There’s always something fun going on
Saturday March 1-Sunday, March 23
JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival: Tickets On Sale Now
In-person showings
Highland Park & Skokie
The film festival shares culturally diverse, Jewishly inspired films that will inspire audiences of all generations. Our carefully curated films honor Jewish filmmakers, writers, and actors—and those committed to repairing the world through brave, artistic expression. Tickets $15 per film in advance, $18 at the door; special festival passes available online.
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Sunday, March 2
JCC Teens Meet-Up: Painting Pottery
In-person | 1-3pm
Glazed Expressions, Lincoln Park
Calling all artists… enjoy an afternoon of pottery painting at Glazed Expressions in Lincoln Park! Paint your own pottery and hang out with other JCC Teens! Open to all 6th-12th graders. $5 per person.
Register
Monday, March 3
Community Days After Dark: Women Building Chicago
In-person | 7-8pm
Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook
This landmark publication, often called the bible of Chicago Women’s History, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Featuring 423 biographical entries, it offers an intersectional perspective on women’s civic contributions, from the suffrage movement and social reformers like Jane Addams to the evolution of music, dance, and theater. It also highlights the role of judges and lawyers in shaping Chicago’s juvenile court system, weaving together the stories that built the city.
Registration Required
Tuesday, March 4
Community Days: Mrs. Lincoln in Love
Online | 1-2pm
Set on 31 January 1862, when Mrs. Lincoln and her family are settled comfortably in the Executive Mansion. Visiting with ladies during an Afternoon Tea, Mrs. Lincoln reflects on the loves of her life – her children, her husband, and her country. She even shares some of Mr. Lincoln’s love letters to her!
Registration Required
10/7: 100 Human Stories Book Talk with Author Lee Yaron
In-person | 7-8:30pm
Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook
A thought-provoking talk with award-winning Israeli journalist Lee Yaron, author of the book 10/7: 100 Human Stories, winner of the 2024 National Jewish Book Award. Yaron’s book goes beyond the political and statistical agenda to bring to readers an intimate portrait of the people directly affected by the events of 10/7.
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Wednesday, March 5
Community Days Skokie: A Place to Hide
In-person | 1pm snack & schmooze, 1:30pm program
Oakton Community Center, Skokie
Join JCC Chicago and CJE SeniorLife for an afternoon of in-person learning, laughter, and socialization. A Place to Hide is a historic novel about the Netherlands during World War II, and about ordinary people who found courage they never knew they had.
Register
Thursday, March 6
Community Days NW Suburbs: Inaugural Gowns of the First Ladies
In-person | 1pm snack & schmooze, 1:30pm program
Vernon Township Community Service Building, Buffalo Grove
What a First Lady chooses to wear to her husband’s Inaugural Ball can say a lot about her. In this lecture, we will look at the gowns chosen by some of our 19th and 20th century first ladies. We will also look at some dresses of early first ladies.
Register
Friday, March 7
Beth Emet Family Shabbat
In-person | 5-6:30pm
Beth Emet Synagogue, Evanston
Celebrate Shabbat with the J and Beth Emet! This family-friendly evening will feature dinner and music! We will be joined by the Beth Emet Cantor, Natalie Young, to lead us in song. Don’t miss this perfect blend of Shabbat joy and live music!
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Sunday, March 9
Weekends with the J: Instrument Zoo
In-person | 10am
Florence G. Heller JCC, Lakeview
Join the J for a fun and interactive morning at our Instrument Zoo! Perfect for children aged 0-5, this free program lets little ones explore and play a variety of instruments while learning from our talented music specialist. It’s a hands-on adventure designed to spark creativity and curiosity in a warm, welcoming environment. Don’t miss out—come make some noise with us!
Join Us
Monday, March 10
Community Days After Dark: Notorious: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
In-person | 7-8pm
Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook
Historical Presenter Michelle Gibbons will portrayal the Notorious RBG and explain first-hand how her fight for women’s rights led to greater freedoms for all. She will explain how her brave actions created an iconic (yet unintended) status.
Registration Required
Tuesday, March 11
Community Days: Blues, Jazz, and Country Music
Online | 1-2pm
Join musician Rob Lutes for a performance and lecture on favorite American songs from these three genres that flourished in the early 20th century.
Register
Wednesday, March 12
Film Discussion Class with Zbigniew Banas
In-person | 7:30-9pm
Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook
Join Zbigniew Banas, film critic, professor, and radio & television journalist for a monthly film class. Registrants will attend a film screening on their own and then join Zbigniew for an in-depth discussion with other cinephiles. $20 per class; registration required.
Register
Friday, March 14
Shabbat Lunch and Entertainment with Michael Joseph
In-person | 12-2pm
Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook
Enjoy Michael’s delightful mix of timeless standards, jazz, and pop from familiar favorites like Tony Bennett, Neil Diamond, Neil Sedaka, Billy Joel, Carole King, Bette Midler, Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, and Barbra Streisand, and many more!
Join Us
Sunday, March 16
JCC Teens Meet-Up: Whirlyball
In-person | 6-8pm
Whirlyball Chicago, Lincoln Park
The fun never stops when playing Whirlyball! Teens in 9th-12th grade can have fun with friends, meet new ones and enjoy some friendly competition at Whirlyball Chicago.
Sign Up
Monday, March 17
Parent Lunch & Learn: Proactive Regulation Strategies for Your Child
Online | 12pm
Child Development is a nuanced and complex process. In this series, our colleagues at JCFS Integrated Pediatric Therapies will help break down various aspects of development to help caregivers and parents gain a deeper understanding of what’s going on behind children’s behaviors, offering practical strategies and tips that they can use to support children’s growth and enhance their relationships. This workshop will focus on how to recognize when your child might benefit from regulatory activities to support their sensory needs. Our discussion will focus on how to choose those regulatory strategies and how to implement them into your daily routine.
Register
Community Days After Dark: Women & Chicago’s Memorial Landscapes
In-person | 7-8pm
Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook
This program will offer a look into the memorialization of urban landscapes and how women’s pasts affected them.
Register
Tuesday, March 18
Community Days: Think You Know Chicago?
Online | 1-2pm
Discover the stories behind Chicago’s most famous landmarks and tourist attractions in this entertaining dive into the city’s past. From escaping elephants to Supreme Court battles, these tales will surprise even the most knowledgeable fans of the Windy City. Meet the people who created beloved cultural institutions and museums, and the unsung heroes that transformed an industrial town known for its pollution and its stockyards into a vibrant center for the arts.
Register
Wednesday, March 19
Community Days Hyde Park: Chicago in the Classics
In-person | 1pm snack & schmooze, 1:30pm program
KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation, Hyde Park
Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about classic films set in Chicago, the locations portrayed, and the influence of these depictions today. This program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories.
Register
Community Days Skokie: Songs of the Silver Screen III
In-person | 1pm snack & schmooze, 1:30pm program
Oakton Community Center, Skokie
Time traveling the movies Since the mid-1990s communications counselor, history buff, and film editor John LeGear has cobbled together hundreds of film compilations from outstanding movies and put them to accompanying music. Then during the past year, LeGear scoured his collection for hidden gems, carefully manicured film compositions that have rotated in and out of his “movie music” presentations since 2017. That effort brought about Songs of the Silver Screen III, a one-hour show that cuts a wide swath through more than 100 years of film, music, romance and comedy including Stormy Weather, Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend, Baby It’s Cold Outside and more!
Register
Thursday, March 20
Community Days NW Suburbs: Songs You’ll Remember
In-person | 1pm snack & schmooze, 1:30pm program
Vernon Township Community Service Building, Buffalo Grove
Judy & Bernie sing 20th century favorites you are sure to recall. This includes old-time songs, show tunes, pop hits, Great American songbook standards, & few surprises.
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Monday, March 24
Community Days After Dark: The Story of Esther
In-person | 7-8pm
Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook
Among the ancient takes of courage, the story of Esther rings with the power of diplomacy. Join us as national award-winning storyteller and historical portrayalist Megan Wells brings to life the regal integrity of a most giving Queen.
Register
Tuesday, March 25
Community Days: Fashion, Ferris Wheels, and Film
Online | 1-2pm
Step back into 1893 and discover how women dressed for a day at the Chicago World’s Fair! Join Kelli Marshall of Chicago Movie Tours as we explore original photographs, newspaper articles, and a virtual reality experience on the Fair’s most popular attraction, the Ferris Wheel. We’ll also delve into fashion advice of the time and learn about the Fair’s strict photographic regulations.
Register
Wednesday, March 26
Community Days Lakeview: Sharing Our Stories
In-person | 1pm snack & schmooze, 1:30pm program
Anshe Emet Synagogue, Lakeview
Lynn Hazan, master storyteller and interactive facilitator, engages with her audiences to create the magic spark of connection. Participate in this combination performance/workshop to bring out your “inner storyteller”. Lynn will share her personal stories and will lead you in a series of activities to facilitate sharing your homespun tales. Don’t worry, presenting is optional!
Register
Thursday, March 27
Community Days at Bernard Weinger JCC: HERstory: Trailblazing Female Firsts
In-person | 1pm snack & schmooze, 1:30pm program
Bernard Weinger JCC, Northbrook
This musical tribute salutes the gutsy gals who boldly defied society’s conventions – going where no woman had gone before – and achieved groundbreaking female firsts. With songs by Harold Arlen, Stephen Schwartz, Dolly Parton, Tom Lehrer, Kander & Ebb, and Sara Bareilles.
Register
Friday, March 28-Sunday, March 30
Midwest Maccabi Weekend
In-person
Camp Chi Overnight Camp, Lake Delton, WI
Calling all Midwest athletes… it’s time for the ultimate sports getaway! Teens in 8th-12th grade can get a taste of the Maccabi Games experience in this action-packed weekend.
Sign Up
Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6
Weekend at Chi
In-person
Camp Chi Overnight Camp, Lake Delton, WI
2nd-5th graders can get a taste of overnight camp by taking a kids-only vacation – Weekend at Chi. It’s jam-packed with exciting camp-style activities including art, sports, cooking, and outdoor adventure. Plus, they’ll enjoy campfires and unique evening programs that make it a truly magical experience.
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