family Lecture in Sephardic Judaism

“Beautiful Friendships: Jewish Refugee Writers in Mexico”

At first glance, Ruth Rewald (1906-1943) and Egon Erwin Kisch (1885-1948) may not have much in common. She wrote realistic novels about feisty, yet principled boys (and sometimes girls) for young audiences, while he gained fame writing literary reportages about his worldwide travels. Rewald was put to death at Auschwitz, while Kisch had the necessary documents, funds, and connections that enabled him to flee from occupied Europe and find refuge in Mexico. Despite these differences, Rewald’s and Kisch’s paths crossed, most visibly in their relationship –or beautiful friendship– with Mexico. This presentation will recount their respective stories of flight, loss, and grief, provide a sense of Jewish experiences along routes to (relative) safety in the Americas, and reflect on the significance of memories of displacement.

Tabea Linhard is a Professor of Spanish, Global Studies, and Comparative Literature at Washington University in St. Louis.

Website for More Info: https://jewishstudies.unc.edu/event/linhard/

Program Description: "My Forty Years as a Congregational Rabbi," is a collection of stories and anecdotes from Rabbi Mike Stevens serving congregations in Ohio, Montreal, and Indiana. Some of the stories are very funny, some are poignant or sad, and many are very inspiring. Question and answer session to follow.

Lunch provided by our friends at AROSA.

Where: Beth Shalom, 5713 Yates Mill Pond Rd., Raleigh, NC 27606

When: Tuesday, March 4 from 12-2pm

Cost: Beth Shalom and JCC members $10; General Community $18

Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 27

For more information: gena.brown@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register.

NC Warn empowers us to tackle the accelerating crisis posed by climate change.

Jim Warren, Executive Director and Sara Heilman, Energy Policy Coordinator with NC Warn, will describe their effective strategies, including Carboro's 'Climate Deception Lawsuit' against Duke Energy.

One of the largest climate polluters in the world, Duke Energy has known for decades that burning fossil fuels is driving the climate crisis and ever more destructive storms like Hurricane Helene. Instead of taking action to transition off fossil fuels, Duke Energy has helped lead a campaign to deceive the public about these dangers, delaying the necessary transition off coal, oil and gas.

Everyone is invited to learn and engage in hands on, local strategies to preserve a liveable habitat for all beings.

Everyone is Welcome. Hosted by the Dayenu Triangle Circle - A Jewish Call to Climate Action: DayenuTriangle@gmail.com

Click here to register.

Program Description: Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention

Originating as a martial art in ancient China, Tai Chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body.  Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn, and participants will soon notice its health benefits.  For many, it continues as a lifetime journey.

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention is based on the Sun style of Tai Chi.  This is the newest of the tai chi styles.  The beginning form that will be taught has 21 movements.  It is symmetrical and is performed in a standing position which may be modified to a seated position.  The form has fluid movements, integrating mind and body. 

Benefits to practicing Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention

• Relieves pain and decreases stiffness

• Improves balance and reduces falls

• Builds muscular strength and stamina

• Improves ability to perform daily tasks

• Improves concentration and memory

When: Thursdays from 9:30-10:15am

• March 6, 13, 20 & 27

• April 3, 10, 17, & 22

Where: David R. Kahn Community Campus

Instructor: Sharon Mills has experience as a physical therapist and as an exercise instructor.  She is certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. Sharon has been teaching Tai Chi in Raleigh for 10 years.

Clothing: Please wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for exercise.

Cost: JCC Members $75, General Community $100

Registration includes all 8 sessions. Prior registration is required, walk-ins will not be able to be accommodated.

Click here to register.

You are invited! Members and friends, please join us on Saturday, March 8, 2025 to joyously mark an extraordinary milestone and ‘sheheheyanu moment’ — 150 years of Jewish life at Beth Meyer Synagogue. Journey through our Jewish community’s history, dance the night away, enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and toast to Beth Meyer Synagogue’s next 150 years.

This adults-only evening kicks off at 7 p.m. with Havdalah in the Sanctuary, followed by a party at 7:30 p.m. in both the Social Hall and a heated tent on the Field. Cocktail attire is requested, and the deadline to RSVP is February 17. For more event information or media inquiries, contact Jonathan Wertheim, Executive Director, at jonathanw@bethmeyer.org. 

Please note, personal finances are NEVER a barrier to participation at Beth Meyer Synagogue. Financial assistance is available for members and their guests — no questions asked. If you cannot afford the ticket price ($118 per guest) for any reason, let us know before registering.

Click here to register.

Program Description: Come enjoy lunch with your friends. We will be painting a board brush art project with artist Debbie Secan!

Where: David R. Kahn Community Campus

When: Thursday, March 13 from 12:30-1:30pm

Cost: $15

For more information: leslie.needham@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register.

Program Description: Join PJ Library for a fun-filled Purim Party! There will be play time on the playground, a Purim themed story, and snacks. Costumes for adults and children are welcomed and encouraged!

Where: Greystone Recreation Center, 7713 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, NC 27615

When: Saturday, March 15 from 1-3pm

For more information: stefanie.shapiro@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register.

Program Description: "A Tangled Immigration Version of the American Dream: Rubin Morris Hanan's Freedom"

When sixteen-year-old, Sephardic Jew, Rubin Morris Hanan, embarked in 1927 from the island of Rhodes to land in Montgomery, Alabama, he never dreamed of what lay in store for him. Decades later his writings reveal an immigration story with a fascinating trajectory - a version of the American dream in the early twentieth century that is more tangled than one might suspect, or even than Hanan himself expounded later in his writings.

Originally from Charlotte, Mimi Wooten is a PhD candidate at the University of Michigan's history department and a Todd M. Endelman fellow at the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies. Mimi studies the modern Sephardi diaspora in the US with a focus on the American South.

Where: David R. Kahn Community Campus

When: Wednesday, March 19 from 12:30-2:30pm

Cost: JCC Members Free, General Community $18

Registration Deadline: March 14

For assistance registering: registrar@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register.

Program Description: Join us March 21st for our 3rd annual Shabbat Across Greater Raleigh. It is a call to families and friends to come together with others to honor Shabbat in their own style. You can decide on anything from traditional dinner to celebrating with a pizza, a picnic, or even a dinner in a restaurant.

Over the last two years, more than 350 people from more than 100 households participated, and this year we are aiming to increase those numbers and impact more lives through connection.

Do you want to participate as a HOST? Here are the steps:

• Click the link to register as a HOST.

• Once you do that, we will connect with you and give you a registration code to share with your chosen guests.

• Ask your guests to use that code to register themselves/family.

• Host a lovely Shabbat dinner in your style!

• Snap a photo of your Shabbat group and share it on social media (tag @jfedraleigh on Instagram) or via email to gena.brown@shalomraleigh.org or leslie.needham@shalomraleigh.org so we can create a community montage of this joyous celebration.

When: Friday, March 21 in the evening

For more information: leslie.needham@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register as a host.

Program Description: PJ Library families are welcome to join Shabbat dinner as part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh's Shabbat Across Greater Raleigh initiative

Where: Quail Hollow Swim Club, 800 Orleans Place, Raleigh, NC 27609

When: Friday, March 21 from 5:45-8pm

For more information: stefanie.shapiro@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register.

Let’s play Mah Jongg to help raise awareness and funds for Pancreatic cancer!

This event is open to anyone who likes to play Mah Jongg!

On Saturday, March 22nd at Pine Acres Community Center, 402 Mc Lean St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Grab a few friends to play a fun, friendly, social Mah Jongg game! Don’t worry if you don’t have a group of 4 to play with, we will have players available for a game for you. We plan on grouping players according to skill level, unless you have friends to play with.

Fee: $20 donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network which will also include a breakfast item, one water bottle and one raffle ticket.

We’re fortunate to have several local businesses from our community donate gift cards and we'll have some other great prizes! You will use your raffle ticket to choose which raffle prize you like best and then at the end the winners will be drawn. And we will have more raffle tickets available for purchase!

The more tickets you buy, the more chances you have to win raffle prizes: $2 per raffle ticket and $5 for three tickets

You must have a 2024 National Mah Jongg League Inc Card in order to play.

No refunds will be given. American Mah Jongg rules will be applied.

All proceeds will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. If you are affected or know someone who has been affected by Pancreatic cancer, please check out pancan.org for more information.

Any questions, please contact Jennifer Kublin at 561-789-6553 or email Jkublin@hotmail.com.

Don’t miss this fun, engaging and worthwhile social fundraising event! Sign up via the participant entry form today in order to participate (required to participate) - https://forms.office.com/r/XPPhturbqW

Here is the FB event with all the information - https://www.facebook.com/share/187uDEUPav/

Morris, Ida and Alan Heilig Lecture in Jewish Studies and Annual Holocaust Studies Lecture

”The Last Ghetto: An Everyday History of Theresienstadt”

Terezín, as it was known in Czech, or Theresienstadt, as it was known in German, was operated by the Nazis between November 1941 and May 1945 as a transit ghetto for Central and Western European Jews before their deportation for murder in the East. Today, Theresienstadt is best known for the Nazi propaganda of the International Red Cross visit, cultural life, and children. But these aspects explain little what defined the lives of its 140,000 inmates. The Last Ghetto offers both a modern history of this Central European ghetto and the first in-depth analytical history of a prison society during the Holocaust.

Anna Hájková is Reader for modern European continental history at the University of Warwick where she co-directs the Centre for Global Jewish Studies.

Website for More Info: https://jewishstudies.unc.edu/event/hajkova/

Program Description: Discussion of historical novel, The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum: Rise & Fall of an American Crime Boss by Margalit Fox.

America’s first great organized-crime lord was a woman. Combining historical research with narrative, this is the true story of a once-famous notorious Jewish woman. Mrs. Mandelbaum came as an immigrant in steerage in 1850, and by the 1870s she had become a fixture of NY's Gilded Age high society, but she was also a criminal mastermind.
A PARADE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

12:30pm-Bring your non-meat lunch. Drinks & dessert are provided

1:00pm-Book discussion

When: Monday, April 7, 2024, at 12:30pm

Where: David R. Kahn Community Campus

Cost: JCC Members only

For assistance registering: registrar@shalomraleigh.org

Click here to register.

More information coming soon.