Jewish Community Alliance

03/17/2026

Your child's favorite theatre programs are back next week! Parents do not wait; now is the time to get registered for Baby Bear Ballet, Fit for Broadway, and our Zoe’s Club House programs! We’re asking families to sign their children up by Thursday, March 19, as these classes fill quickly (and they always do).

There’s something for every young performer and creative mind to explore this season. Spots won’t last, save your child’s place in the magic today: jcajax.org/arts-culture/theatre

03/16/2026

Big things are happening at the JCA! ✨🚧 The lobby and main entrance are officially closed as we move into the next phase of construction, and the transformation is underway.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the progress happening right now in our lobby and library spaces as we build toward an exciting new future for our community.

While campus may look a little different during construction, the heart of the JCA remains the same, and the future is brighter than ever thanks to the generosity of our community. 💙 We are Building Our Future Together, support our Capital Campaign today: 🌱 jcajax.org/campaign.

03/16/2026

The Spring/Summer Program Guide is here! The digital version is now available, so you can start exploring everything happening at the JCA and register for your favorite programs today!

Inside you’ll find the full lineup for the Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival, upcoming Family Fun Day celebrations, classes, events, and so many ways to connect with our community this spring and summer.

Your copy of the program will arrive in the coming weeks, but you don’t have to wait!💙 View the digital guide and start registering today: jcajax.org/stay-connected/

03/16/2026

A powerful story of Jewish survival and resilience will be shared in the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida on March 29.

Learn more and register to experience, Animating Hope: Izaak and Bertie Cohen’s Puppet Theater, with special guest speakers Yvonne and Tommy Cohen, and Melissa Williams, Holocaust Education Coordinator at JFCS - The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services. Please register by March 20. judaica.uflib.ufl.edu/news/news-from-library.

UPCOMING EVENT - Animating Hope: Izaak and Bertie Cohen's Puppet Theater
Sunday, March 29, 2-3pm
Smathers Library, in the Judaica Suite
1508 Union Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611

The George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida warmly invite you to Animating Hope: Izaak and Bertie Cohen’s Puppet Theater, a private event that shares a remarkable story of Jewish survival and resilience during the Holocaust.

In the words of daughter Yvonne Cohen, who is an active member of our Holocaust Survivors Speakers Bureau: "I feel a deep responsibility to carry forward my family’s legacy of survival, not only in memory of the millions who were murdered, but also in honor of those who endured oppression fueled by hate."

Special guest speakers will include Yvonne and Tommy Cohen, and our own Melissa Williams, Holocaust Education Coordinator at JFCS. The Cohen family's story is also currently featured in our "Histories in Hand" exhibit in The Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery at our Baycenter location.

Immediately following the program at Smathers Library, guests are invited to a private viewing of the exhibition, accompanied by hors d’oeuvres and beverages from 3-4pm.

Kindly RSVP by Friday, March 20, to [email protected].

For more information about the exhibit, visit https://judaica.uflib.ufl.edu/news/news-from-library.

03/15/2026

We’re proud to share that our JCA Board Chair, Nicole Brown, and her family were recently featured in the Charity Chat section of the San Marco and Riverside Resident News. The article highlights Nicole, Dr. Andy Brown, and their twins, Emmet and Grayson, and the many ways their family gives back to the Jacksonville community.

Nicole’s story is a beautiful reflection of leadership, service, and the power of family in making a difference. We’re grateful for the passion and dedication she brings to the JCA and our community every day. Follow this link to read it on the JCA blog: jcajax.org/blog/giving-back-side-by-side/

03/13/2026

The arts are a powerful way to bring people together, and this spring we’re excited to celebrate creativity, culture, and community together at the Jacksonville Jewish Cultural Arts Festival, returning April 11–30, 2026.

For nearly three decades, the festival has showcased the richness of Jewish culture through music, film, literature, visual arts, and engaging cultural programs for the entire community.

🎶 The festival kicks off with an unforgettable opening night concert featuring Grammy-nominated artist Matisyahu at Murray Hill Theatre, a powerful evening blending reggae, hip-hop, and Jewish spirituality. Read about the full lineup of events and secure your seats today: jcajax.org/blog/announcing-the-2026-jacksonville-jewish-cultural-arts-festival-presented-by-the-jca/

03/13/2026

We are thrilled to recognize Purcell, Flanagan, Hay and Greene, P.A. as a Proud Partner of the JCA. Their support helps strengthen the spaces where our community gathers, including the Joe and Sophie Witten Gymnasium, where their sponsor banner now proudly hangs.

We are especially grateful to Brian Hershorin, whose connection to our community helped make this partnership possible. Founded on the belief that exceptional legal services begin with understanding each client’s unique needs, Purcell Flanagan & Hay has served generations of clients in Jacksonville through a thoughtful, personalized approach.

Interested in supporting the JCA and being part of the fabric of our community? Opportunities are available, and your banner can be displayed for all to see. Email [email protected] for more information.

03/12/2026

One table. One community. A powerful evening of connection. Thank you to Sel Buyuksarac and Angie Buyusarac for opening their hearts and inviting us all to share in a beautiful Ramadan Iftar Dinner at the JCA.

As part of Together Against Hate: Promoting Unity in Our Community, the evening was rooted in gratitude, hospitality, and learning from one another, a reminder of the power of friendship across differences and showing up for each other.

💛 Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special gathering - your presence made it truly unforgettable. And a very special thank you to Elle Michelle Bland for moderating our discussion with Sel, Jewish Community Alliance CEO Adam Chaskin, and First Coast YMCA Ericia Moore. Your presence made it truly unforgettable. More details about the next season of Together Against Hate will be announced in the coming months.
Visit TogetherAgainstHateJax.org for updates.

03/12/2026

Bravo to the incredible young performers who brought Frozen to life at the JCA! From the courage of Elsa and Anna, to the loyalty of Kristoff, the sweetness of Olaf, and the charm of Sven, these talented students poured their hearts into every moment of the show.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this production so special, and bravo to our young stars for sharing their creativity, confidence, and love of theater. 💙Today is the last day to get tickets for the next performances on Sat, Mar 14 at 7:30 pm, and Sun, Mar 15 at 1 and 4 pm.

That's not all that's happening in the Bessie Setzer Frisch Auditorium this week! It's time for the next show! Grades 3 - 6, auditions for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are today, Thu, Mar 12 at 4 pm. Recital fees will be collected after the cast list is posted.

03/11/2026

🎉 Ready for the summer job of a lifetime? We are hiring JCAmp Unit Heads, Counselors, and Specialists to help make Summer 2026 unforgettable! If you’re young (or young-at-heart), love working with kids, and want to spend your summer making a real difference, this is your moment. Build friendships, inspire confidence, practice teamwork, and create memories that last far beyond the season. 💙

✨ The perks of working at JCAmp include a FREE summer membership to the JCA, a warm, welcoming community you’ll be proud to be part of, and the chance to work at the Best Summer Camp in Jacksonville! Visit jcajax.org/careers to apply today.

03/10/2026

It is going to be the sweetest Seder of the year. Meet us at the First Coast Cultural Center for a truly unique (and delicious!) Passover experience as we host a Chocolate Seder on Thursday, March 26 at 6 PM. 🍬🍫

You know the rhythm of a traditional Passover Seder—now experience the story of the Exodus with a creative, chocolate-filled twist that kids and adults alike will love. This interactive evening brings tradition, storytelling, and hands-on sweetness together in a way the whole family can enjoy.

Come savor the story, share in the fun, and make new Passover memories together. Trust us, it’s going to be sweet. 😋 jcajax.org/course/a2nut000003fh05iaa/

Pricing:
🍫 Family of four: $36
🍫 Three people: $27
🍫 Two people: $18
🍫 One person: $10
🍫 Families of more than four: add $10 for each additional person

03/09/2026

🌿☀️ Teens, get ready for an adventure! On Monday, March 16, join us for a day trip to Ravine Gardens State Park & Salt Springs! Explore the wonders of Old Florida at Ravine Gardens, then spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming at Salt Springs.

This is a teen-only J-CAtion experience. It is a perfect mix of exploration, fun, and friendship! Reserve your spot on the bus today: jcajax.org/youth-family/j-cation-days