Celebrating 80 Years at the Weinstein JCC
"The swim team is much more than a sports program."
That simple observation from one Weinstein JCC parent captures the heart of what the Weinstein JCC has been building for nearly 80 years.
This summer, her son, Noam, joined the Dolphin Club swim team as one of its youngest swimmers. At his first meet, he was so nervous that he refused to swim one of his races. Six weeks later, he was diving confidently from the starting blocks, earning ribbons and, more importantly, discovering a belief in himself.
Looking back at a video of that first dive, his mother noticed something she hadn't expected. Behind the starting blocks stood Coach Jaelyn, cheering with unmistakable joy as Noam entered the water.
"Her joy in his success was unmistakable," she wrote afterward. "Moments like that show kids that they are seen, supported, and believed in. And what an incredible feeling it is as a parent to see someone else root for my child as enthusiastically as I do."
Noam's story is just one example of what happens every day at the Weinstein JCC.
Swimming lessons teach water safety, but they also teach courage. Coaches develop stronger athletes, but they also build confidence. Older children encourage younger ones, friendships form across generations, and families discover they belong to something larger than themselves.
Those moments reflect Jewish values that have guided our community for generations. As summer gives way to fall, that same spirit of connection, lifelong learning, and belonging continues across the Weinstein JCC.
Fall Registration Opens August 10
As another exciting season begins, fall registration for the programs highlighted below opens to Weinstein JCC members on Monday, August 10, at 9 a.m. at weinsteinjcc.org. Registration opens to the broader community on Monday, August 17. Unless otherwise noted, all programs and events featured in this article follow this registration schedule.
For the youngest members of our community—and their families—the Weinstein JCC is expanding its growing jBaby initiative with new opportunities to connect from the very beginning.
This fall, expectant parents can participate in a new Childbirth Education Course, while families with children under age two can enjoy Songs + Stories, a joyful gathering centered on music, movement, storytelling, and early literacy.
Those early connections often grow into years of shared experiences through the JCC's Preschool, Afterschool, camps, fitness center, and family programs.
For many families, these experiences become the first chapter in a lifelong JCC story—one that continues through preschool, camp, swim lessons, Dolphin Club, Arts + Ideas, volunteerism, and countless other moments of connection.
Jewish Life, Arts + Ideas & Community Connections
As the Jewish calendar ushers in a new season, the Weinstein JCC is introducing new opportunities to celebrate Jewish traditions, deepen connections, and create meaningful experiences together.
Creative spirits can gather each week at Yarn Yentas, where knitting, crochet, embroidery, and other fiber arts become a catalyst for conversation, creativity, and community. Just before Rosh Hashanah, participants can experience a Simanim Pop-Up Tasting, exploring the symbolic foods and traditions that have graced Jewish holiday tables around the world for generations. A Tashlich Meet-Up Hike at Belle Isle will invite community members to welcome the New Year through reflection, nature, and one of Judaism's most meaningful High Holiday traditions.
Returning this fall is Torah Stories for Grownups, Rabbi Don Cantor's popular discussion series that explores timeless Jewish texts through thoughtful conversation and fresh perspectives, reminding us that Jewish learning is truly a lifelong journey.
The JCC is also launching Windows of Light: The Menorah Legacy Project, inviting families to lend treasured menorahs and share the stories behind them. Whether passed down through generations or connected to a cherished family tradition, every menorah has a story to tell.
Together, these heirlooms, photographs, and personal histories will celebrate the tradition of l'dor v'dor—passing stories, values, and heritage from one generation to the next. Menorahs will be displayed in the Sara D. November Gallery beginning October 29.
For more information or to participate, contact Pinina Morgan, Jewish Life & Engagement Manager, at pmorgan@weinsteinjcc.org.
This season also marks a milestone as the Weinstein JCC celebrates the 15th anniversary of Arts + Ideas, a series that has grown into one of Richmond's premier destinations for Jewish arts, culture, entertainment, and lifelong learning.
The 2026–27 season features an outstanding lineup of nationally recognized authors, performers, chefs, filmmakers, musicians, comedians, and visual artists. Highlights include Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times investigative reporter Michael S. Schmidt at the annual Adolf-Adams JCC Forum, chef and Netflix champion Yaniv Cohen ("The Spice Detective"), the Fife-Davis Family Annual Jewish Book Fair, the 18th Annual Israeli & Jewish Film Festival, Violins of Hope, gallery exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, concerts, culinary experiences, interfaith programming, and Jewish Family Theatre productions of Grease and The Merchant of Venice. Arts + Ideas subscriptions are now available and include premium seating, savings of more than 10 percent, exclusive subscriber benefits, and admission to a season filled with extraordinary experiences.
Visit weinsteinjcc.org on Monday, August 10 to explore the complete lineup or subscribe.
If you've ever dreamed of performing on stage, this fall offers the perfect opportunity. Jewish Family Theatre is holding auditions for its December 10–20 production of Grease. Performers ages 16 and older are invited to help bring the halls of Rydell High to life in one of musical theatre's most beloved musicals.
In-person auditions will take place at the Weinstein JCC on Saturday, September 19, with video submissions also accepted. Jewish Family Theatre is committed to producing high-quality theatre in an inclusive and welcoming environment where performers of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to participate. To reserve an audition slot or learn more, contact Producing Artistic Director Deb Clinton at dclinton@weinsteinjcc.org.
Living Jewish values also means caring for neighbors in need. The Weinstein JCC is currently seeking volunteers to support its Elmer Toth Food Pantry, where community members can help organize donations, stock shelves, and assist with food distribution for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
It's a meaningful way to put the values of gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) into action while making a tangible difference in the lives of others. To learn more about donating food, volunteering your time, or other ways to support the Food Pantry, contact Shari Menlowe-Barck, Adult Programming Director, at 804-545-8611 or sbarck@weinsteinjcc.org.
Help Tell the Weinstein JCC Story
As the Weinstein JCC prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary, they’re inviting the community to help preserve the stories that have shaped eight decades of Jewish life in Richmond.
Since opening its doors on September 27, 1946, the Weinstein JCC has been more than a place to swim, work out, see a performance, or attend a class. It has been a place where lifelong friendships have been formed, Jewish traditions have been celebrated, children have grown into adults, and generations of families have found a sense of belonging.
As part of their year-long anniversary celebration, they’re collecting photographs, stories, memorabilia, newspaper clippings, camp memories, family keepsakes, leadership stories, and other historical materials that capture the experiences of members, participants, volunteers, staff, and community leaders across the decades.
Whether your connection to the JCC spans a lifetime or began this year, every memory helps tell the story of who they are.
Many of these contributions will be featured throughout the anniversary celebration in exhibits, publications, videos, social media, and other special projects. With permission, they'll also become part of the Weinstein JCC's historical archives, preserving the organization’s shared story for future generations in the spirit of l'dor v'dor—from generation to generation.
Community members interested in sharing stories, photographs, or historical materials are encouraged to contact development@weinsteinjcc.org or call 804-545-8659.
The story that began with Noam this summer is the same story the Weinstein JCC has been writing for nearly 80 years.
It begins with a baby's first jBaby class.
A child's first leap into the pool.
A treasured menorah shared through Windows of Light.
An unforgettable evening with Michael S. Schmidt.
The thrill of stepping onto the Jewish Family Theatre stage.
Neighbors volunteering side by side in the Food Pantry.
Or a faded Camp Hilbert photograph tucked away in a family scrapbook.
Each moment becomes part of something much larger than itself.
Perhaps that's why Noam's mother's words resonated with so many families:
"It has shown our son what it means to be encouraged by older kids, supported by caring coaches, and celebrated as part of something bigger than himself."
After nearly 80 years, that may be the Weinstein JCC's greatest legacy.
Every photo tells a story. Every memory strengthens our legacy. Help the Weinstein JCC preserve the first 80 years—and help them write the next 80 together.