JCC - Chabad Long Island City

Location: JCC - Chabad Long Island City

Class Schedule

What Do You Love about Israel?

What Do You Love about Israel?

It’s More than Falafel and the IDF

Polls show Jews worldwide love the Holy Land, but what makes it so special? A close analysis of Rashi’s comments on Abraham’s conversation with his butler reveals a critical, often overlooked idea about the love for Israel.

Week of Nov 17, 2024
It’s Not So Good to Be a Goodie-Goodie

It’s Not So Good to Be a Goodie-Goodie

The Beauty of ‘The Struggle’

Would you choose to be free of all negative temptation? A close study of two sets of twins in Genesis—Jacob and Esau, along with Peretz and Zerach—argues that the answer should be "No!" Discover the value of struggling against temptation.

Week of Nov 24, 2024
Jacob’s Moral Dilemma

Jacob’s Moral Dilemma

Don’t Be Pious at Someone Else’s Expense

Marrying two sisters was forbidden, but so was crushing someone’s feelings. Jacob faced a tough choice and prioritized his values, teaching an eternal lesson about balancing piety with compassion.

Week of Dec 1, 2024
Broaden Your Horizons

Broaden Your Horizons

What an Ancient Sage’s Travels Teach about Exploring New Ideas

Rabbi Akiva, one of the greatest sages, was also an explorer. Learn why this pious scholar traveled to learn about other cultures and what it teaches us about embracing new ideas.

Week of Dec 8, 2024
Keep Climbing

Keep Climbing

Trajectory Is All That Matters

Who builds a city on a mountain slope? An ancient Mesopotamian city captures a key Jewish tenet: two people can be on the same slope but moving in different directions. The lesson? Always aim for the upward trajectory.

Week of Dec 15, 2024
‘Take the First Step. I’ll Do the Rest’

‘Take the First Step. I’ll Do the Rest’

One Small Step of Man, One Giant Step from G-d

Why must we put in effort if G-d is the one doing everything? Explore the purpose of our efforts and where our work ends and G-d’s begins, through the story of Chanukah.

Week of Dec 22, 2024
When You’re in Pain, Start Yelling

When You’re in Pain, Start Yelling

Standing Up for Your Beliefs

When Joseph, still in disguise, threatens to keep Benjamin, Judah steps up and throws a tantrum. What happened to diplomacy? Discover the importance of standing up for what you believe in.

Week of Dec 29, 2024
You Can Clean Up Your Own Mess

You Can Clean Up Your Own Mess

No Mistake Is Too Great to Fix

The Jewish people have faced many challenges, some self-inflicted, yet we’ve always persevered. Jacob’s parting blessing to his son Benjamin teaches that no challenge is insurmountable.

Week of Jan 5, 2025
The Ideal Jew

The Ideal Jew

Hint: It’s Not a Rabbi

Scholars and clergy are great, but they’re not the ideal Jew. What is the ultimate goal for all of us? The story of two defiant midwives in ancient Egypt and their Divine reward offers a profound clue.

Week of Jan 12, 2025