Features New Youth Program, and Celebrate the J Community Milestone Event
The Weinstein JCC is excited to launch its vibrant 2025-2026 Arts + Ideas Season, a dynamic lineup of programs celebrating Jewish culture and community through theatrical productions, book talks, live music, visual arts, and more.
The season kicked off with a sold-out event featuring Idan Chabasov, known as The Challah Prince, an internationally acclaimed challah artist whose hands-on workshop invited participants to shape and braid round challot while exploring the spiritual symbolism of this cherished Rosh Hashanah tradition. This unique experience was not only about learning a craft but also about deepening connections to heritage in a meaningful and delicious way.
Upcoming highlights include a Nov. 8 conversation with author Jane Eisner about her book Carole King: She Made the Earth Move!, enhanced by a live performance from Richmond favorite Susan Greenbaum.
On Nov. 16, the JCC welcomes Beejhy Barhany, an Ethiopian-Israeli chef, for a cooking demo and discussion on Beta Israel culinary traditions in preparation for the holiday of Sigd, featuring kosher-friendly dishes prepared by Richmond’s JewFro chefs. Later in November, the inclusive community choir Voices in Peace will unite singers from all faiths through song.
The Jewish Family Theatre will bring the beloved Broadway musical comedy Guys and Dolls to the stage from December 4-14, followed by the 17th annual Israeli & Jewish Film Festival in January.
On Jan. 25, Aimee Ginsburg-Bikel will honor her late husband, icon Theodore Bikel, with a moving centennial celebration performance.
The season continues in March with the Guy Mintus Trio’s bold reinterpretations of Gershwin classics and the thought-provoking play Indecent, which explores the challenges artists face when confronting cultural taboos.
The season closes in May with the Adolf Adams JCC Forum featuring Ambassador Roger D. Carstens sharing gripping stories from high-stakes diplomatic negotiations.
Leslie McGuigan, Senior Director of Programs, shares, “Our season offers a wonderful mix of performing, visual, and film arts that bring people together and create meaningful connections. You don’t have to be a JCC member to join in—our programs, classes, and events are open to everyone in the community, and there’s truly something for all to enjoy in RVA.”
Ruach and Recreation: Energizing Jewish Middle Schoolers
Adding to the energy this fall is the launch of Ruach and Recreation, a new youth enrichment program created especially for middle schoolers. The initiative began with a lively 6th–8th Grade Bash over Rosh Hashanah, where students connected through games, music, and holiday-themed activities that made the season come alive in a fun and meaningful way.
The goal of Ruach and Recreation is to provide middle schoolers with opportunities to build friendships, explore their Jewish identity, and engage in creative, active programming.
The fall lineup includes the “Autumn Spark” event on Oct. 19, a festive Fall Festival at Camp Hilbert on Nov. 2 featuring volunteering and community fun, a Fall Hike & Bonfire Havdalah on Nov. 16 with s’mores and live music, and a Chanukah-themed “Latke-Palooza” on Dec. 14.
For more information, contact Tuck Tucker at ctucker@weinsteinjcc.org.
Celebrate the J!: A Community Milestone Celebration on October 19
In addition to vibrant programming, the JCC is gearing up for a momentous community celebration on Sunday, October 19 from 1:00–3:30 PM to mark the completion of its over $11.5 million Building a Bright Future Together capital campaign and renovation project.
The event, Celebrate the J!, is free and open to all, with a full afternoon of family-friendly fun. Attendees can enjoy a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music and DJ entertainment, a petting zoo, a bouncy castle, giveaways, membership deals, and special performances. Visitors will also have the chance to explore the beautifully renovated JCC spaces during an open house and learn about all the new offerings.
Brad Finkel, CEO of the Weinstein JCC, warmly invites everyone:
“We’ve poured our hearts into creating a space where everyone feels welcome, inspired, and connected. Celebrate the J with us on October 19—it’s a chance to see the results of our collective effort, enjoy fun activities, and experience firsthand what makes this community so special. Bring your family, bring your friends—this is a celebration for all of us.”
Mark your calendar, bring a friend (or two), and come join the celebration of community, growth, and togetherness!
Save the Date: Fall Festival at Camp Hilbert – Sunday, November 2
Families are also invited to gather outdoors and celebrate the season at the Fall Festival at Camp Hilbert, taking place on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature a wide variety of engaging activities including field games, fishing, yoga, a scavenger hunt, photo opportunities, and everyone's favorite: s’mores by the fire pit.
Attendees can also enjoy a festive hayride with live music, creating the perfect autumn soundtrack for an unforgettable day.
This is a perfect chance to enjoy the beauty of fall, connect with community, and spend quality time with loved ones. More details coming soon—mark your calendars and stay tuned!To learn more about upcoming programs and for ticket information, visit weinsteinjcc.org.