Autumn is a delightful time to enjoy entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking programs offered through The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore at Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. Plan to participate with friends, family, and neighbors.
AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2025 Report
Thursday, October 1 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Join us for AJC’s Annual Report on Antisemitism in America with Marcia Bronstein, AJC Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey Regional Director, and Jessica Weisman, AJC Director of Global Safety & Security. The report assesses and compares data from Jewish and general population perceptions and experiences with antisemitism throughout the nation and provides critically important insights about one of the most violent years against Jews in recent history. Brunch will be served. Attend in person at Shirat Hayam, 700 North Swarthmore Avenue, Ventnor. RSVP required.
People are also reading…
Thoughts from the Bookshelf
Tuesday, October 6 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join Village Community Specialist Tina Serota for a book club gathering to discuss the New York Times best-seller, Raising Hare: A Memoir, by political advisor and speechwriter, Chloe Dalton. During the COVID lockdown, the author stayed deep in the English countryside, far away from her usual busy London life. There she stumbled upon, and rescued, a newborn hare being chased by a dog. Raising Hare chronicles their journey together, while also taking a deep dive into the lives and nature of hares and the way they have been historically viewed in art, literature, and folklore. Witness the joy of this extraordinary relationship between human and animal, which serves as a reminder that often the most beautiful experiences arise when we least expect them. Attend in person at the Margate Library Meeting Room, 8100 Atlantic Avenue, Margate. RSVP required by October 2.
The Holy Land at War with author Mark Patinkin
Wednesday, October 7 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join us as we welcome Mark Patinkin, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting, as he takes us on a journey through Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza in his book, The Holy Land at War. Attend in person at the Katz JCC, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP required by October 2.
Brunch & Learn: Remembering the Jewish Catskills
Thursday, October 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Join us for a Brunch & Learn with Ron McCloskey, producer, screenwriter, radio show host, and historian as he shares memories of the hotels, and famous Jewish comedians and musicians who got their start in the Catskills. Attend in person at the Katz JCC, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP required by October 2.
Lunch Around Town
Monday, October 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends while supporting a local restaurant. This month, we’ll dine at the Queen Bean Bistro, 4800 Vassar Square, Ventnor. Come prepared for good food and conversation. Order off the menu and pay individually. RSVP required by October 7.
Through the Lens of History with Vicki Gold Levi
Monday, October 12 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Step back into the golden age of Atlantic City with renowned historian, museum founder, and author, Vicki Gold Levi, the daughter of legendary photographer, Al Gold. She grew up surrounded by her father’s remarkable photographic collection that documented generations of Atlantic City’s history including Miss America contestants, presidents, celebrities, entertainers, and everyday moments that defined the city. Vicki has dedicated her life to preserving the stories, photos, and personalities that shaped the resort’s remarkable past. Attend in person at the Katz JCC, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP required by October 7.
Musical Connections
Tuesday, October 13 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Join us for a relaxing session led by a music therapist. Feel the stress of the day peel away as we share familiar tunes from various genres of music (jazz, Broadway, classical, contemporary and more) with friends and neighbors. Whether a caregiver, cared for, or community member who loves music, we look forward to welcoming you. Attend in person at Shirat Hayam, 700 North Swarthmore Avenue, Ventnor. RSVP required by October 6.
Author Bruce Feiler in conversation with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Thursday, October 15 at 1 p.m.
Join us for a conversation with author and first female rabbi of NYC’s Central Synagogue, Senior Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, and New York Times best-selling author Bruce Feiler. The discussion will include their recent books, Heart of a Stranger, a rabbi’s unlikely story of faith, identity, and belonging, and A Time to Gather: How Ritual Created the World and How it Can Save it. This program is via Zoom and a link will be emailed. RSVP required by October 12.
Beyond the Bookshelf: Brunch with Susan Rosenbluth
Friday, October 16 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Join us for brunch and a discussion of the book, Blurred Vision, with award-winning editor and writer Susan Rosenbluth, whose reporting and fiction regularly appears in publications throughout the United States and Israel. Attend in person at Shirat Hayam, 700 North Swarthmore Avenue, Ventnor. RSVP required by October 8.
Memoir Workshop
Monday, October 19 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Experience the thrill of capturing life’s adventures, history, and ancestry with the Memoir Workshop led by award-winning author and Drexel University Director of Certificate Program in Writing and Publishing, Harriet Levin Millan. Learn about publishing your work. A laptop or pen and paper is needed for the workshop. This program is via Zoom and a link will be emailed. RSVP by October 15.
Two Minute Torah with Rabbi Emeritus Perry Rank
Tuesday, October 20 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Join Rabbi Emeritus Perry Rank for a discussion about his book, Two Minute Torah, which is filled with ancient wisdom and modern day thoughts on how brief, focused teachings can open the door to timeless wisdom and meaningful change. Attend in person at Beth Israel, 2501 Shore Road, Northfield. RSVP required by October 13.
Coffee Klatch
Thursday, October 22 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Join a fast-paced discussion on neighborhood happenings, technology, social topics, world events, the arts and more. Moderated by JFS Village Community Specialist Tina Serota and Board of Jewish Education Executive Director Josh Cutler. Attend in person at the Katz JCC, 501 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP required by October 15.
Speaking of Atlantic City with local author Janet Bodoff
Tuesday, October 27 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Retired reporter and graphic designer Janet Bodoff, whose work has appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Magazine, brings local writers and residents together to tell stories from Atlantic City’s past days of sun, sand, ocean breezes, and adventures from her book, Speaking of Atlantic City: Boardwalk Memories. Attend in person at Beth El Synagogue, 500 North Jerome Avenue, Margate. RSVP required by October 20.
Jewish stories and legends with Josh Cutler
Thursday, October 29 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
Join Josh Cutler as he explores Judaism’s most imaginative and mysterious stories of biblical creatures, rabbinic legends, supernatural tales, and Yiddish storytelling. Discover what these unforgettable figures reveal about Jewish history, belief, fear, and hope. Attend in person at Shirat Hayam, 700 North Swarthmore Avenue, Ventnor. RSVP required by October 22.
Photograph
On September 17, more than 35 JFS Village members and guests attended the Memory & Nostalgia on the Boardwalk: Atlantic City Stories program. Attendees enjoyed a bagel brunch and shared their memories of the sights and sounds of the world-famous Boardwalk. (Photo provided by Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)
