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January at the Weinstein JCC: Stories That Bind the Community

The Weinstein JCC will host a robust lineup of cultural, educational, and family-focused programs throughout January, reflecting its ongoing mission to strengthen Jewish life, foster learning, and bring people together across generations.

Unless otherwise noted, all film screenings take place at the Weinstein JCC.

Community members can find full details on programs, classes, and events, and register at weinsteinjcc.org.

Lights, Camera, L’Chaim: Film Festival Opening Night

On Thursday, January 8, the Weinstein JCC will roll out the red carpet for the 2026 Jewish & Israeli Film Festival opening night. Attendees will enjoy Shabbat-inspired heavy hors d’oeuvres, a beer and wine bar, and a screening of the comedic film Bad Shabbos, followed by a Meet & Greet with screenwriter Zach Weiner.

Set on New York’s Upper West Side, the film follows a Shabbat dinner that spirals into chaos when an unexpected death threatens to disrupt a first meeting between families. Attendees are invited to pose in front of a festival step-and-repeat, experiencing the full glamour of a red-carpet premiere.

Film Festival Highlights

The festival continues throughout January with screenings exploring Jewish life, culture, and history:

  • The Ring (Sunday, January 11, Virginia Holocaust Museum) follows Arnon Noble, a religious man whose mother is a Holocaust survivor, as he searches Budapest for a ring that once saved her life.
  • Technion 102 (Tuesday, January 13) chronicles the 100-year history of Israel’s Technion, highlighting the visionaries who built one of the world’s leading technological research institutions and its impact on modern Israel.
  • Pink Lady (Saturday, January 17) tells the story of a young ultra-Orthodox couple navigating blackmail and deception within their community.

  • Jews of the Wild West (Sunday, January 18, Virginia Museum of History & Culture) is a feature-length documentary exploring the immigration, resilience, and contributions of Jewish Americans in the Western United States.

  • Bliss (Wednesday, January 21) reunites Israeli actors in a drama about family, love, and financial hardship, reflecting contemporary social realities.
  • The Magic of Theo Bikel (Sunday, January 25) honors the centennial of legendary performer and activist Theo Bikel, z”l, through a program led by his widow, Aimee Ginsburg-Bikel, featuring film, music, and personal stories.

Art, Environment, and Jewish Meaning

The Weinstein JCC continues to host exhibitions in its Sara D. November Gallery. Mayim: A Celebration of Water (December 18–February 6) examines the religious significance of water in Judaism, environmental conservation, and humanity’s shared connection to this finite resource. A gallery reception is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15.

Family and Youth Programs

January programming at the Weinstein JCC also includes family-oriented and youth programs:

  • Kids’ Night Out (Saturdays, January 10 & 24) provides an evening of games, swimming, dinner, and movies for children in grades K–5, under the supervision of trained staff.
  • Camp Registration for the Weinstein JCC’s summer programs opens in January. Members may register beginning Thursday, January 22, at 9 a.m., with general registration starting Friday, January 30, at 9 a.m.. The Weinstein JCC’s summer programs have been voted #1 by Richmond magazine readers, and spaces fill quickly. An information session for rising kindergarteners is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 5:30–6:30 p.m., covering Camp Hilbert and specialty camps. Parents are encouraged to register early to secure a spot for their child.
  • For more details contact Camp Hilbert Director, Robin Kelley, at rkelley@weinsteinjcc.org.

Supporting the Community: Friends of the Center

The Weinstein JCC depends on community generosity to sustain programs, scholarships, and services that ensure accessibility and enrich the Center’s offerings. Annual contributions through Friends of the Center allow the JCC to provide high-quality educational, cultural, and wellness experiences for all ages, from preschoolers to seniors.

Membership and program fees cover only part of the cost of keeping the Center vibrant. Annual giving funds preschool and afterschool programs, summer camps, adult activities, cultural arts, and essential services such as the food pantry.

This year, community members are invited to double their impact. Stuart Simon, Board President, emphasized the importance of the campaign, noting that “this campaign is how our community ensures that every child, adult, and family can access the programs and support that make the JCC a home for all.” Simon is personally matching the first $10,000 in gifts, dollar for dollar, while the Arenstein Family is matching the next $10,000.

The Arensteins reflected on their motivation, saying, “The Weinstein JCC has given our family a deep sense of belonging. This year, we’re matching $10,000 in gifts to double the impact for our community—help us ensure everyone has a place to grow, connect, and belong.”

CEO Brad Finkel added, “At the Weinstein JCC, we’re more than a building—we’re a community where connections grow, traditions flourish, and everyone belongs. Fees alone can’t sustain all that we do. Your gift supports the programs, scholarships, and critical needs that keep our Center thriving. Join us today—become a Friend of the Center and see your impact multiplied.”

Community members can view the Circle of Friends Giving Levels and contribute at friendsgive.org. Every gift strengthens Jewish life, culture, and connection in Richmond while ensuring the Weinstein JCC remains a home for all.

Looking Ahead

January at the Weinstein JCC highlights the Center’s commitment to Jewish culture, education, and community connection. From film and art to youth programs and summer camp registration, the Center provides opportunities for engagement across generations.

For more information on programs, classes, events, and summer camp registration—or to sign up—visit weinsteinjcc.org.