May

Yom HaAtzmaut: Laughter and Celebration

Thursday, May 1, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at the Pozez JCC

Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) with a night of side-splitting laughter! The Pozez JCC is thrilled to present Comedy with Chasnoff, featuring the hilarious Israeli comedian and author, Joel Chasnoff, direct from his “Yachad Tour.” Get ready to laugh!
In these chaotic times, we could all use some laughs. Come to the J for an evening of good clean comedy and community. Joel Chasnoff will entertain us with his humorous take on life in Israel and being Jewish in today’s world.
Stick around after the laughs! Joel will be signing copies of his latest book, “Israel 201,” at a special post-show book sale. Join us for a well-deserved escape from reality.

Fee: $25 in advance; $35 at the door. Ages 16 & up. Register here

Pozez JCC & American Red Cross Blood Drive

Friday, May 2, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is likely that you or someone you know will need a blood transfusion in your lifetime.

Due to recent drastic shortfalls of donations over the last several weeks, donors of all blood types are critically needed, especially those with type O blood.

The blood donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour. The donation itself is only about 8-10 minutes on average. In order to qualify for whole blood donation, you must be in good health and feeling well, at least 16 years of age (with signed parental consent) and weigh at least 110 lbs. Additional eligibility criteria apply, including certain medications, medical conditions, travel to certain countries, and personal history. 

Pre-registered participants only. No walk-ins. Blood drive will be located in the auditorium.

Sign up here.

A Taste of Israel 2025

Sunday, May 4, 11:30am–3:30 pm at Gesher Jewish Day School (4800 Mattie Moore Ct, Fairfax, VA)

Israel is celebrating 77 years of independence! Join us for a tasty celebration featuring delicious Israeli cuisine and a variety of fun activities. All ages are invited to participate in this family-friendly event with live performances, engaging crafts, fun Israeli workshops, entertaining games, and much more!

Admission is free, but registration is required, and we would appreciate a donation of any size (suggested donation $15 per family). Kosher food will be available for purchase.

This program is in partnership with Gesher Jewish Day School, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and Friends of the IDF. It is proudly supported by the Israel Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North America Program Accelerator and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Israel 77 Yom HaAtzma’ut grant.

Retreat: Seaboard Region of Women’s League

Sunday, May 4, 9:00am – 4:00pm at Pearlstone Center - 5425 Mt Gilead Rd, Reisterstown, MD 21136

Fee: $54, includes kosher lunch and snacks. Registration is NOW open! REGISTER HERE!

Questions?  Please see attached flyer. Contact:  Barbara Finkel, Seaboard Region President

Yom Ha’atzmaut Workshop: Machane Yehuda Market

Sunday, May 4, 11:00am-1:00pm at the Edlavitch DCJCC (1529 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC)

JFamily kids and their parents are invited to immerse themselves in a sensory adventure to explore the rich tapestry of sights, sounds, flavors, and different people from Israeli society that make the Machane Yehuda market a true gem of Israel.

Register

Stop the Bleed Day at the Pozez JCC

May 22 - 2 training sessions 10:00am & 7:00pm

A bleeding injury can happen anywhere… in serious accidents or disasters. The person next to a bleeding victim may very well be the one who’s most likely to save him or her from bleeding to death. On Stop the Bleed Day, May 22nd, come for this training to gain the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control bleeding once you learn three quick techniques.

The Pozez JCC in partnership with JShield is hosting two community training sessions on May 22! 

The morning session is from 10:00-11:30 am: Register Here: https://thej.org/event/community-stop-the-bleed-training-2/

The evening session is from 7:00-8:30 pm. Register Here: https://thej.org/event/community-stop-the-bleed-training/

J Caring Community Support Line. When you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about your options for support, J Caring can help. With one call to 703-522-7464, you will be connected to the resources and support services you need from a robust network of human service organizations. Learn more here.