Jewish Life & Learning Programs

Curious about Judaism? Have you always had questions? At the J, we offer a friendly and engaging place where you can learn about Judaism! Individuals from all faith backgrounds are welcome.

CJLL Programs

Community Purim Carnival
Put on your most creative costume, grab your friends and family, and come enjoy a fun day filled with a bounce house, face painting, and more! Celebrate the joyous story of Purim with a costume contest and plenty of sweet treats. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss! Price is per family.
Sun 10:00am–12:00pm | 3/1 | $20 community family/$15 member family | Register

Memphis Night of Jewish Learning **NEW DATE**
Please register by Wednesday, March 4!
Join us as we come together across the Jewish community to learn from Memphis Jewish community rabbis, leaders, and educators. Cost covers dinner and 1 drink ticket.
Sunday, March 8 • Doors open: 6:00pm | Program: 6:30pm-9:00 | Register
Speakers will be announced soon!

Pre-Passover Wine Tasting & Recipe Swap
Join us for an evening of wine, fun and exploration! Taste a selection of Israeli wines, learn about their unique flavors and pairing ideas, and enjoy good company. Send us your favorite Passover recipes so we can create a kitchen companion for you to take home!
Mon 7:00–8:00pm | 3/9 | $5 | Register

Snack and Story with PJ Library
Children with their family and friends are invited for a monthly story hour and kid-friendly snack, presented by the Memphis Jewish Community Center in partnership with PJ Library of Memphis, a program of Memphis Jewish Federation.

Partners Memphis
Come for an evening of good food, compelling dialogue, and fun socialization! The ”Partners” program is a “chavrusa-style” learning and social program through Partners in Jewish Life, based on the teachings of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. The goal is uniting Jewish communities, one pair at a time. We bring together Jews from diverse backgrounds, pairing up people from different levels of Jewish observance (even just Jew-ish identity), fostering new relationships built on friendship and respect.
Monday, March 23 • 7:00-8:30pm • in the Goldstein Lodge
Topic coming soon!

Come, Let's Learn
Are you interested in Jewish texts and ideas and want to gather with friends or like-minded individuals to think through how they might speak to your life? We can custom make a learning opportunity for you! Contact Laura Kurcfeld, Director of the Center for Jewish Life & Learning, at lkurcfeld@jccmemphis.org or (901) 259-9227 to get started.

These programs are funded by Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund.

Past Events

Tu B’Shevat Art Contest: Grades K–4th
Tu B’Shevat is a Jewish festival that marks the "New Year of the Trees" on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. We invite all students in Grades K–4th to submit a piece of artwork to display in the MJCC. Tu B’Shevat's ancient roots are as an agricultural marker for Israeli farmers; today the holiday is primarily observed as an environmental holiday focused on gratitude for nature and the responsibility to care for the Earth. The holiday often incorporates the "seven species" of plants native to the land of Israel: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.

Family Tu B'Shevat Celebration
Bring your family to celebrate Tu B'Shevat with the MJCC! Tree saplings, story times, and edible trees, oh my! Collect a FREE tree of your own to plant. Enjoy a professionally guided winter nature walk and then relax with the kids for a holiday story and create an edible tree for snacking!

Tu B'Shevat Seder at the J
In partnership with Torah MiTzion and Bat Ami, adults and teens (ages 16+) are invited to celebrate the Jewish New Year for the Trees, with the community at a meaningful Tu B’Shevat Seder focused on Jewish reflection and connection. Through traditional symbols, fruits of Israel, and guided conversation, we’ll explore themes of growth, responsibility, and renewal in our lives and in the world around us. Join us for an evening of learning, intention, and shared experience rooted in Jewish values and tradition.

Questions? Contact Laura Kurcfeld, Director of the Center for Jewish Life & Learning, at lkurcfeld@jccmemphis.org or (901) 259-9227.