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The Gural Guide
October 26 - November 1, 2026
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Shopping Trip to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
November 4, 2026, leaving at 8:00am
Enjoy a fun trip to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets on our very own JCC bus.
Meeting at 207 Grove Avenue in Cedarhurst.
The cost is $36 per person.
Registration is required.
Snacks will be provided.
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Holiday Train show at New York Botanical Garden
November 18, 2026, meet at 207 Grove Avenue at 10:30am
Dairy Brunch
Cost: $90
Join us for a special trip to the New York Botanical Garden to experience the magic of the Holiday Train Show!
We will meet at 207 Grove Avenue at 10:45am for a dairy brunch and leave the JCC at 11:30am to the New York Botanical Gardens.
Registration is required. No refunds. Seats are limited.
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BRIDGE
Join us to learn Bridge on Thursdays, 10am-12:30pm.
Dates: TBD
Fee: $40/person/lesson
Must sign up for 5 lessons ($200)
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Social Knitting Club
Learn to knit a scarf, blanket, or expand your knitting skills! A great way to socialize while learning a new hobby.
Have you knitted before and had trouble finishing your item? Bring your existing project and we will help you!
Youβll need two skeins of yarn and size 10 or larger needles that correspond to your yarn.
Thursday, TBD, 2pm
$25
Contact Erica Brown at erica.brown@guraljcc.org for more information.
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Open Canasta & Mah Jongg
Mondays & Tuesdays
9:30am-12:30pm
$5 / session
Canasta Lessons
Wednesdays, 10:00am-11:30am
Dates 11/25, 12/2, 12/9 & 12/16
207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst
$160 / 4 classes
Mah Jongg Lessons
Tuesdays, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Dates: Oct. 20, 27, Nov. 3 & Monday, Nov. 9 (instead of Tuesday)
$160 / 4 classes
Thursdays, 12:30pm-2:00pm
Dates: Sept. 17, Oct. 15, 22 & 29
$150 / 4 classes
Intermediate Mah Jongg Lessons
Mondays, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30 & 12/7
3:30pm-4:30pm (new time)
$100/4 sessions
This will build up your confidence and teach you strategy.
Come learn Intermediate Mah Jongg at the JCC!
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ADULT PROGRAMMING & SUPPORT GROUPS
"Long Island Friends Experience" (LIFE)
Social/Recreational Group for Adults with Disabilities.
Enjoy opportunities to see and develop friendships.
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A Celebration of Life in Memory of Gregory Nelson, active LIFE member.
Date: 10/26/2026
Cost: FREE for LIFE members - Thank you to Leila Nelson, Greg's sister, who will join us then and sponsor this special evening in memory of her beloved brother, Greg.
Time: 6:30-8:00
Full Dinner and Dancing with DJ Gary!
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Uno
Date: 11/09/2026
Cost: $5.00
Time: 6:30-8:00
Food: Light Snacks
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Mighty Inspirers Pre-Vocational Program
A Gural JCC program for people with disabilities to learn about the workforce.
Come join an exciting new program, for adults with disabilities, 25 and over, to gain self confidence in the work force. The participants will also learn social pragmatic skills related to the workforce. In addition, members will learn the skills needed to succeed in several different industries, how to advocate for themselves in the work place, and how to write a cover letter and resume.
Next Sessions: November 8, December 27
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November 8, 2026
Cost: $10.00
Time: 2:30 - 4:30pm (Please note new time.)
Food: Pizza
Topic of Discussion: Barriers Of Employment
How To Overcome Barriers to Employment
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Vibrant Minds Kids Club
Enhancement of social skills through sensory integration and recreation
Assistance With Homework
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
3:30pm-5:30pm
207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst
For kids grades K-5 (Ages 5-12)
PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY Cost: $20 per session or $10 per hour
Our after-school program has structure and routine so that the children understand and are able to follow through with expectations. In addition, we focus on converting weaknesses into strengths while maintaining the strengths and skills they already have.
Participants are welcome to attend all or part of the session.
Open to the public/inclusive setting. We accept neuro-typically developing children.
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The Consortia for Learning and Service to Special Populations (CLASSP) is a program designed for high school students (14+) to develop job skills and experience working with neurodiverse individuals.
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CLASSP College Credit Course for High School Students (14+)
Must complete 150 hours hands-on fieldwork, working hands-on with adults with disabilities to include 12 virtual academic training sessions and follow through assignments from the JCC supervisor. Upon successful completion of the internship, you will receive 1 college credit and $1,000 stipend.
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OPWDD: Office For People With Developmental Disabilities Reimbursement Grant
This coveted grant from the Family Support Services Department of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) reimburses families of individuals with special needs.
Reimbursement is for specific out of pocket expenses that are not generally covered by insurance.
- In order to be eligible one must:
- Be living at home
- Maintain a TABS ID #
- Pre- acquire certain eligibility status
- Present required documentation
This is an ongoing service for which one has to be approved .
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Please join us for an exclusive event as we welcome
author, teacher and community member Jen Lanter
as she speaks about her debut novel and tells us about her writing journey.
Wednesday, November 4th
7:00 pm
The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst
no fee
JD Lanter has called this community home for more than 28 years. A writer, director, and English teacher, she spent years helping others find their voices in the classroom and on stage before turning that same craft toward her own dark, twisty stories.
Her novel After All Iβve Done For You, a gothic, psychological thriller, explores the lines between technological progress vs surveillance, imagined connections vs genuine relationships, and the secrets we keep to protect vs those that do harm. It is available on Amazon and locally at Blue Door Books.
RSVP Required. To register, email rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc.org.
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Defensive Driving Course with Morris Wargon
at the Gural JCC
207 Grove Ave.
Cedarhurst
Monday, December 21st - 7:00pm
For more information and to register, e-mail rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc.org or call (516) 569-6733 ext. 222. Pre-registration is required. $70.
Course is approved by the NYS-DMV and recognized by all NYS Auto Insurance Companies.
Get a 10% DISCOUNT off your Liability, PIP and Collision Insurance on all your vehicles for up to 3 full years.
Get up to 4 violation points off your record.
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O.K.A.Y.
Our Kids Abroad in Yisrael
A networking group for moms whose children live in Israel
Next Session: TBD at 7:00pm in person
RSVP your attendance.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
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Hebrew Conversation
We are thrilled to welcome you back to Dina Shalev's Hebrew Conversation class.
Please join us to continue our Hebrew conversation.
The suggestion fee for the class is $10 but all are welcome.
Mondays at 4:00 PM
On hiatus October 19 - November 16. Resumes Monday November 23.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 812 4595 8126
Passcode: 396494
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ISRAELI DANCE
with Roberta Greene
Wednesdays
Intermediate/Advanced
10:15am - 12:15pm
$15/session
Fridays
Beginners Class
10:00-11:00 am
$15/session
No session November 27
207 Grove Avenue
Cedarhurst, NY 11516
To register contact Rachayle (516)569-6733 ext 222 or rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc.org
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POSTPONED! New Date to be Announced.
Keeping Youth Safe in Today's Digital World
Practical Strategies to Prevent Cyberbullying, Tech Abuse, and Online Hate Prevention
Gural JCC
207 Grove Avenue
No fee. RSVP a must
Contact rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc.org
Designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and coaches, this workshop explores today's digital risks affecting teens and tweens and equips participants with practical strategies to prevent, recognize, and respond with confidence.
Lisa-Michelle Kucharz is a survivor advocate and recognized speaker on tech abuse, cyberbullying, and online hate prevention. After winning a groundbreaking international case, she has spent nearly a decade advancing digital safety through education and advocacy. She collaborates with legislators and advocates to strengthen protections for youth and adults and serves on the New York Cyber Abuse Task Force.
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ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW GOING THROUGH OR HAVE BEEN THROUGH A DIFFICULT MARRIAGE?
ο»ΏDO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT
β DIVORCE
β STAYING SAFE
β CHILD SUPPORT
β FINANCIAL SUPPORT
β PARENTING TIME
ο»ΏJOIN US
Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00pm
Meet lawyers from SHALOM TASK FORCE and the JCC's Melanie Torres, LMSW, who can answer your questions in a safe and welcome space.
The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
207 Grove Ave, Cedarhurst
No fee. Admission is by reservation only.
rsvp: rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc.org
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The STF Legal Department provides free, confidential legal services to victim-survivors of domestic and dating abuse within Orthodox Jewish communities. Our attorneys advocate in family and matrimonial law, while offering ongoing case assistance and referrals to social services, mental and medical health supports, public benefits, and additional resources. Through close collaboration with partner agencies, like the Gural JCC, the department ensures culturally responsive support and robust advocacy to help clients achieve safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing.
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Kadima Women's Support Group on ZOOM!
Next Date: October 26th
ο»Ώ7:00-8:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 829 5359 7866
Passcode: 946951
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ZOOM Coffee and Conversation
with Jill Alper, LMSW
for divorced and widowed men and women looking for additional support and socialization in a warm, welcoming and safe circle
Next sessions: November 2nd at 7:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 851 0958 3806
Passcode: 602369
IN-PERSON Coffee and Conversation
for divorced and widowed men and women looking for additional support and socialization in a warm, welcoming and safe circle
Next Date: Monday, November 9th
2:30pm - 4:00pm
207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst
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The most powerful gift of volunteering is the knowledge that you are needed, and that we all need each other.
- Cinzi Lavin
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FALL GARDEN CLEAN UP!
We had an abundance of tomatoes as well as a good amount of cucumbers, peppers and squash this year--thanks to our volunteers who oversaw every aspect of maintaining the garden, making sure that our plants were well nourished daily, harvesting ripened vegetables and bringing all produce to The Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry @ The S.H.O.P.
Now the growing season has come to an end, and it is time for us to clean up and winterize The JCC Community Garden. For this timely task, we need YOUR help!!
JCC Community Garden
Tuesday, October 27
9:30 am - 11:30 am
(Raindate: Thursday)
Please let me know ASAP if you will join us!
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MEMORY CARE PROGRAM FOR ADULTS
Assist at bi-weekly structured social and recreational program for older adults with moderate cognitive impairment. Help with set up, prep and serve morning refreshments and lunch; escort attendees in and out of the building, and participate during group activities.
Tuesdays and/or Thursdays
9:45 AM β 1:15 PM
270 Lawrence Ave, Lawrence
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OLDER ADULT WELLNESS
PROGRAMS
Assist at weekly exercise and social program for older adults; help with set up, check in, lunch, and other activities as needed.
Tuesdays
12:00 pm β 2:00 pm
Congregation Beth Sholom, Lawrence
Call for Details!
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YOUTH VOLUNTEERS: SIGN UP!
There are many ways that teens and tweens can accumulate community service/chesed hours at The JCC. Interested teens can use the link below to be notified about volunteer activities throughout the school year!
Youth Volunteer Interest Form
| | | Use this link to complete our online volunteer registration form or call today to find out about volunteer opportunities just right for you! | | | | | | |
Open Gym
Boys Grades 6-8
45 min after Shabbat - 11:00pm
Boys Grades 9-12
Mondays 8:00pm - 10:00pm
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Adult Indoor Soccer
Contact for new dates.
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Brand new!
FunZone Fridays Afterschool Program
Will begin in the Fall.
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Early Memory Loss Program (EML)
This program is designed for those experiencing early memory loss. It will provide socialization, education, guided activities and stimulation with other adults who have mild cognitive impairments. Caregivers and participants will have the opportunity to meet with others going through similar experiences.
An intake with staff is required. Call Julie Lauer for an appointment: (516) 569-6733 ext 233.
Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am-1pm | Daily fee
Meets every Monday and Wednesday through the end of the year.
Breakfast and lunch are included. Transportation is available.
New Location! The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
270 Lawrence Avenue, Lawrence
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ο»ΏCome Alive Social Adult Day Program
This program offers older adults with memory impairment an opportunity to participate in social and recreational activities in a safe environment. Reminiscent therapy, exercise, lunch, arts and music are offered. An intake with staff is required. Call Julie Lauer for an appointment: (516) 569-6733 ext 233.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am β 1:15 pm | Daily fee
Breakfast and lunch are included. Transportation is available.
New Location! The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
270 Lawrence Avenue, Lawrence
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Friendship Circle
Find friendship, fun, and purpose! Join other older adults for music, games, and shared learning opportunities. Explore how shared experiences deepen connections for better mental health and wellbeing. Light refreshments are served.
Mondays - 2:00 pm-3:30 pm
The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst
$4 suggested donation
For further information, please contact Bryna Flaum at bryna.flaum@guraljcc.org or 516-569-6733 ext 231.
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Cafe Europa
A weekly gathering of older adults enhancing their past with a feel of European flavor. Enjoy meeting new people with a little nosh, Yiddish humor, lectures, music and more.
Exercise, Light Lunch & Lecture
Tuesdays, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm, $8
September 29 - December 22, 2026
Congregation Beth Sholom
390 Broadway, Lawrence
This program is provided by the JCC in partnership with Congregation Beth Sholom Sisterhood. Please contact Judy Goldberg for more information.
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ο»ΏChaverim Program for Holocaust Survivors
This is a special enrichment program designed to bring Holocaust survivors together in a warm and supportive atmosphere. All members will have the opportunity to schmooze and share in social, recreational, and educational activities in a weekly social program. Lunch will be provided along with round trip door-to-door transportation (on a limited basis).
Pre-Registration is required.
Thursdays - 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst
Please contact Lisa Barnett for more information.
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Golden Notes Senior Choir
Join us for a joyful hour of singing in several languages with instructor Zvi Klein. All welcome.
Tuesday mornings 11:00am - 12:00pm
No session October 27
Fee: $10
For more information contact Rachayle at (516) 569-6733 or rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc.org.
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Men's Connection
Join with other men for conversation and companionship. Whether discussing current events, holidays or daily life, every person is treated with kindness and respect. We want to hear what you have to say, so please join the group. Light refreshments are served. You may bring a dairy lunch for your own consumption.
Wednesdays-12:30-1:30
The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
207 Grove Avenue
$4 suggested donation
Limited transportation available for the Men's Connection.
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Thanks to generous funding from UJA Federation of New York, limited transportation is available to Gural JCC events and programs, synagogue activities, and other Jewish community initiatives for older adults.
Advanced reservations are required.
Friendship Group
Mondays 2:00pm-3:30pm
The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC
207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst
Cafe Europa
Tuesdays 12:30pm-2:30pm
Congregation Beth Sholom
390 Broadway, Lawrence
Menβs Connection
Wednesdays 12:30pm-1:30pm
The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC
207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst
Need a Ride? To reserve your ride or get more information, please call 516-569-6733.
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UJA SocialRx at The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC joins an international effort that supports older adults to make meaningful social connections to improve quality of life.
What is UJA SocialRx?
Sometimes there are things that affect our health that canβt be fixed by medicine alone. UJA SocialRx helps older adults strengthen social connections that improve overall health and well-being.
Through our trained Connection Specialists, youβll receive a personalized social prescription β a plan to help you build meaningful relationships, stay engaged, and feel part of your community.
Who Can Benefit
You may benefit if youβre:
- Feeling lonely or isolated
- Facing life transitions like retirement, grief, or relocation
- Living with chronic health issues or mobility challenges
- Missing family or community connections
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Mental Health Awareness Training Program
Rachayle Deutsch | rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc.org | (516) 569-6733 x 222
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Mental Health Awareness Training:
- Increases knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental health and substance use challenges.
- Shows reduced stigma and increased empathy toward individuals with mental health challenges.
- Increases confidence and likelihood to help an individual in distress.
- Uses skills and information learned to manage our own mental wellbeing.
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Visit our Mental Health updated website!
Our goal is to connect individuals and families seeking mental health support with comprehensive resources, organizations and providers in the Greater Five Towns community and beyond. This includes an array of therapists, medical intervention services, facilities, support groups and other mental health services needed to connect you to appropriate qualified professionals and agencies.
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Free Mental Health Awareness Training in Person
You can help promote well-being and reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
ASK A QUESTION. SAVE A LIFE.
Become trained in QPR and learn how to recognize the warning signs of mental health challenges and suicide crisis and to safely and effectively respond to individuals in emotional pain.
Free Crisis Intervention Plan Training on Zoom
Monday, November 2nd, 7:30 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
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FREE CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING (CIP)
β Our goal is to improve community response to mental health crises, keeping in mind privacy, respecting choices, listening non-judgmentally, and being compassionate and supportive.
β Whether you are in a helping profession or in a different setting, having knowledge and understanding of a workable CIP can contribute to the safety of those around you and may save a life.
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Support Groups
Lisa Barnett, LCSW-R, Director, Social Work and Community Support Services | (516) 569-6733 x 210 | lisa.barnett@guraljcc.org
Juο»Ώdy Goldberg, LMSW | judy.goldberg@guraljcc.org | 516-569-6733 x 224
Julie Pernikoff, LMSW, M.S. Ed., Community Support Services Specialist | (516) 569-6733 x 209 | julie.pernikoff@guraljcc.org
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Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group (T.B.I.)
This program provides ongoing socialization, emotional support and friendship opportunities. Exercise, counseling, lunch and guest speakers are all incorporated into the weekly program.
Pre-Registration is required.
Mondays - 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Fee: $15
Contact Lisa Barnett for more details.
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Do you Carry the Pain of Estrangement?
For parents who are struggling with estrangement
Exploring feelings of grief and loss related to family isolation
Offering support, validation and help in building resilience
Join our support group
Next session: TBD, 7:00pm-9:00pm
facilitated by Debbie Bienenfeld, LMSW and Bryna Flaum, LMSW
For More Information or to RSVP
Debbie Bienenfeld
deborah.bienenfeld@guraljcc.org
516-569-6733 ext 227
Bryna Flaum
bryna.flaum@guraljcc.org
516-569-6733 ext 231
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Caregivers Support Group
The Caregivers group will take place the first Tuesday of the month at 3:00pm via Zoom.
Next session: November 3rd
3:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 841 7904 8085
Passcode: 398525
Contact Judy Goldberg for more details.
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Second Generation Support Group
The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC is proud to host a vital program for second generation survivors.
SHEMA - Studies in the Holocaust, Education, Memories, Awareness
SHEMA is a project-driven supportive group focused on collecting and sharing Holocaust survivors' bios and educating middle and high school public school students about the Shoah via in person and Zoom member presentations.
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Discussion and projects to preserve our parents' legacies.
Looking for Holocaust survivor stories to include in our SHEMA series. Please contact Rachayle if you have one to submit.
Next Session: Tuesday, November 3rd at 7:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 893 8853 4829
Passcode: 967401
| Please contact Rachayle Deutsch or Judy Goldberg at the Gural JCC to become involved and for additional information. Call (516) 569-6733 or email judy.goldberg@guraljcc.org or rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc.org. | | | Registration for the 2026-27 School Year is Now Open! | |
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Mommy and Me with Morah Esti
For babies and toddlers ages 6-24 months
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9:30-10:30am at The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC Early Childhood Center
Social action and free play. Music & movement.
$35 / class for new families
$30 / class for current JCC families
For more information or to register, call (516) 239-1354.
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Pilates for Postpartum Moms
Magdalina Gofman, MSPt, owner of First Ray Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio (Lynbrook) is a dedicated physical therapist and comprehensively certified Pilates instructor with decades of experience helping people move and feel better. Postpartum Pilates was a very meaningful part of her own recovery after having her 2 daughters. She now wants to share the benefits with other new moms.
Cost: $18 per class
| | | | | Nitivim: Pathways towards Stability | | |
The S.H.O.P. (Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry)
Crucial support for those facing food insecurity and other hardships
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The Mark Ramer Chesed Center
Clothing, household items and other products for families in need
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Project Kadima
An initiative for single-parent Jewish households
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Social Work
Emotional support for individuals facing hardships
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The S.H.O.P. Sustenance Hope Opportunities Place
Rivkah Halpern | rivkah.halpern@guraljcc.org | (516) 234-6020
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The Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry
Our regular hours are:
Monday 9-5
Tuesday 9-5
Wednesday 9-5
Thursday 9-5
Friday 9-1:30
Please contact Rivkah at rivkah.halpern@guraljcc.org or (516) 234-6020 for more information. We are here to help.
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Antisemitism. Security. Day school funding. Food insecurity. Thereβs no shortage of critical issues before us.
UJA Action is our powerful new initiative to mobilize the collective voice of Jewish communities across New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. Sign up to stay in the know and make a tangible impact.
Together, weβll advocate for legislation and policies that align with our shared values and communal priorities.
Youβll be part of a movement that turns the strength of our community into meaningful change. Youβll also be notified about more opportunities to get involved.
When we speak as one, our voice is loud, formidable, and impossible to ignore. Join us.
| | Thank you to UJA Federation of New York for their meaningful support of our agency. | |
Tribute Cards
Tribute cards are a meaningful way to acknowledge a life cycle event, birthday, anniversary or the loss of someone special. A Tribute Card not only recognizes the occasion but also supports the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC's vital programs and services.
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Like and Follow!
The JCC is now on Instagram! Follow us @gural_jcc for news and updates about local events. If you see yourself or your children in our photos, tag yourself so we can tag you again in future posts.
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The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
Main Office
207 Grove Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516
Harrison-Kerr Family Campus
140 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559
The S.H.O.P.
591 Malvin Mall (Maple Plaza), Cedarhurst, NY 11516
516-569-6733
All contributions to the JCC are tax-deductible.
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