The Indian Panorama

Tag: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

  • CELEBRATING THE POWER AND IMPACT OF BOOKS

    CELEBRATING THE POWER AND IMPACT OF BOOKS

    • By Mabel Pais

    ‘Books That Changed My Life Festival (BTCML),’ an innovative celebration honoring the transformative influence of literature, returns for a 2nd time to the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan’s (JCC) Lambert Center for Arts + Ideas. This is set to captivate audiences in a vibrant two-month festival from January 4 – February 29, 2024. The event happens at the Samuel Priest Rose Building of the JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue (at 76th Street), New York, NY 10023.

    The initiative, presented by the JCC, offers a rich tapestry of events and activities inspired by beloved literary works, including author conversations, workshops, storytime, a gallery exhibition, musical performances, theater, film, and more.

    The 2024 festival begins on the evening of January 4 with a reception honoring the return of the Festival’s popular interactive pop-up library hosted by The Laurie M. Tisch Gallery. The festival continues through February 29, with a dynamic collection of events:

    Author conversations featuring Ruth Reichl and Nancy Silverton in honor of Silverton’s book ‘The Cookie That Changed My Life,’ and

    the JCC’s CEO, Rabbi Joanna Samuels in conversation with prolific author Nicole Krauss. Krauss’s book ‘To Be A Man’ was named one of Oprah Magazine’s ”20 Best Books of 2020 and Time’s “100 Must-Read Books of 2020, among other accolades.”

    Author Lauren Grodstein will also join us to speak with powerhouse literary agent Julie Barer about her new book, ‘We Must Not Think Of Ourselves,’ which is the December 2023 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick.

    Storytime in the JCC’s lobby with Wonderspark Puppets, a live performance in Hebrew of the beloved Israeli children’s book ‘Room For Rent’ with MusicTalks.

    Preview of The Jewish Food Society’s new cookbook in the form of a cooking class and discussion.

    Renowned comedian Judy Gold will lead a discussion on the Jewish ”secrets” of our favorite comic book superheroes in an evening entitled ‘How Heroes Schmooze: Unveiling the Superhero Jewish Secrets.’

    Broadway actor and music director David Loud hosts an open house focused on his book ‘Facing the Music: A Broadway Memoir,’ with performances centered around his time working with legendary composer Stephen Sondheim in the original production of ‘Merrily We Roll Along.’

    Performances by Sunset Circus, Parallel Exit’s circus troupe consisting of Cirque du Soleil and Big Apple Circus alums will present a literary-themed showcase suitable for ages 1 to 100.

    OPENING NIGHT

    Visitors to the LMT Gallery. (Credit : mmjccm.org)

    Enjoy a glass of wine with a book from our Laurie M. Tisch Gallery’s pop-up library. Discover joy in browsing shelves, admiring covers, and discussing favorite titles. Embrace the Jewish tradition of being “people of the book” as we celebrate storytelling’s impact on our connected, meaningful lives. Borrow a life-changing book from our shelves, read it, return it, and share its impact with fellow JCC members. Take a moment to witness the skilled artistry of professional calligrapher Leana Tapnack as she transcribes the word that holds personal significance for you. Share with her a word that has a profound impact on your life or one that carries special meaning. Drinks and light refreshments will be offered.

    TICKETS

    For tickets and to explore the ‘Books That Changed My Life’ Festival lineup of events, visit mmjccm.org/book-festival.

    For Group Rates or VIP Access, contact Liel Ben David, Program and Art Studios Manager, at ldavid@mmjccm.org.

    For Press Inquiries, please contact Ellen PutneyMoore, Senior Marketing Director, at eputneymoore@mmjccm.org.

    The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (JCC)

    Together with its community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan creates opportunities for people to connect, grow, and learn within an ever-changing landscape. Located on 76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, the JCC is a vibrant nonprofit community center on the Upper West Side. It also presents a robust slate of virtual programming, serving an even wider community. The JCC serves over 30,000 people annually through 1,200 programs each season that educate, inspire, and transform participants’ minds, bodies, and spirits. Since its inception,

    the JCC has been committed to serving the community by offering programs, classes, and events that reach beyond neighborhood boundaries, reaching people at all stages of their lives. Learn more at mmjccm.org.

    PARTNERS & SPONSORSHIP

    ‘Books That Changed My Life Festival’ is presented in partnership with The Strand Book Store and The Jewish Book Council.

    The Festival is sponsored by several not-for-profit organizations, a partnership of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs with the City Council and the generosity of individual donors.

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    START THE NEW YEAR WITH FITNESS

    • By Mabel Pais

    FREE FITNESS FAIR

    Start January 7, 2024 in the direction that empowers you!

    Dance Fitness Class. (Credit : mmjccm.org)

    Join the JCC for a free day of in person and virtual fitness and wellness programs. Choose between free fitness classes and inspiring wellness workshops, and enjoy special discounts on membership, personal training, massage, and more.

    WHEN: January 7, 2024, 10:30AM-4:30PM

    WHERE: JCC, Samuel Priest Rose Building, 334 Amsterdam Avenue (at 76th Street), New York, NY 10023.

    REQUIREMENT: Pre-registration necessary at mmjccm.org/programs.

    COST: Free

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

  • ReelAbilities Film Fest NY 2020 Goes Virtual

    ReelAbilities Film Fest NY 2020 Goes Virtual

        ReelAbilities Film Fest NY 2020 Goes Virtual                                                                 By Mabel Pais

     

    “We feel that these stories still need to be told and that creating community is as important as ever. For the first time ever, we will present the majority of our films, Q+As, and conversations online. We believe this will allow us to advance our mission of accessibility, making our films and conversations available to our community at times when gathering together in person is not possible.“ –  Isaac Zablocki: Director, ReelAbilities Film Festival – New York

     

    “The current coronavirus restrictions are a doorway to new opportunities for us to be even more accessible and reach a wider audience. We offer a chance to connect at a time of solitude by bringing these films into people’s homes and allowing further interaction via live streamed Q+As and panels.“  – Yaara Kedem, Associate Director, ReelAbilities Film Festival – New York

     

    The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan’s 12th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, has decided to shift the planned festival from a live public event to a virtual format in partnership with Vimeo A11y, in light of the current COVID-19 recommendations. The festival runs on its planned dates of March 31 to April 6th. The updated virtual festival schedule is online at reelabilities.org/newyork.  The festival runs on its planned dates of March 31 to April 6th. The updated virtual festival schedule is online at reelabilities.org/newyork

     

    Isaac Zablocki, the director of ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York said, “We feel that these stories still need to be told and that creating community is as important as ever. For the first time ever, we will present the majority of our films, Q+As, and conversations online. We believe this will allow us to advance our mission of accessibility, making our films and conversations available to our community at times when gathering together in person is not possible.”

     

    Films will be available online for 24 hours beginning at the scheduled start time and Q+As with filmmakers and guests will take place after the film’s first screening concludes. Films will still be fully accessible, presented with open captions and audio description. Q+As and panels will be broadcast in interactive live stream with captioning.

     

    Yaara Kedem, the associate director of ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York, said, “We will continue to provide a platform to support our filmmakers and phenomenal films and to develop our community at a time in which fewer options are available. Filmmakers who are now experiencing many cancellations of their screenings worldwide have been thrilled with this new direction and are supportive in our efforts to make their films available to ReelAbilities audiences. The current coronavirus restrictions are a doorway to new opportunities for us to be even more accessible and reach a wider audience. We offer a chance to connect at a time of solitude by bringing these films into people’s homes and allowing further interaction via live streamed Q+As and panels.”

     

    Rabbi Joy Levitt, the executive director of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, said, “Because so much of our work at our buildings is about bringing people together, this feels like the right time to think out of the box (quite literally) and serve our community beyond our buildings.”

     

    HOW IT WORKS

    The films will be available to stream for users who sign up online, based on scheduled screening times. Screenings will be followed by interactive live-streamed Q+As with filmmakers directly after the film screening finishes. Films will then be available for streaming for the following 24 hours. Q+As will be recorded and made available for those who cannot join them live.

     

    FAQs

    *Can I share the screening link with others?

    No. Links to films are only for the individual who purchased a ticket. You may not forward or share the link with others.

     

    *If I want to cancel, will I receive a refund for tickets I already purchased?

    If you already purchased a ticket, your ticket is still valid and you will be able to receive a link to the virtual film. If you would like to cancel and receive a refund instead, please email mmagid@mmjccmanhattan.org.

     

    *How much will tickets cost for the virtual film screenings?

    Tickets for virtual film screenings are available at a $5 general admission price and a $15 supporter price.

     

    *Will there be a festival pass available for the virtual festival?

    No. You may purchase standalone tickets to films.

    *What films and events will take place virtually?

    The full schedule of films and events is available at reelabilities.org/newyork

     

    *Are the virtual screenings available to users located outside the US?

    No. Due to screening rights restrictions, streamed films and conversations will only be accessible to people located within the US territories.

     

    *What events will physically take place?

    None. Events will either take place virtually or will be cancelled. Check the updated schedule at www.reelabilities.org

     

    *How will I receive access to the film?

    You will receive an email link with instructions to access the film after purchasing tickets to a screening. The film will only be available starting at the scheduled start time.

     

    *I won’t be able to watch the film at the scheduled start time. Is there a way for me to still watch the film?

    Yes. The streaming links to the films will be available for 24 hours after the initial start time. Q+As will be recorded so that they are available for those who cannot join them live.

     

    *Will there be a Q+A with filmmakers after the films?

    There will be a Q+A after the first play of the film concludes. Q+As will feature filmmakers and guests with a moderator. Audiences will be able to type in questions and questions will be selected by the moderator. Recorded versions of the Q+A will be available as well.

     

    *Are the films still going to include accessibility aids?

    Yes, all the films will be streamed with open captions and an option for audio description. Q+As will feature live captioning.

     

    *Will screenings and events still take place at venues other than the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan?

    No. All films and events at other venues will be canceled.

     

    About ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York

    ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest film festival in the world dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Founded in New York in 2007 by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, the festival presents award-winning films by and about people with disabilities. Post-screening discussions and other engaging programs bring communities virtually together to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience. The New York festival is the launching pad for an international program and its selections run satellite ReelAbilities festivals in over 20 cities worldwide. Learn more at reelabilities.org/newyork

     

    About the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

    Together with its community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan creates opportunities for people to connect, grow, and learn with progressive programming within an ever-changing Jewish landscape. The JCC events extend beyond neighborhood boundaries, reaching people at all stages of their lives. Learn more at jcc manhattan.org.

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